Child magazine | JHB July 2014

J O B U R G ’ S

b e s t

gu i d e

f or

p a r e n t s

different, only to you

raising children in a rainbow nation

children and

the creative arts exploring your child’s needs

dream getaways t ravel the world on a foodie adventure father & son share a safari in KZN

happy www.childmag.co.za

July 2014

free

holidays

WIN

health

a family holiday at a luxury resort in Mauritius worth over R100 000

education

entertainment

Hunter House P U B L I S H IN G

A change is as good as a holiday.

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

Editorial Managing Editor Marina Zietsman • marina@childmag.co.za Features Editor Marc de Chazal • features@childmag.co.za Resource Editor Simone Jeffery • joburg@childmag.co.za

I always look forward to the break in routine that school holidays bring, but they can be a real problem for working moms. I have a wonderful domestic helper, but her hands are full with the washing and ironing, so I often get home from work to find my youngest slumped in front of the TV. Last holiday, I got her off the couch by signing her up for a surfing camp. It was daunting for a first-timer, who didn’t know anyone else on the camp, but the crew were so welcoming that she ended up having the time of her life. She was hooked.

The rest of us couldn’t help feeling a little envious of all the fun she was having, so we signed up for a family package

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

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

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

Client Relations Renee Bruning • jhbsales@childmag.co.za

Subscriptions and Circulation PUBLISHER’S PHOTOGRAPH: BROOKE FASANI

Nicolene Baldy • 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,

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and spent the next four Sunday mornings together in the surf. With a seven-year age gap between my daughters, it’s not easy to find something that everyone is keen to do – especially at 8am on a Sunday morning. Our surfing may not always look very pretty, but out there in the sea of beginner surfers, my family is having a whale of a time.

Find fun holiday activities for your family in our calendar section on page 46.

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July 2014

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contents july 2014

30 upfront

regulars

3 a note from lisa

10 upfront with paul despite being

6 over to you readers respond 8 dad’s blog Marc de Chazal shares a harrowing tale of an elevator door cutting him off from his five year old

17 reader’s blog forget about the Joneses, says Denise Philip. A toddler in the home raises a different bar

features 18 shopping with children Anél Lewis gives you tips for victory when taking the children to the mall

22 joie de vivre children exposed to the creative arts develop important skills.

Lucille Kemp explains

24 share a loaf inspiring recipes from Ellen Brown’s book, Gluten-Free Bread

26 in the soup these delicious

homemade recipes are the perfect fare for winter days. By Kate Wigley Romano and Taffy Pfupajena

28 you can bank on it parents are

responsible for teaching their children about the value of money and saving, says Françoise Gallet

30 beat around the bush Angus Begg takes his four year old on a KZN safari and shares the experience

health

pampered, modern children still have lots to worry about, says Paul Kerton

12 pregnancy news – a healthy glow expectant moms can also indulge in certain beauty treatments.

Tamlyn Vincent finds the safe ones

13 best for baby – testing 1, 2, 3 Marina Zietsman explains what screening tests your newborn could undergo in hospital

14 dealing with difference – different... only to you the difficulty of raising children in communities where their racial group is in the minority. By Donna Cobban

34 resource – foodie adventures pack the family off on a cooking holiday. Child magazine offers a few global and local destinations

40 a good read for the whole family 46 what’s on in july 58 finishing touch Cassandra Shaw is reminded of the importance of cousins in a child’s life

59 win a trip to paradise one family can win a luxury trip to Mauritius

classified ads 52 family marketplace

11 shoo flu Marc de Chazal points out the pros of getting the flu vaccine

56 let’s party

this month’s cover images are supplied by:

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Joburg

Cape Town

Durban

Pretoria

Ackermans ackermans.co.za

Ackermans ackermans.co.za

Hugatree Photography hugatreephotography.co.za

Mr Price mrp.com

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letters

over to you thanks child magazine Thank you so much for Child magazine; we appreciate your support. We would love to make parents aware of Operation Smile, which provides free surgeries to repair cleft lip, cleft palate and other facial deformities for children around the globe, and to make them aware of support groups and how they can get involved. We are eager to share information and help empower families who need to figure out the best care for their loved ones.

Tamlin Abrahams, regional director, Operation Smile Central, Southern and West Africa On behalf of Luc and all his friends we would like to say a very big thank-you to Rugby Tots for sponsoring Luc’s fifth birthday party [a prize won through childmag.co.za]. We had great fun and now have many potential Springboks on our hands. The Rugby Tots team were wonderful with the children and have definitely sparked a great desire for them to take on rugby lessons. I will need to start thinking how we’re going to top this party next year.

Bresler family Thank you very much for such a good magazine. I’m a Montessori student and learn a lot from your publication.

Patty Mandizvidza

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July 2014

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.

Great job on the magazine. I love going through it every month. I often cut articles out and keep them for future reference.

Nadira

occasions I was even visiting somewhere where we needed to use the potty, and it was no problem. I simply put some newspaper on the floor and Bob’s your uncle.

Jackie Biddlecombe

A big thank-you for the increased number of magazines delivered to Grace Trinity School for Girls. A second Grade R class has opened this year and a third class is on the cards for 2015. The new boys’ school, Saint Declans, will open its doors to Grade 1–6 learners in 2015. We are extremely proud of your magazine. Every pregnant staff member regularly gets a copy, too. Congratulations to the team who presents such relevant information in each issue.

Lilian Demetriou

online response

another way to potty train I find your magazine very interesting – and I’m a senior citizen! I wonder if it would be wise to share my method of potty training – it’s very rare, of course. Having six children, I had to have a sure method. As soon as I heard that “urge” noise, I would take the nappy off (even from two months old), and hold the baby with my hands on her thighs over a potty on my lap. They would get so used to this “thing” under their bum, that it stopped being a foreign object for them. By the time they got to 12 months old, no more nappy! On several

comment online to the feature “left of centre” I’m so pleased to see an article like this, which particularly highlights the need for teachers to understand and adapt their teaching to left-handers. I am left-handed and fortunately was not forced to write with my right hand, but I did grow up in an era where very little else was adapted for left-handers, such as scissors. So except for writing, I perform a number of other dominant hand tasks with my right hand as this is how I was taught – I cut with my right, knit with my right and play most racquet sports with my right hand, although later on I learnt to also play with my left hand. I have one daughter who is left-handed and the other who is right-handed, so I especially make sure that I show them how to do various things with their respective dominant hand, and ensure that my left-handed daughter has a pair of left-handed scissors. I didn’t know about some of the other tools, so thanks for this information and also the additional learning suggestions.

Anonymous

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comment online to the feature “second-hand smoke” Thank you for your article on second-hand smoke’s effects on children. While a lot of smoking parents are aware of the risks for their children, they still find it difficult to stop and give up cigarettes. Quitting smoking and becoming a non-smoker does not have to be difficult and painful. The good news is that hypnosis offers a great way to stop smoking with lasting results.

Antje Swart comment online to Paul Kerton’s column “hey, stop pushing!”

Baby signing is actually extremely useful and I don’t think it should be equated with “bombarding [your] son with flash cards twice a day”. I did baby signing with my children. It was fun, they loved it, and best of all, they were able to communicate with me from the age of nine months old. It helped a lot with temper tantrums caused by an inability to express themselves. Most babies and parents naturally express themselves with signs in order

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

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to communicate. Baby signing is just a way to formalise that. It’s not a competition to see how many signs your baby knows or even a way to make your child more intelligent. It’s an effective method of communication.

And there is no need to sign up for expensive classes. I simply used a DVD. Dagmar online response to Cassandra Shaw’s column “negotiator extraordinaire” I’m so glad it also happens in other homes. My four year old negotiates everything: from the amount of toys in the bath to the fact that he wants to give me away if I do not listen to him. I have become the master at pretending not to hear the lengthy conversations or arguments he has with me when he wants to negotiate his viewpoint.

Sometimes, out of pure frustration, I just give in and hope and pray by the age of 10 we will have some agreement as to who is the mom and who is the child.

Olivia

comments online to the feature “age restrictions” Awesome article. Parents really need to be aware of the content that their children are exposed to on television and on the games they play.

Anonymous Just because adults may find a certain style of humour funny, does not mean children can grasp it.

Anonymous Brilliant article. I would highly recommend the following website to check the suggested age-appropriate ratings for apps, games, videos and more: commonsensemedia.org Anonymous subscribe to our newsletter and win Our wins have moved online. Please subscribe to our newsletter and enter our weekly competitions.

To subscribe, visit childmag.co.za

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

July 2014

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dad’s blog

the elevator saga Shopping with children can be challenging at the best of times, but MARC DE CHAZAL would rather cope with a

s we stepped into an elevator together the other day, I asked my daughter: “Do you remember the time the doors closed and I was inside and you were outside?” She laughed and replied, “Yes, how could I ever forget that?” It was a long time ago, so the incident must have seared itself on both our memories, even though we can laugh about it today.

We’d been doing our grocery shopping in a large mall and were taking the elevator down a level with our trolley of goods. This infamous elevator had once trapped shoppers for hours before they could be freed.

I’d pushed the trolley into the elevator and my five-yearold daughter was to follow closely behind. That was the plan, but before she could enter, the doors snapped shut, effectively locking her out; the lift descended despite my frantic attempts to re-open the doors. They were made of transparent glass, so the last thing I saw as the lift descended was the look of sheer panic on

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my daughter’s face. I shouted for her to stay where she was, but I don’t think she could hear me. Even if she did, panic had already taken over and she went running off in a random direction away from the elevator.

This infamous elevator had once trapped shoppers for hours before they could be freed.

I had to wait for what felt like an eternity for the elevator to take me back up a floor and hope that she hadn’t vanished in the meantime. Fortunately some benevolent soul was around to console my crying child until I could get to her again… not too far from the elevator.

No wonder I still prefer taking the stairs.

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

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PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

a

tantrum in the sweet aisle than relive this incident.

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upfront with paul

no worries, chicken curries Modern children may be mollycoddled, but they’re also

l

et’s face it, modern children – those fortunate enough to be born into a loving family – are mollycoddled to the nth degree. They are chauffeur-driven everywhere, they have a rich menu of nutritious meals presented to them, their hyper-fashionable clothes are washed and ironed, they get help with their schooling, and treats and entertainment are laid on, often at great expense. No wonder parenting experts refer to “our” crop of children as the “cotton-wool generation”.

So, what do they need to worry about?

Lots, actually. As a parent it’s quite easy to overlook the fact that children do worry, particularly when you have killed yourself to ensure that they are well looked after and provided for and are, to all intents and purposes, “happy”.

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But just as we stress about punctuality, promotions at work, social politics, relationships, bills, property, health and wider, bigger issues such as the economy, politics and war, children worry about their own burning issues. We have to get down to their level to see them. Ask them what they worry about and they will initially shrug it off, but if you dig you will find that they are concerned about a whole raft of things.

This could be not scoring, not playing in the team or appearing in the school play, falling out with a best friend, being left out, being bullied, not getting on with the teacher, homework, health issues, body issues – especially with girls, but increasingly with boys too... Sometimes we are guilty of dismissing these as trivial, but they can be deeply troubling.

Being educated in the UK, I never really understood the importance of matric and the anxiety that surrounds it until I witnessed a friend’s daughter facing her matric year. Luckily she was eloquent enough to explain to me how unconfident she felt at not having received a good report the previous year. And that’s before all the matric-dress stuff that goes with it.

Children pick up on big issues too as they are bombarded with grown-up concerns 24/7. I was at a friend’s house when her six-year-old son was playing happily with his toys on the carpet, half-heartedly watching TV. Then the programme switched to “Breaking News”. We all watched, bugeyed, mouths agape, as a tsunami wiped out an entire Japanese coastline and city.

As houses were being demolished the

boy leapt up and instinctively grabbed his mother’s legs, watching through his fingers.

We had to sit him down and explain that we don’t get tsunamis in Newlands, but the doubt was already planted in his mind.

We have to be careful about concepts such as “global warming” and casual buzzwords such as “child trafficking” that litter the news. In a child’s mind global warming is somebody pouring petrol over the earth and setting fire to it. Terrorism is another global issue that children don’t really get, but images of extremists opening fire at a busy airport lounge on innocent passengers do not make the thought of the upcoming family holiday in Europe attractive. And we wonder why our children are anxious?

Follow Paul on Twitter: @fabdad1

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ILLUSTRATION: MARK VINCER

burdened by grown-up concerns, says PAUL KERTON.

health

PHOTOGRAPH: shutterstock.com

e shoo flu The flu vaccine will give your child a fighting chance against the influenza virus. MARC DE CHAZAL gives us the facts.

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very year, especially during the winter season, the influenza virus makes its infectious rounds.

The virus infects the nose, throat and lungs, causing illness, hospitalisation and even death, so it’s not to be taken lightly. Young children, and those who have certain long-term health conditions such as asthma, are particularly at risk of getting serious flu complications.

Having a strong immune system is a vital line of defence against the mutating virus, but health practitioners encourage parents to also have their children vaccinated with the latest influenza vaccine. The best time to do this is in March or April, but it’s never too late. The vaccine is recommended from six months old.

“Each year, new vaccination formulations are developed based on the latest influenza strains,” explains Dr Neville Wellington, a GP in Cape Town. “The vaccination is made up of a chemically inactivated virus [parts of three different strains], which enables the body to get to know and store the ‘shape’ of the virus so that when you are exposed to the actual virus, your body is armed to fight it.”

Lee Baker, a medicine information pharmacist from Joburg, explains that the vaccine is not live, so it cannot cause flu. But how effective is it in preventing flu? “This all depends on whether or not the strains circulating are those in the vaccine this year, as well as the age and health of the person being vaccinated,” says Baker. “A two-year study published in 2003 of children aged 6–24 months old

found that the vaccine was 66% effective in preventing laboratory-confirmed influenza in one year of the study.”

The flu vaccine will only protect against the strains of flu in the vaccine, points out Baker, so you may still get sick if a different strain has been circulating. “And you may also get sick after being vaccinated if you were already incubating the flu virus at the time of being vaccinated,” Baker explains.

According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention in the US, it takes about two weeks after the vaccination for antibodies that protect against influenza virus infection to develop in the body, which is why it’s best to get vaccinated before the flu season. The side effects to the vaccine are generally mild, as is the case for most vaccines, and may include pain and redness at the injection site, as well as a headache and body ache within 24 hours after the vaccine is given. “But these are usually resolved within three days,” says Baker. You can get this year’s flu vaccine at pharmacies, your family doctor or hospitals.

If you do happen to get flu, antibiotics are not advisable to treat the infection as they are only effective against bacteria. Wellington advises that you get enough rest at home to give your body the chance to fight the virus and also prevent spreading the virus at school or work. There are plenty of medications available to help relieve the symptoms and discomfort, but always consult with your child’s paediatrician first.

It takes about two weeks after the vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body.

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pregnancy news

a healthy glow Expecting moms may want to indulge in a little beauty therapy, but

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our back aches, your feet are swollen, and you’ve pulled a muscle you didn’t know you had. So why not treat yourself to a facial or a day at the beauty spa? There are a great many treatments and products that women use every day, without a second thought, but these could be harmful to your unborn baby.

harmful, but if used over the whole body it is the equivalent of taking one or two aspirin. Rather use salt and oil scrubs for a body exfoliator. Sunscreens are safe, advises Martegoutte, but look for those containing titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.

If you are uncertain about any products you wish to use, speak to your gynaecologist or dermatologist.

chemical hazards

beauty therapy

“There are commonly known facial products and medicines that are recommended for skin problems such as acne, rashes and wrinkles that can be harmful in pregnancy,” says Dr Mmaselemo Tsauri, a Joburg gynaecologist. Retinol or vitamin A products should be avoided, especially in the first trimester. Retinol can be found in acne products, pore minimisers and wrinkle creams, says Tsauri, and if taken from conception to 13 weeks, can cause birth defects. Rather use simple products such as tissue oils, says Kirsten Martegoutte, a craniosacral and massage therapist in Durban.

Corticosteroids, often used topically to treat skin conditions such as eczema, are relatively safe if used in low doses for a short time, says Tsauri. But prolonged use can affect the skin’s appearance, and potent steroids can be absorbed into the bloodstream, causing growth suppression, adrenal suppression or cleft palate.

Ammonia, added to some hair dyes, can cause growth restriction if large enough quantities are absorbed into

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names to look out for on the label Corticosteroids: hydrocortisone, cortisone Retinol: vitamin A, retinoids, retinoic acid, retin A, retinyl palmitate, retinol acetate Salicylic acid: beta hydroxy acid (BHA)

the bloodstream. You should also avoid Brazilian keratin treatment products that contain formaldehyde, which may be detrimental during pregnancy.

Tsauri also recommends avoiding the antibiotic tetracycline, which may be used in small doses for acne or added to topical acne creams. It can affect the baby’s tooth enamel formation and bone growth, or cause liver damage to the mother, possibly causing premature labour.

Salicylic acid is part of the aspirin family, says Martegoutte.

In small doses, such as in cleansers and toners, it won’t be

Reflexology is something that should be avoided when you’re expecting, says Izelle Louw from Mommy Wellness Day Spa in Cape Town. Sauna and steam treatments are also not advisable as they raise body temperature, putting the developing baby at risk. Certain aromatherapy oils can be used, says Louw, but the therapist needs to be experienced in treating pregnant women. It is safe to receive massages during pregnancy to help with the pulls and strains that expectant women often experience, says Martegoutte, but go to a qualified practitioner who is comfortable working with pregnant women. For any treatment, Louw suggests you first speak to an experienced therapist.

If you’re still in doubt, use a safe alternative such as natural henna instead of hair dye, or give it a miss until you’re finished breast-feeding. But just because you’re pregnant, it doesn’t mean you should miss out on spoiling yourself, or enjoying a soothing foot rub, even if you can’t see your feet.

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PHOTOGRAPH: shutterstock.com

some products and treatments can be harmful. By TAMLYN VINCENT

best for baby

testing 1, 2, 3 Certain screening tests on newborns can save a life or prevent severe disabilities. MARINA ZIETSMAN explains what new moms can expect.

t

he arrival of a newborn baby can be quite overwhelming and any subsequent prodding and probing of your child can be alarming. But these procedures, including a screening test, are standard and necessary. Screening tests are carried out to identify the conditions that can affect a child’s long-term health or survival. Early detection, diagnosis and intervention can prevent death or disability.

“Newborn screening helps identify illnesses that are treatable, that cannot be identified at birth, and where rapid treatment can result in protection of the vital functions of the body,” says Dr Yatish Kara, a Durban-based paediatrician.

PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

what are they looking for?

Apart from checking the vital signs – your baby’s appearance (skin colour), pulse, grimace (reflex), activity (muscle tone), and respiration, the medical staff or registered midwife or doula will also do a neonatal thyroid stimulating hormones (TSH) test. This is the only screening test done routinely at private hospitals on newborns in South Africa. It helps to identify newborns with congenital hypothyroidism, a condition that affects infants from birth and results from a partial or complete loss of thyroid function.

“Failure to treat congenital hypothyroidism in the neonatal period can lead to permanent brain damage,” warns Kara, “but early treatment can allow normal life functioning.” This test is relatively inexpensive (under R400) and noninvasive and is done by a pinprick of blood taken from a baby’s heel, onto blotting paper. As this test is not mandatory, parents can refuse it, but this needs to be documented because medical staff cannot be held responsible if a child then develops hypothyroidism and suffers from subsequent developmental delays.

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other considerations Many other screening tests for various metabolic diseases are offered, but they are best reserved for families that fall into a high-risk category for these conditions – they may have a family history of the condition or there may have been previous infant deaths related to them.

“We can send urine for metabolic screens for a variety of rare conditions,” says Kara, “and we can also do blood spot tests for numerous enzyme deficiencies. We can do gene studies to identify the risk of genetic disorders, and an increasing number of units do routine pulse oximetry, which means checking oxygen saturations on all limbs of a baby to identify congenital heart disease.” Screening tests are also offered for hearing impairment and are available in selected private hospitals. All these tests can be done at any time, but they are best done early. Hearing tests can be done at birth or in the first two months.

Testing newborns for HIV can be reasonably excluded at six weeks, or even earlier, by testing for the presence of the HIV antigen, instead of the HIV antibody, in the baby.

“This is called a HIV PCR test,” says Kara. “If antigens are present in the baby’s blood, it indicates that the baby is infected.”

it’s your call These tests do come at a price and many parents will probably balk at the cost. Medical practitioners and medical aids are also constantly in debate over the cost benefits of screening tests. “The question is whether it’s worthwhile to screen 100 000 children just to diagnose one child,” says Kara. The best advice is to speak to your medical practitioner before the delivery to determine which tests might benefit you and your baby.

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dealing with difference

different... only to you Some parents raising children in communities where their racial group is a minority are finding integration difficult. DONNA COBBAN investigates.

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rainbow nation?

South Africa, for all its beautifully colourful people, seems trapped in a bizarre need to categorise things according to skin colour – schools and suburbs seem to be particular targets. Some areas appear to have integrated more successfully than others, but wherever we find ourselves, here or elsewhere in the world, there will no doubt be people who are treated as out of place, based largely on their being “different”.

Schools are often not just our “local schools”, but “former Model C schools”, “coloured schools”, “township schools” and “Indian schools”. The list could go on. Within these demarcations, change is often slow. For the children who form a minority racial group, their presence can be met with ignorance, idle curiosity and insensitivity.

Clara*, mother to three primary school children, moved to Cape Town from Zimbabwe eight years ago. Comfortably attuned to a middle class suburban lifestyle, she and her South African husband chose to settle in Cape Town, ensuring that there were sufficient schools in their area to serve the needs of all their children. Clara is black, her husband

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PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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laire’s* brown-skinned daughter cuts through the water; her strokes are long, determined and focused. She wins her first primary school gala race with ease, leaving both boys and girls in her wake. Claire is beaming with pride as the mother standing near her leans in to congratulate the parents: “That’s really good, because they usually can’t swim that well.” Claire turns her head in disbelief... this is Cape Town, this is 2014, surely this should not be happening?

Claire and her family are not alone. Michelle’s brown-skinned daughter is hesitant to immerse herself in the water when she encounters a new swimming teacher. Seeking to reassure Michelle the teacher says, “Not to worry, swimming doesn’t come naturally to them.” It takes Michelle a full 30 seconds to comprehend what this woman is implying. She has no ready response, and even if she did, she does not want to make her daughter aware of the meaning behind this thoughtless throwaway comment.

would be described as coloured, while her children are similar shades to both parents.

When their eldest daughter was recently invited to a birthday party Clara accepted readily and was delighted her daughter was making friends… but it cut like a knife when Clara discovered a few weeks after the party that on all the other girls’ invitations there was a small handwritten note stating that a black girl would also be attending the party.

“Seriously?” Clara gasps. “In this day and age… in Africa?”

Kim* is mother to three gregarious girls, whose brown skin makes them a minority in their school. It is not their skin colour, but their hair that seems to garner extra attention.

“Their hair is a work of art,” comment some well-meaning mothers as they admire the easy-care braids worn by her daughters. Kim is concerned that a six year old who hears daily hairstyle eulogies from strangers will slowly start to develop a strange relationship with her hair. “Well-meaning conversations can also be difficult,” says Kim, particularly when they are more often than not conducted in front of the children. A fellow mother recently told Kim how hard it must be to take care of the girls’ hair. Kim smiled politely and told her that it was just curly hair. Not paying any attention to this, the other mother went on to tell Kim that she has a friend with black children and they have to be really careful in case their hair catches on fire. Kim’s daughters listen in on the conversation, bemused perhaps, but no doubt very aware of the attention their “different” hair is creating.

to speak faultless English, and they are often quizzed as to whether their children are on a scholarship at the local school. It’s hard not to feel insulted and hurt by these comments.

Sabrina, a young black journalist, has firm feelings about empowering children to stand up to inappropriate comments from strangers. “I think there is something wrong with simply being polite back. I think parents should find a way to have responses that children observe and can in turn feed from when they need to fend for themselves. Educate others and don’t be afraid to ruffle a few feathers,” says Sabrina. “Children need rebuttals, because simply walking away disempowers them.”

Robynne Thomson, a Joburg-based psychologist, offers some essential insight into how to help children deal with being different to those around them. “From early on in life, the things that make your child different should be celebrated – differences should be seen in a positive light, making the child special and unique,” she suggests. She also points out that it is important to teach children that they cannot always control how other people think and that other people’s prejudices are not a measure of how special they are.”

Samantha, a young Cape Town-based professional, is a living example of not letting prejudices have an impact on her being, though her upbringing has not always been easy. Samantha was born in Zambia and her mother moved the family back to South Africa towards the end of Sam’s primary schooling. Sam found herself thrust into the former Model C school structures. When she talks of the difficulty of trying to integrate herself into the school community, or her later ability to walk the hallowed halls of university undetected by her paler-skinned peers, she was aware of the constant

From early on in life, the things that make your child different should be celebrated – differences should be seen in a positive light, as making the child special and unique.

standing tall Along with swimming and hair, these mothers and others interviewed have been asked what their children eat culturally, they’ve been praised for their children’s ability

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dealing with difference

feeling that she was carrying the entire population of black people on her shoulders. “I knew that if I ever behaved in a manner that was considered ‘not acceptable’ to my fellow nonblack students, it would have serious ramifications for the general perceptions of all black people in their eyes.”

When I press Sam for further insight into why this is so, she suggests that questions around blackness stem from some level of curiosity. “And as any cognitive psychologist will tell you, our brains make use of prominent identity marks (such as race and ethnicity) to make sense of the world. However, the problem with many nonblacks is that they fail to contextualise this primitive curiosity within the oppressive history of ‘blackness’. So when nonblacks make these ridiculous statements about having difficulty pronouncing ‘traditional’ black names, about black women’s hair, and about black people who are able to swim, they are embodying a fundamental ignorance to race and ethnicity as a historical loci of oppression... and for me, this is where racism comes into play.” Samantha believes that parents who push for a narrative of “not standing out too much” are not only perpetuating the problem, but they are also creating fertile ground for their children to develop the very same complexes they are trying to prevent them from developing.

make an effort Despite daily frustrations with the way in which her children are often treated, Clara remains positive: “As parents we have a duty to our children to let them explore relationships with their peers without the apartheid baggage we all carry.” She goes on to stress that every parent owes it to their children to make an effort to make friends across races, cultures and religions.

Sabrina has a unique perspective on being black in places where she is a minority. She recounts that during a recent year spent living in Gaza, an older woman approached her at a party and announced in a friendly voice, “You’re cute... even if you are black.” Sabrina’s grace-filled internal response went like this: “Thank you South Africa, had I not spent many years living in a country where skin colour reigns supreme, I’d have been shocked.

Therefore, thank you South Africa for preparing me for being a black woman anywhere in the world.” *Names have been changed

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is your child being teased?

• I n the event that your child is being teased about being different, it can be useful to empower your child to respond to the teasing by themselves.

• Role-play appropriate responses that they might be able to make, but do so at home within a safe environment... give them the words to use.

• Remember that their responses should always be respectful and should not descend into name-calling and lack of respect for the other person’s culture.

• If the child tries several times to respond to the teasing and it does not stop, it might be useful to address the teasing at an adult level – either with the parents of the child who is teasing or with the school.

• It is also important that schools have policies and values based on respect for each other’s differences and that schools can become involved in an appropriate manner should teasing be a problem.

Provided by Robynne Thomson

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reader’s blog

a real home for your toddler

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Toddlers and expensive things don’t mix. DENISE PHILIP explains that we should just accept it for now.

PHOTOGRAPH: shutterstock.com

hildren couldn’t be bothered with what house they live in or what car you drive. This will change in their teens, but relax for now. This is the perfect time to enjoy your blissfully ignorant toddler and save some “tom”.

Toddlers learn by touching, tasting and generally testing everything for its robustness (or lack thereof). Fine motor skills like tearing, pulling, chewing and throwing (tantrums not excluded) are learnt at this age. Don’t bother competing with the Jones’s right now; this is the time for essentials hardy enough to withstand anything. I’m not saying that you should let them wreck your stuff. All I’m saying is that it’s not

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always possible to bubble wrap everything. It’s their home too and they’re keen to explore. It’s difficult to squash this instinct and quite honestly, it’s not possible to watch every room in the house.

As cellphones and laptops always seem to be in the firing line, I thought toy look-alikes would be appealing.

I was mistaken. I still use the hairdryer on my cell after it’s been thrown into the loo. Laptop keys are another favourite. I bought a R99 toy laptop for my daughter but my R9 999 laptop was her favourite.

Now, the car – leather seats that can be wiped off easily or seat covers are best. Hubby and I have always agreed that snacks have no place in the car, but try explaining this to your toddler whose first words were “flings” and who’s been strapped into her seat for hours en route to a family getaway. It’s just impractical.

So, we gave in. But, give anything to a toddler – the blandest piece of bread – and they will ensure its stickiness within seconds. It’s been six months since our holiday. We are still trying to scrub the sticky dough off the seats and floor.

Again, we decided that all food must be eaten away from our nice lounge suite, which we saved long and hard for. But, what do you do when your child has just learnt to crawl and the high chair is a source of major irritation? I’ll

tell you what you do. You chase them around the house armed with a dribbling spoon because, if she doesn’t eat, the house gets woken up at 3am by a hungry tummy.

Clothing? Ha! Save up for the labels and stick to practical clothing for the moment. Buy a good, really big, washing machine. Because somehow, bibs come off toddlers spotlessly clean, but their clothes always come off second best. As for your clothes, wear your oldest ones and be prepared to be decorated.

Now don’t get me wrong. I agree that children need boundaries and it’s up to you to enforce them, but children don’t make messes to irritate you. They are learning. So, take a deep breath and remember to let go and have some fun with your toddler. The mess and madness won’t be for long, so keep the wetwipes handy and go with it.

Think of all the money you are saving for that fancy lounge suite – dream of its comfort. You will be spending a lot of time on it, waiting up for your teen one day…

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

July 2014

17

parenting

shopping with children

Negotiating the grocery aisles with your children in tow requires battlefield courage. ANÉL LEWIS helps you prepare for victory.

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the trolley dash The battle lines are drawn early as we approach the melange of trolleys. Erin wants a blue one. That’s fine, except that the trolley with the blue handle is third from the back. But, it’s too early in our mission to deal with histrionics, so I concede, much to the irritation of the customers standing behind me. My husband and I each take a trolley – divide and conquer, we reckon.

But first we wipe them down with disinfectant wipes to keep them clean and teach the children good hygiene habits. We also remind them to avoid touching the sides of escalators and other surfaces where germs abound.

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PHOTOGRAPH: shutterstock.com

a

s a parent, I no longer consider shopping to be a relaxing or entertaining pastime. Instead, it’s become a tactical mission that requires military precision to organise and execute. My combatants are two toddlers and my war zone is the local supermarket. I’ve long since given up on clothes shopping with them. Conor, my 20-month-old, thinks it’s hilarious to play hide-and-seek in the underwear section, while three-year-old Erin takes it upon herself to greet each of the store mannequins as if she is welcoming members of parliament to the State of the Nation address. Who would have thought those plastic hands and arms come loose so easily? So, to make things simple, we’re sticking to grocery shopping for now.

keep them busy The distractions are rolled out early. Both children are mad about pineapple pieces and grapes, so we get to those quickly. The fruit and veg section is a great place to teach the children about colours and different food types. Erin loves her tomatoes, so she will usually open a punnet of these as well. The inside of the blue trolley is starting to look like the aftermath of a sunset concert picnic, but at least she’s quiet.

When boredom sets in, it’s time for extreme measures. This is usually when you will find me singing “Annie Apple” or some other delightful ditty in the biscuit aisle. The promotional people handing out free samples of food are a godsend, as they keep curious young shoppers busy for a few precious minutes. It’s just a matter of time though before Conor realises that his grapes double as projectiles, and we will need to find something else to keep him entertained.

enter at your own risk The toy aisle is a mixed blessing. It gives the children something to do for a few minutes, while Craig dashes to

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the home section in search of batteries and pool salt. But getting them to relinquish any of the toys they’ve picked up is like peeling old Prestik off a painted wall – difficult and messy. To cajole Erin into putting down the Superman figurine, I usually have to bribe her with bubbles or crayons. We don’t linger here too long. If you do happen

It’s just a matter of time before Conor realises that his grapes double as projectiles.

take your seats Shopping with hungry or tired children, of any age, is a big no-no. About halfway in, as energy levels are flagging, I offer water or a small juice to keep them hydrated. If you see your little one is taking strain, it may be time to wrap up your shopping. Last Christmas I made the mistake of ignoring Erin’s signs of fatigue, until she eventually nodded off in the trolley with her head resting on the front bars.

Conor is the opposite. The more tired and bored he gets, the louder his screams. I once allowed him out, thinking he would walk beside me. It was a rookie mistake and I wasted valuable shopping time chasing after a feisty little boy determined to break land speed records.

the final countdown to swing by the clothing section, be prepared for the barrage of branded items that will catch your children’s attention. Conor is thankfully still oblivious, but Erin knows her Jake and the Neverland from her SpongeBob, and she will be very vocal about her preferences.

We are nearing the end, and there is just the gauntlet of sweets, or “temptation aisle”, at check-out to conquer. You have to be firm on this final stretch. I usually explain that I have no more money for whatever item they choose. If this doesn’t work, I let Erin pick whatever she wants and put

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parenting it in the trolley. Then, when she’s not looking, I put it back. Holidays, such as Christmas and Easter, add a whole new dimension to this stage of your expedition. I don’t know how many glitter stars and musical Father Christmases I have had to hurriedly stuff among the packets of jelly worms before reaching the front of the line. Craig and I have mastered this stage of our mission and he will unpack while I entertain our weary co-shoppers. If needs be, I may even let them ride on the mechanical bus at the exit. I’m not above a bit of bribery to get the shopping done, and usually promise: “If you sit still, we can ride on the bus later.” It works, except it tends to involve me also sitting on the darn thing, singing about wheels going round while bemused shoppers look on. This is also about the time when I swear to do my next shop online.

from the trenches Nathalie Le Blond of Cape Town is mom to four-year-old Olivia “She is now old enough to really enjoy shopping and to behave well when we are in the shops. But in terms of making sure the wheels don’t come off, I always shop with a list. That way it’s quicker and way more efficient. I make sure I explain whether we are buying groceries, clothes or shoes so that she knows the purpose of the trip. But never do all three and make sure no trip is longer than about an hour.”

Nathalie also involves Olivia by letting her put items into the trolley. “I actually love shopping with Olivia at this age. She is good fun to have in the shops and makes me laugh. She seems to enjoy it too – especially clothes shopping.”

Candice Whitehead of Joburg is mom to Ethan, 11, Cruz, three, and Kai, six months “Ethan is a big help as he can push the pram while I push the trolley. Cruz is the most challenging so it usually helps to give him his own trolley, which he sits in.

We give him a mini shopping list of items from the master shopping list. This gets him excited and he feels involved. Sometimes we approach it as his treasure list.

When he sees the item he eagerly lets us know so it can go in his trolley. Shops with those mini trolleys make this game even more fun. My husband’s strategy is to get Cruz a toy to play with while we shop. Then when we get to the tills he can swap the toy for any sweet. It also helps to take the iPad along or if I’m really desperate I let him play on our cellphones, which are fully loaded with games and movies.”

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shopping 101 with a baby • Make sure your baby is fed and hydrated. This applies to children of all ages.

• Shop when it’s early and quiet.

• Carry a stocked nappy bag in case you need to make a mid-shop change.

• Bring toys to keep your baby entertained.

• You may want to use a shopping cart cover to keep your baby clean and comfortable.

• For a smaller baby, it’s best to use trolleys with built-in baby seats. with a toddler • I ask Erin what we need as we drive to the shops, so that she feels involved.

• Pack wet wipes – to sanitise the trolley and also to clean up.

• Make a toilet stop before the shops, otherwise you may have to abandon your full trolley to make a pitstop.

• Park your trolley well away from aisles where little hands can pull off bottles and grab brightly-coloured packets.

• If they have favourite products – such as a pasta packet with a beloved cartoon character on it – let them hold these while you shop. Also let them touch different textured products, such as rough potatoes and prickly pineapples – anything to keep them entertained.

• Make up games using words and numbers related to the groceries.

• Use the opportunity to teach them about healthy food choices and the cost of things. with an older child • Ask them to help you write the grocery list.

• Ask them to get products off the shelves, weigh fruit and veg and maybe even calculate how much the trolley or basket will cost. Shopping is a wonderful learning opportunity. safety tip: It’s easy to get distracted when you are shopping. You may turn your back for a second, or park your trolley with your child in it and quickly nip to another aisle to fetch something. Be mindful of safety, and keep your children in your sight at all times.

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July 2014

21

your child’s life

joie de vivre Don’t forego getting your child involved in the creative arts – it will not only develop skills but also broaden

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hen Picasso said that every child is an artist, I think of it as meaning that, much like the artist, every child is capable of creating other worlds with their mind, thanks to an insatiable curiosity and unbridled imagination. When you expose your child to the creative arts you are giving them a priceless opportunity to experience one of life’s great joys, which they will return to for a lifetime. They’ll appreciate the escape that only a moving play, mesmerising dance routine, expertly composed music score or interesting artwork can offer.

Duncan Rice of Helen O’Grady Drama Academy, who has been working with

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children in the performing arts for over 30 years, believes that there is a serious deficit at school in exercising innovative, right-brain thinking, which the arts subjects encourage. “School-based learning is much of the time about the acquisition of knowledge rather than creative application.

Yes, we need scientists, but scientists devoid of creative thinking skills will lack new imaginative ideas on the scale that we need,” he says.

Developing an excitement for the arts from as early as possible will “not only produce great performers but also an enthusiastic and supportive audience, vital for the continuation of the arts in South

Africa,” says Inge Mancktelow, who runs Dance Totz, a dance academy for children.

exposure is key “It’s amazing how open children are to experiences that we might expect would go over their heads,” notes Joanna Evans, a children’s theatre-maker who collaborated intensively with ASSITEJ SA, a theatre development organisation for children, to create Patchwork, a show especially for one to four year olds. During the school holidays, make yourself aware of the great variety of theatre performances on offer, including puppet shows and magic shows. Look into enrolling your child in programmes that teach

artistic self-expression in a fun way. When they are a bit older, take them to watch choir performances and orchestral productions, which will help them to appreciate the skill required for a variety of musical instruments.

Inge, being very hands-on with her four-year-old daughter in exposing her to the arts, shares a few simple ways to make these experiences more meaningful.

Show them the orchestra pit at a stage performance. At a gallery, speak to them about the colours, shapes and different mediums the artists use. Show them statues and then allow them to make their own “sculptures” out of dough. “I have an art app on my tablet, which I use to show my

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PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

their world view. By LUCILLE KEMP

daughter how art can be realistic or abstract.

When we recently passed the Cape Town Film Studios, I pointed out the huge ships that have been built, explaining that those are sets, used for making movies,” she says.

Laurika Steenkamp, who manages the Cape Town Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and Youth Wind Ensemble, suggests when watching movies with your child, you “make them aware of the orchestra playing – many of the new children’s films have amazing scores”. Also, choose wisely – it’s not ideal to take a five year old to a symphony concert in the city hall and expect them to sit still for two hours.

confidence to join in. “I’m so glad that his mom had the foresight to allow him to take his time because now he has come into his own and participates enthusiastically,” she says. One of Duncan’s students, Laura, was enrolled in drama classes by her mom, Catherine, after she became uncharacteristically introverted in Grade 1.

“She has blossomed – the classes give her free range to express herself, her

all-rounders

speech has improved and she is encouraged to be less constrained,” says a delighted Catherine.

A recent study by Stanford University and the Carnegie Foundation found that involvement in the creative arts promotes academic achievement. Beyond that, Duncan has seen the effect that drama has had on children, developing life skills such as sharing, compromising, listening, discussing, negotiating, leading and cooperating as well as developing a sense of humour and the ability to express themselves.

A huge gain from involvement in the performing arts is confidence. One of Inge’s dance students watched from the side lines for an entire term before he had the

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audience thanks to the free-walking, interactive format of the exhibition, the simple style of the audio guide commentary, and especially the fascinating facts offered through the exhibition’s touchscreens, and their Facebook page and website. “Children particularly love learning about the science behind the 240-million-pixel camera, which allowed engineer Pascal Cotte to discover never-before-known secrets about the

A huge gain from involvement in the performing arts is confidence.

pioneering ways For the not-so-artsy parents, there are many passionate people in your community whose work is to extend your child creatively.

By following a few simple rules, they have successfully placed a child-friendly spin on everything from a symphony concert to an art exhibition, making it easier for parents to access many art forms with their child.

The travelling exhibition Da Vinci – The Genius, which is currently in Joburg, has been on the money in attracting a younger

world-famous Mona Lisa painting,” says Charlotte Damgaard, marketing director of Great World Exhibitions, the company responsible for bringing the exhibition to South Africa.

The Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO) runs a series of family-orientated concerts called Family Symphonic Fun, which has sold out for the past two years.

“It introduces the very young to a theatre, symphony orchestra and classical music,” says Laurika. By using big screens at some of their Artscape Theatre productions and incorporating music the children know, such as “Entry of the Gladiators” from the movie Madagascar, the CPO has made

itself relevant to the child’s world, which allows them to make an impact. Who would have thought that, while watching Barbie of Swan Lake, your child is being introduced to Tchaikovsky?

Of the show Patchwork, Joanna found that “children as young as three months old were engaged, sitting patiently and fully stimulated for the whole show.” Such was their success in meeting their audience “eye-to-eye and mind-to-mind” that one group of German-speaking children later delightedly told their parents that the show had been in German. “This shows that, while we were speaking gibberish, they were so invested in what was happening that they invented their own meaning.”

There are plans for Patchwork to return to the Baxter Theatre and go into schools.

ASSITEJ SA has plans for increasing awareness of, and access to, theatre for the very young. For more info, visit assitej.org.za The Joburg leg of Da Vinci – The Genius exhibition has been extended to 27 July.

For more info, visit davinciexhibition.co.za

For performing arts academies and clubs in your city, visit childmag. co.za/resources/extramurals

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23

book extract

share a loaf ELLEN BROWN makes gluten-free baking easy with her artisan loaf recipes in Gluten-Free Bread. Try her French baguette and muesli bread to begin with.

french baguette makes 1 loaf

Crispy on the outside and light and

muesli bread makes 1 loaf

If you don’t have the time to sit down and eat a bowl of muesli, spread a toasted slice of this with cream cheese to gain some of the valuable nutrients in dairy. In addition to being a great breakfast bread, it works very well served with poultry and pork dishes.

ingredients • 2 tbsp ground chia seeds • 2 tsp active dry yeast • 1 tbsp granulated sugar • 1 cup water, heated to 43ºC to 46ºC, divided • cup millet flour, plus more if needed • ½ cup garbanzo bean flour (chickpea flour) • cup cornstarch • cup potato starch • ¼ cup tapioca flour • ¾ tsp xanthan gum • ½ tsp fine salt • 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted • 1 tbsp poppy seeds (optional) method Grease the inside of a long French baguette pan with vegetable oil or softened butter.

Combine the chia seeds, yeast, sugar, and ½ cup of the warm water in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and mix well. Set aside for about 10 minutes while the yeast proofs.

Combine the cup of millet flour and the garbanzo bean flour, cornstarch, potato starch, tapioca flour, xanthan gum and salt in a deep mixing bowl and whisk well.

When the yeast looks frothy add the remaining ½ cup of warm water and the melted butter and mix well. Add the dry ingredients and beat at medium speed until combined.

Increase the speed to high and beat the dough for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the dough has the consistency of a drop biscuit dough. Add more millet flour by 1 tbsp amounts if necessary.

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Scrape the dough evenly into the prepared pan, forming it into a long line. Cover the pan loosely with a sheet of oiled plastic wrap or a damp tea towel and allow the dough to rise for one hour in a warm spot, or until it has doubled in bulk. Sprinkle the top of the loaf with poppy seeds, if using.

Place the oven racks in the middle and lowest positions. Place a rimmed baking sheet on the lower rack and place a pizza stone on the upper rack. Preheat the oven to 200ºC toward the end of the rising time, bring a kettle of water to a boil, and have a spray bottle of water handy.

Pour 1 cup of boiling water into the heated sheet pan and slide the bread pan on top of the heated pizza stone. Spray the walls of the oven with the spray bottle, close the oven door and wait 30 seconds, then spray the oven walls again. Covering the loaf loosely with aluminium foil after 20 minutes, bake the bread for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown, sounds hollow and thumps when tapped on the bottom, and has reached an internal temperature of 93ºC on an instantread thermometer. Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool for 30 minutes before slicing.

ingredients • 2 tbsp ground chia seeds • 2¼ tsp active dry yeast • 2 tbsp granulated sugar • 1½ cups water, heated to 43ºC to 46ºC, divided • 1½ cups gluten-free oat flour • ½ cup tapioca flour • ½ cup potato starch • ¼ cup non-fat dried milk powder • 1 tsp unflavoured gelatin or agar powder • 1½ tsp xanthan gum • ½ tsp fine salt • 2 large eggs, at room temperature • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled • 1 cup gluten-free muesli cereal, divided

about the book Gluten-free baking can have a steep learning curve for anyone who is accustomed to baking with conventional wheat flours.

Author Ellen Brown makes it easy with this book of baking techniques plus 100 everyday bread recipes for brioche, sandwich bread, multi-grain varieties, quick breads and more.

Now a hot slice of homemade bread is no longer off limits to the many people who have adopted a gluten-free diet. Gluten-Free Bread is published by Running Press and can be found at all good bookstores.

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PHOTOGRAPHS: STEVE LEGATO

airy on the inside is what we expect from a French bread, and this baguette fits the bill. If you want an even crispier crust, just leave it in the oven about five minutes longer.

method Spray the inside of a 23cm x 11cm loaf pan with vegetable oil spray.

Combine the chia seeds, yeast, sugar, and ¾ cup of the warm water in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and mix well. Set aside for about 10 minutes while the yeast proofs. Combine the oat flour, tapioca flour, potato starch, milk powder, gelatin, xanthan gum and salt in a deep mixing bowl and whisk well.

When the yeast looks frothy add the remaining ¾ cup of warm water and the eggs and melted butter and mix well. Add the dry ingredients and ¾ cup of the muesli and beat at medium speed until combined.

Increase the speed to high and beat the dough for 3 to 5 minutes, or until it has the consistency of a thick but still pourable cake batter.

Scrape the dough into the prepared pan, smooth the top with a rubber spatula dipped in water, and cover the pan with a sheet of oiled plastic wrap or a damp tea towel.

Allow the bread to rise in a warm place for 40 to 50 minutes, or until it reaches 1,25cm from the top of the pan.

Sprinkle the top with the remaining ¼ cup of muesli.

Preheat the oven to 190ºC toward the end of the rising time.

Covering the loaf loosely with aluminium foil after 30 minutes, bake the bread for 50 to 55 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown, the top is firm, and it has reached an internal temperature of 93ºC on an instant-read thermometer. Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool for 30 minutes. Remove it from the loaf pan by running a spatula around the rim and invert it onto a cooling rack to cool completely.

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July 2014

25

recipes

in the soup There’s nothing quite like a healthy, homemade soup to enjoy as a starter or a main. By KATE WIGLEY ROMANO and TAFFY PFUPAJENA

kate’s bean and tomato soup Kate Wigley Romano and her husband own Maria’s Greek Restaurant, which is one of Cape Town’s oldest and most loved restaurants. Situated on charming Dunkley Square in the old part of the city, loyal guests return for lunches, dinners, mezes, baklava, chunky Greek salads and other favourites. This soup is one of Kate’s personal favourites.

Serve with a dollop of thick yoghurt or tzatziki, freshly chopped parsley and a swirl of olive oil.

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ingredients: • butter and olive oil • 2 x red onions • 1 (or more) chopped red chilli • 4 x cloves of garlic • 4 x grated carrots • 1 x can dried lentils • 1 x can red kidney beans • 200g tomato paste • paprika • 4 x chopped tomatoes • roughly chopped parsley • salt and pepper • 1 tsp brown sugar

method: 1 Fry the onion in half cooking olive oil and butter; add the chilli, garlic and parsley.

2 Simmer for about 5 minutes, then add carrots and lentils.

3 Once onion looks cooked and a little crispy, add beans, tomato paste, paprika and tomatoes.

4 Add 2 cups of water and let the lentils cook through. Add salt, pepper and sugar.

5 If the soup is too dry add a cup of water and let it simmer until the colour turns into a rich red.

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PHOTOGRAPHS: LISA MC NAMARA / TAFFY PFUPAJENA

serves 4

taffy’s oxtail soup with pearl barley serves 4 Winter gives the Pfupajenas a chance to indulge in a favourite pastime without feeling guilty – eating meat. Some soups are quite light and may need to be followed by another meal. Not so with this hearty soup, says Taffy, which will leave you ready for an afternoon nap. Serve in bowls with fresh parsley and crusty bread. ingredients: • 1kg oxtail, rinsed • 1 x onion, peeled and chopped • 6 garlic cloves, crushed • 1 x dried red chilli (optional) • 1 litre beef stock • 500ml water • 5cm piece fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped

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• 2 garlic cloves, crushed • 500g mixed soup vegetables (carrot, turnip, cabbage, celery), grated or finely diced • ½ cup pearl barley, well rinsed • fresh parsley to serve method: 1 Rinse the oxtail and place it in a casserole pot with onion, 4 garlic cloves and chilli. Cover with the stock and water. Bring to the boil, reduce the heat and simmer covered for 2,5 hours or until meat is cooked, constantly removing any foam that rises to the top in order to keep the stock clear.

2 Remove pot from the heat and use a slotted spoon to remove the oxtail from the liquid. Cut the

meat from the bones and throw away the bones and any fat. Set the meat aside. Strain the liquid and set aside to cool for at least an hour so that the fat rises to the top. Skim off the fat and throw away.

3 Return the liquid to a clean casserole pot with the ginger, 2 cloves garlic, vegetables and barley and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the vegetables are soft and the barley is cooked – 20–30 minutes. Add the shredded meat and cook until heated through, roughly a further 5–10 minutes.

You’ll find more delicious recipes

by Taffy at mamatdiaries.com

July 2014

27

education

you can bank on it Teaching your children about money is a crucial life skill and the experts are unanimous

o

– it’s a parent’s job. FRANÇOISE GALLET asks financial experts for their advice.

ur children should learn financial skills while they are young because they have the time to learn and experiment with money, says Joburg-based financial education consultant Iona Minton.

“By teaching them the basic principles of finance, we’ll be giving them the freedom to lead financially secure lives.”

Realising that effort is required to achieve goals is part of understanding the value of money. So let your child experience wasting their hard-saved money on something. “Finding out the item they purchased wasn’t worth it instils a sense of the value of money,” says Dyason.

spending is about prioritising

pocket money and entrepreneurship

Certified financial planner Debbie NettoJonker, says there is no need to wait until children develop numeracy skills before educating them about money. She suggests using a grocery store to show your children how you prioritise purchasing certain items over others and why. “Instead of saying, ‘We can’t afford it’, explain to your child that you haven’t budgeted for it,” she says. This introduces the concept of budgeting and doesn’t squash their desires and aspirations. It provides the opportunity to teach that if you budget effectively and save you can “realise what you want”.

Once they’ve grasped the fundamentals of numeracy, use pocket money to teach saving. Dyason suggests showing them their bank statements with their growing balance and interest earned. Netto-Jonker cautions against using pocket money for discipline, as this could be a disincentive to save.

Linda McClure of Junior Achievement South Africa proposes “little rewards” for reaching saving milestones and encourages parents to stick to a set amount each month.

She also prompts parents to focus more on “teaching children that they can do things to earn money”.

How and why to save is perhaps the most important and fundamental skill we can teach our children.

“How and why to save,” advises Minton, “is perhaps the most important and fundamental skill we can teach our children.

If they can see the benefit of saving, they will have a lifelong financial advantage.”

This can begin as early as three years old with a piggy bank. “Encourage your children to save at least some of the money they receive in their money box,” says Minton. “And make sure they realise it’s their money. If they don’t see a tangible result, such as being able to buy something they want, then they won’t see any point in saving.”

making money requires effort Another concept that can be shared from early on is that of effort and earning, shares Vicky Dyason, a certified financial planner from Joburg. She explains how a simple star chart teaches children that effort is needed to get a reward or result.

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Minton says you should encourage entrepreneurship: “Encourage your children to think up ways to earn extra money. It could be babysitting, gardening, repairing computers or even making handmade jewellery to sell at the local craft market.

Help them to set goals, plan their strategies and set up their own business plan. This will be of huge benefit to them in the future.”

give children financial responsibilities For the older teen, McClure advocates a degree of financial independence: “Make a distinction between what you as a parent are going to provide – feeding and clothing them for instance – and what they are financially responsible for – like their fancy clothes.”

The older teen is also ripe for understanding the implications of credit.

“Loan them some money and then charge them interest,” suggests Dyason. magazine joburg

PHOTOGRAPH: shutterstock.com

the lifetime advantage

Teaching budgeting to an older child could entail involving them in lifestyle choices. Dyason describes how one of her clients repeatedly offered their girls choices that highlighted the family budget.

“For example, the parents offered the choice between two differently-priced holiday destinations, the more expensive of which required that the girls make monetary sacrifices, such as giving up on other nice-to-haves during the year.”

delay gratification Children need to grasp the concept of delayed gratification – especially because ownership entails associated costs – cars need servicing, property requires maintenance. Dyason shares an example from her own family where an agreement to buy her teenage stepson a quad bike was predicated on him being able to clean and oil the chain on his father’s motorbike for six months. “It didn’t even take him a month of doing that before he decided he didn’t want a quad bike,” she says.

teaching money across the ages ages two to five • You need money to buy things.

• Spending is about prioritising – wisely.

• You may have to wait before you can buy something.

• Making money entails work. ages five to eight • Give them an allowance so that you can: - introduce the concept of saving; - let them see their money grow; - let them make their own choices about money; - let them experience what it is to waste money.

• Introduce budgeting.

• Talk about “value for money” – compare prices and shop around. ages nine to 12 • For every R100 earned, save R10.

• Encourage entrepreneurship.

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talk about your investments “We need to take the time to explain finances to our children, especially when it comes to the money we’re investing for their future. If you’re investing in unit trusts, explain which companies you’re investing in and why. If you have an endowment policy, explain what it involves,” advises Minton.

get financially fit McClure points out that the success of these lessons comes down to how we as parents manage our money: “If a parent doesn’t have a level of financial savvy or the ability to control how they spend money, then those are the lessons their children will be learning.”

“Finances become habit forming,” cautions Dyason. “Young adults who haven’t formed good habits because of how they have grown up are at a disadvantage. So many of our clients say they wish they had learnt these lessons earlier in life.”

• T alk about debt – let them borrow money from you and charge interest. ages 13 to 16 • Talk to them about saving for a tertiary education.

• Explain and show them how your investments perform.

• Encourage them to develop their own budget and financial goals.

• Explore the cost of ownership. ages 17 to 20 • Don’t be a lifeline.

• With guidance, let them pay their cost-of-living expenses.

• Share with them what you are investing in and why.

• Talk about taxes.

• Explain the need for an emergency fund – they should save threemonths’ worth of living expenses.

• They need health insurance.

• If they have a credit card, they must use it like a debit card.

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getaway

A father and son safari on a family-friendly game reserve in KwaZulu-Natal presents exciting discoveries for the intrepid pair.

By ANGUS BEGG

Phinda guide Bevan Myers is brilliant with children.

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PHOTOGRAPHS: ANGUS BEGG

beat around the bush

i

first visited Phinda Resource Reserve in 1992 as a young radio journalist in love with nature. Wildlife and wilderness were my passion. In my youthful enthusiasm I was happy to see the world of wildlife, conservation and game rangers as a place of relative innocence. I was there to cover the Phinda story with its version of commercial ecotourism that it believed could change the way rural communities relate to wildlife and game reserves – and thus work to protect and restore our natural heritage.

Twenty-three years on, the reserve in KwaZulu-Natal has blossomed into one of South Africa’s most compelling wildlife destinations, with seven ecozones and wildlife viewing as varied and good as it gets: cheetah, rhino, lion, chameleons and birding specials such as Narina Trogon and Pel’s fishing owl.

This was the world to which I took my four-year-old son, Fynn, on our second big safari adventure. It was a little over two years since we’d visited the lowveld, with its scary night sounds and leopards. His love for planes hadn’t dissipated since our last trip. In fact, we still have to run out of the house every time a helicopter or aeroplane is heard outside. “Quick, Daddy, c’mon!” he’ll say.

We met his aunt there who was coming along with us and set off in a rental car down the pine and eucalyptuslined N2. Exotic, indigenous, Fynn took it all in. We stopped for litchis, a KwaZulu-Natal classic, simply so he could experience them. This was a chance for variety, to let him loose on the diversity of tastes and flavours put before him. While Fynn’s initial reaction to “different”

While the butterflies kept us all attentive and Fynn asked about every bird we saw, the big winner for him was the puddles. adventure underway The flight from Cape Town to Durban is always more interesting than the Joburg route, with a largely green and mountainous landscape replacing the brown of the Karoo and the Free State. But Fynn wasn’t bothered about such trivialities, as he could barely see out of the window let alone to the earth far below. He was just happy to be flying.

Landing at King Shaka International Airport was made different to the Joburg flight by sheer virtue of its name.

“OR Tambo” just didn’t compare to “Shaka” – the sound of the name rang with excitement. And for the next while, he couldn’t stop repeating it.

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foods can well be the standard “I don’t like it” without having touched it, we have a loose understanding that he should at least try something new. If he doesn’t like it, then “patooey”, he can spit it out.

new discoveries Phinda was brand new too and hungrily consumed by all of us. Being familiar with the reserve and the quality game-viewing, I was eager to share it. With all the fine touches that go with a top lodge, I think his green-fingered aunt was a little in awe. The lush green vegetation, the umbrella thorn acacias and the nyala grazing among the bushes next to the

Sanbona Game Reserve’s wildlife is a Little Karoo treat as is its Gondwana Lodge, where children “rule”.

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getaway

Guides “interpret” natural history at Sanbona’s fossil trail.

I was thrilled at his enthusiasm; the sheer enjoyment of discovery. pathways at Mountain Lodge present an almost typical introduction to Zululand.

Fynn immediately focused on the details. The outside shower at the rear of our chalet took his fancy – in particular, the frog trying to burrow through the wall, desperate to avoid the looming, almostfour-year-old curiosity.

The bushbuck browsing outside with that slightly on-edge gaze must have slotted somewhere between a cat and a dog in his little mind. That’s how quickly the curiosity faded – until we went to look together, and singled out the horns for discussion. But even that was fleeting.

He preferred running from our chalet to peek-a-boo with his aunt in the adjoining chalet, thriving on the curiosity and everything new. I was thrilled at his enthusiasm; the sheer enjoyment of discovery.

His eagerness followed us onto the game drive. It was just us in the vehicle, and we didn’t look for the big game.

We saw what we saw, with gorgeous butterflies and impala and a white rhino in the distance being about as hairy as it got. That’s what JP, our guide at Mountain Lodge, felt comfortable with, obviously directed by company policy.

While that sort of term may sit awkwardly in “the bush”, all lodges have their own rules. Group-owned establishments are generally strict; ownerrun establishments generally operate with more leeway, judging the responsibility of guests for themselves.

While the butterflies kept us all attentive and Fynn asked about every bird we saw – he knows his doves, black eagles,

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sunbirds and redwing starlings – the big winner for him was the puddles. In fact, Alex took him on a few “puddle” drives.

Bevan, at the more exclusive Forest Lodge, also accommodated Fynn’s enthusiasm on a few puddle adventures, with water pouring over the bonnet, much to his boyish delight.

Forest Lodge is built in a sand forest, one of seven ecosystems packed into Phinda’s relatively small size (it’s about 40km long), and with Zululand having been drenched by October rains, everything was soaked and green – a change from the mountain thornveld we’d just come from. The bigger the puddle the better, and the louder the roar from his little throat.

bush royalty The more pricey lodges today have the resources to dedicate to ensure that children are properly entertained. Not just occupied, but taught about the bush and animals through games and activities.

Phinda does it well, following on from a trend that started post 9/11, when the global slump in air travel meant that every lodge in the bush or on the beach – wherever in the world – was desperate to attract guests.

Once generally persona non grata at certain game lodges, economics catapulted children below 12 years old into bush royalty almost overnight. Seeing the playroom downstairs at Mountain Lodge, or watching a troop of toddlers baking cookies in the lodge kitchen, you could well believe it. But such “innovations” have magazine joburg

been around for over a decade. One childfriendly establishment that immediately comes to mind is Jaci’s Safari Lodge, a pioneer of the little-ones-on-safari idea.

They offer “jungle drives” for children, either alone with a guide or with Mom and Dad accompanying junior.

Sanbona Game Reserve in the Little Karoo has also cottoned onto the familyfriendly idea. One of its lodges, Gondwana, is a dedicated family establishment, the likes of which I’ve yet to come across.

Children may not be allowed on game drives, but they can run relatively free in the dining room and lounge without having childless guests hissing like Egyptian geese behind the ubiquitous laminated antique maps of Africa.

I was seriously disappointed Fynn couldn’t join us on a drive, but the alternatives were appreciated. They have a functional playroom with a childminder and nannies are also on offer.

homeward bound Back at Phinda, far north of the Karoo in grass painted lush green by weeks of rain, I go on game drives with and without Fynn.

I see black and white rhino, an imperious, big-maned lion, deep-grunting hippos and a pair of cheetah. Superbly striped zebra and squabbling vultures on a long-dead giraffe are framed by the delicious subtropical soundtrack of a thousand wet and happy birds.

“There’s another monkey, Daddy, look!”

Fynn shouts at 5:30am on our day of departure as he jumps off the bed, making for the cocksure furry face on the other side of the window. “Naughty monkey!”

The Forest Lodge chalets are built of glass into the leaf-covered sand floor, and the Vervet monkeys have come to see what’s on offer, as they do every day at the same time when the guests go out on game drives. But not this day; we were packing to leave.

The standout highlight of Fynn’s bush experiences thus far has been the puddles (and instructing Bevan when to change gears).

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resource

foodie adventures Fancy a global table adventure? Child magazine has compiled a list of culinary family holidays around the world, including some local gastronomic spots. africa

a taste of morocco

PHOTOGRAPHS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Marrakesh is a feast of sights, sounds and flavours. Experience the Jemaa el-Fnaa Square with snake charmers and storytellers. The souks offer a variety of goods and food stalls, where you shop for ingredients. Learn to cook Moroccan cuisine in a rooftop kitchen, preparing dishes such as caramelised fennel and baby onions, beetroot and orange soup, rosewater meringues, stuffed shoulder of lamb, or lemon chicken tajine.

Further foodie appeal Visit the spice traders, learn to cook couscous with village ladies and feast under the stars.

For the children Classes are suitable for children 10 years and older.

When to go April to June and September to November.

Location On the foothills of the Atlas Mountains in North Africa, southwest of the Moroccan capital, Rabat Contact info@gourmetontour.com or visit gourmetontour.com

americas

with the sounds of jazz New Orleans is a city with a rich, colourful history influenced by its former French and Spanish rulers, and sugar and cotton plantations, African slave trade and the birth of jazz. The New Orleans School of Cooking is situated in the heart of the French quarter in a renovated molasses warehouse that was built in the early 1800s. They teach you the

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Learn to cook Moroccan cuisine

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basics of Louisiana cooking and introduce you to all the local favourites, such as gumbo, jambalaya, shrimp creole and pralines. They offer hands-on classes (private and open) and group demonstrations.

Further foodie appeal Mardi Gras takes place every year around February and is followed by the New Orleans Jazz Festival in April/May. For the children They recommend that families with children under 12 years old attend a demonstration class where you will get to see the chefs in action and try out the dishes.

Periodically, they hold special events geared towards children.

When to go Avoid hurricane season, which runs from June to November.

Location In the south-eastern corner of Louisiana, on the banks of the Mississippi River Contact groupsales@nosoc.com or visit neworleansschoolofcooking.com

culinary tours in the big apple The Institute of Culinary Education (ICE) is located in the heart of Manhattan, New York City. They offer a wide selection of hands-on recreational cooking, baking and wine classes as well as culinary walking and offsite tours. The culinary tours take you to New York City’s finest restaurants, various markets, fishmongers, butcher shops and greengrocers in iconic neighbourhoods: Chinatown, Little Italy, Astoria and more. The instructors tell you all about the history of the area you’re in and explain the different ingredients and how you are going to use them in your dishes. After the walk, you head back to the school where the instructor lays out the items you bought, and everyone rolls up their sleeves and gets to work.

Further foodie appeal They also have beginner to advanced instruction on worldly wines, the perfect meal pairings and the ultimate beer and cheese guide.

For the children They have approximately 25 classes that parents and children can attend together, making everything from pizza to sweet treats.

When to go May is springtime when the bulk of visitors have not yet arrived and there are loads of fairs around the city.

Location: 50 West 23rd St, New York Contact: rec@ice.edu or visit recreational.ice.edu

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spice it up in the bahamas Bahamas Food Adventures, run by foodie Nia Keogh, offers various day and evening culinary adventures and private cooking classes that cater to families with children two years and older. During a private class you will create three dishes and take home recipe cards for each. Be sure to tell them of your dietary requirements (vegetarian, shellfish allergy, nut allergy) and they will do their best to accommodate you. Bahamian cuisine is known for being spicy, subtly and uniquely flavoured and often includes seafood.

You might learn to make a conch salad, grouper, conch grits, a sweetbread dessert or traditional guava duff.

Further foodie appeal They offer early morning and private classes on the beach.

For the children All ages are welcome and included in most tours and activities.

When to go Avoid the hurricane season, which runs from June to November.

Location Nassau, Bahamas Contact bahamasfoodtour@gmail.com or visit bahamasfoodadventures.com

taste test in latin america Take part in hands-on cooking classes at Huerta Los Tamarindos, an organic farm and restaurant in San José del Cabo in Mexico. They conduct four-hour cooking classes for a minimum of four people, as well as private cooking classes. The classes begin with a tour of the fields under cultivation, where you gather fresh ingredients before heading for the outdoor kitchen with a mesquite-fired stone oven to prepare a four-course meal, guided by the chefs.

Further foodie appeal An organic market runs from Monday to Saturday. Older children who enjoy cooking will enjoy the experience, but it’s not recommended for small children.

When to go El Festival Gastrovino (food and wine festival) in Todos Santos takes place in May. The One & Only Palmilla hosts an annual Mexican Culinary Festival in November. The weather is at its most pleasant from October to May. Location San José del Cabo, Los Cabos, Mexico Contact info@huertalostamarindos.com or visit huertalostamarindos.com

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resource

asia

experience authentic shanghai Together with the five-star hotel’s Chinese chef, you prepare authentic dishes from China.

During the hands-on cooking lessons you are introduced to the exotic combination of ingredients and techniques that exemplify traditional Chinese cuisine. Some of the dishes you make include Sichuan-style braised Mandarin fish in a reduced spicy sauce, stir-fried shrimp with hairy crab meat, Xinjiang-style braised chicken with vegetables in spicy sauce, Madam Song’s hot and sour fish soup, lemon chicken with almond crust and pomelo fruit and razor clam stir-fried with ginger and spring onion. Itineraries are tailor-made to design a culinary holiday suited to each family’s taste and preference.

Further foodie appeal The package allows you to encounter real city living in China: you’ll bargain like a local, visit markets, eat and cook with locals, and head off the beaten track for a real insider view of Shanghai.

For the children As classes are private you can book for your family group and the Gourmet on Tour team create an itinerary for you of any duration. Babysitters can be arranged.

When to go From March to May it’s spring time.

Location In a newly renovated studio kitchen in a traditional Chinese house in central Shanghai, situated in the former French Concession Contact info@gourmetontour.com or visit gourmetontour.com

europe

escape to provence Stay in a French château in the heart of Provence, nestled among olive trees, thyme and rosemary where you can indulge in a feast of local flavours. Fresh produce from the château’s organic gardens and local market delicacies is transformed into gourmet dishes. Cooking experiences are tailor-made and menus can be designed according to your preferences: Provençal cooking, spices, Mediterranean cuisine, healthy cooking or vegetarian.

Further foodie appeal Meals are enjoyed on the terrace, in the shade of a pergola.

For the children There are large grounds, bikes, a pool, tennis and more at the château.

Babysitting services can be arranged.

When to go May and June are hot, but not uncomfortable.

Location Between Nice and Marseille near Lorgues Contact info@gourmetontour.com or visit gourmetontour.com

Escape to a château in Provence

pasta and gelato in italy These cooking tours are a favourite with families. Everyone participates in hands-on cooking, making pizza, pasta, gelato and other traditional foods, and then dine together, enjoying what they made in class. Vegetarian and special dietary requests can be accommodated. Children learn about the healthy Mediterranean diet, enjoy local regional cuisine and make new friends. Tours run in Positano, which include a boat trip to the Blue Grotto and Pompeii, and an excursion to Amalfi and Ravello; in Rome with a tour of the Vatican, the Colosseum and the Pantheon; and lastly to Florence in Tuscany, with visits to the Uffizi and Palazzo Vecchio, and with horseback riding.

Further foodie appeal There are plenty of one-day classes, so you can combine several venues on your trip.

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Family cooking tours in Italy

For the children Family cooking tours place children into various age groups. Children are also grouped according to their level and food allergies. Childcare services are available.

When to go April and May are popular and not too expensive.

Location All over Italy Contact info@cooking-vacations.com or visit cooking-vacations.com

south africa

italian creations in a country kitchen The themed Italian cooking classes, presented by restaurateur, Miki Ciman, include making pasta, pizza, artisanal bread or, more specifically, gnocchi. Classes are intimate, hands-on, fun and sociable. They begin with a glass of wine or juice, and a little chat about what will be covered. After class, the group shares a meal of what was made in the kitchen, and recipes and notes are circulated.

Further foodie appeal La Masseria Italian Country Kitchen and Deli offers cheese making courses presented by Miki, a cheesemaker with over 40 years’ experience. A salumeria (charcuterie) workshop is offered in winter and is presented by Lorenzo Ciman, a former pig farmer with more than 50 years’ experience in processing artisanal pork products.

For the children They learn to make pizza.

Location R44, Stellenbosch (opposite Mooiberge Farmstall) Contact 021 881 3654, info@lamasseria.co.za, agrilamasseria@gmail.com or visit lamasseria.co.za

among the olives Orchards Cooking School is situated on a farm, nestled in a beautiful olive grove, which is run by experienced restaurateur John Haddad. You can choose from a day, evening or weekend course, which is designed for any level of cooking ability. Each course involves a hands-on approach as well as practical tips and demonstrations.

Choose from Italian, Middle Eastern, Lebanese, Mediterranean and more. They keep classes small, between six and 10 people, to allow for a more interactive experience.

The spacious country house on the farm, which can be rented out for a minimum of two nights, is perfect for families to spend the weekend. As an extension, Tulbagh offers some wonderful horse trails, hiking and cycling routes, and the Ceres Zipslide is a short drive away.

Further foodie appeal Tulbagh’s culinary activities include olive and wine tasting, and chocolate tasting.

For the children They tailor-make cooking classes to suit the group. They can arrange a babysitter for you, and there is fishing, swimming in the dam and space to play and climb trees on the farm.

Location Odessa Farm, in the secluded valley of Tulbagh Contact 023 230 0480, 082 345 2258, orchards2@gmail.com or visit odessafarm.com

culinary side of the karoo The cooking school has been kitted out with a new, well-equipped culinary hall within a restored heritage building. The property also has an olive orchard, vegetable and herb garden and swimming pool. Stay in individual cottages in town, which have been restored to maintain their charm and authenticity. The Art of Charcuterie with Richard Bosman is a set course offered throughout the year and African Relish also offers a plethora of courses that you can book any time. You work with local produce.

Further foodie appeal Prince Albert offers wine tasting, a fig tour, cheese tasting and a Saturday market. There is also a five-day Gourmet Cycle Tour, which includes wine magazine joburg

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resource tasting, early morning cycles, cooking sessions, a village ramble, dinners, breakfast in the veld, a tour of the valley called The Hell, a visit to a morning market, an astronomy talk and stargazing. African Relish Recreational Cooking School also has a themed cuisine dining option where you enjoy a set menu in a casual, relaxed setting. Communal tables make for a welcoming atmosphere to make new friends.

For the children Any of the courses can be adapted to work for families with children from six years old. Families can book separately and request to do private classes. Cooking aside, children can go on a ghost and botanical walk and rent bikes.

Location 34 Church St, Prince Albert Contact 023 541 1381, 072 582 8749, virna@africanrelish.com or visit africanrelish.com Tantallon Guesthouse and Cookery Studio

farmstyle breadmaking Bread & Wine Restaurant offers a two-hour bread making course. On arrival you receive your own apron and ingredients to make focaccia and sourdough. While your breads are baking you are sent off to taste various wines. A light lunch is served with some of the baked breads created on the day. An ideal size for the group is six to 16 people. Children under 12 years old need to be accompanied by an adult.

Further foodie appeal The town of Franschhoek, a culinary capital of the Western Cape, is nearby.

For the children Bread & Wine offers a bread making course for children. Hands-on, working in pairs and with a bit of guidance, children make focaccia and olive oil brown dough. They fill, twist and shape the different breads and take home whatever they bake.

For lunch they roll out and top their own pizzas.

Location Môreson Wine Farm, Happy Valley Rd, Franschhoek Contact 021 876 4004, breadandwine@moreson.co.za or visit moreson.co.za

sharing the kitchen with a cordon bleu chef PS Cooking School’s onsite cordon bleu chef, Adrienne, offers hands-on classes or demonstrations in the farmhouse kitchen. Contact the Hilston Guest Farm to request that they put together a class for you or choose from a list of cooking courses that teach you to make Karoo lamb and venison pie, pasta and the sauces to go with it, Karoo lamb with a Moroccan twist, or how to work with Indian spices and French cooking. Accommodation is offered in two cottages on the farm.

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in the heart of the KZN Midlands

Further foodie appeal There is very little you need to bring once you’re on the farm. Their picnic by the Great Brak River is very popular.

For the children The sweet making course is a hit with children, where Adrienne teaches them how to make fudge, peanut brittle, meringues, coconut ice or nougat. Children are allowed to get involved in farm life – chase the cows, help shear the sheep and collect freshly laid eggs on the farm. They can also explore on their bicycles.

Location Situated halfway between Middelburg and Steynsburg in the Eastern Cape on the R56 Contact 082 322 4403, info@hillstonfarm.co.za or visit hillstonfarm.co.za

hamlet retreat If you’re staying in the KZN Midlands you can book an art and food experience for your family at Aladdin’s. With the two-hour cook-off experience, mystery ingredients are provided and teams formed to compete against each other to prepare dishes. A culinary skill is demonstrated, which needs to be used in one of the dishes prepared. You can also book a two-hour pottery workshop, as well as a five-day Midlands pottery, food and art adventure. This is for adults, but children over 14 can attend.

Further foodie appeal The Midlands is an area rich in local producers, markets, wine merchants and cheese makers.

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For the children Rent a bike (for all ages), safety gear, order a picnic, and explore the country roads.

Location 2 Robin Rd, Nottingham Road, KZN Midlands Contact 033 266 6460, info@aladdins.co.za or visit aladdins.co.za

March, take part in the festivities during the annual Kiwi Festival in May, and visit the nearby attractions that include canopy tours, horse riding, mountain bike trails and fishing.

Location Houtbosdorp Rd, Magoebaskloof; approximately 5 hours from Joburg Contact 082 903 7593, info@kuhestan.co.za or visit kuhestan.co.za

bake and meander

time out in the country

Cook with your children or leave them to cook, bake and have fun at Tantallon Guesthouse and Cookery Studio, while you relax or enjoy the meander. There are mother-and-daughter cooking classes, baking and cooking holiday programmes for children four to 13 years old and hands-on cooking experiences for adults. Cooking and baking classes are three hours long, but can be custom-made and children can be supervised. During the July holidays, children can join WESSA in the morning in Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve for an environmental holiday programme, followed by lunch and cooking.

Further foodie appeal They can advise you on healthy eating and provide you with a tailor-made eating plan.

For the children In the area you can also find the Karkloof Market, the Howick Falls Craft Market, Lions River Foodie Market and Karkloof Canopy Tours.

Location Howick, KZN Midlands Contact 084 753 2125 or visit tantallonguesthouse.com

Try your hand at country cooking in the Naauwpoort Valley at the foot of the Magaliesberg mountain range. Puschka Organic Farm offers one-day classes as well as weekend-long cooking classes. They bring in qualified chefs to give you the low-down on the dishes you will be making and guide you every step of the way. You can join a group or book your own private class for a group of 10 people. During a weekend cooking class, you can stay over in the Puschka Cottage or Puschka House.

Further foodie appeal In winter, guests can relax in front of the wood-burning stove in the kitchen. In summer, laze on the stoep, enjoy a braai and cool down in the plunge pool.

For the children Children 10 years and older are welcome, but if you’re attending a private class the children’s ages won’t matter.

Location Off the R509, Magaliesburg; approximately 90 minutes from Joburg Contact 083 445 4710, 083 445 5058, info@puschkafarm.co.za or visit puschkafarm.co.za

mountain passes and ancient cultures Kuhestan Organic Farm, with self-catering cottages, is situated on the crest of the majestic Magoebaskloof pass in the Limpopo province. They offer a one-day programme and weekend-long Persian cooking classes. Persian dishes frequently make use of fresh green herbs, fruits such as plums, pomegranates, quince, prunes, apricots and raisins, and flavourings such as saffron, dried limes and cinnamon. Learn to cook morgh e-beryan (roast chicken with lime pickle), kuku-ye gol-e kalam (cauliflower soufflé) or khoresht-e fesenjan (pecan and pomegranate casserole with chicken). Weekend programmes include forest walks and trips to the nearby waterfall.

Further foodie appeal During a class, Shahrzad Hone, who is Persian by birth, shares her experiences with this ancient culture and its cuisine.

For the children Shahrzad recommends that children 10 years and older, with an interest in cooking, can take part. Younger children can enjoy berry picking from December to

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Cook Persian at Kuhestan Organic Farm

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books

a good read for toddlers Axel Scheffler’s Noisy Jungle: A Counting Sound Book

By Axel Scheffler

Sugarlump and the Unicorn

By Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks (Published by Macmillan Children’s Books, R136) When Sugarlump the rocking horse wishes to see the world, a magical unicorn turns him into a real horse.

But after trotting around the farm, galloping around a racetrack and even dancing at the circus, Sugarlump learns to be careful what he wishes for and realises how much he misses the children he left behind.

Luckily the unicorn has one more wish to grant.

This is the sixth title from this bestselling team, with Julia Donaldson’s popular rhythmic verse and Lydia Monks’s bright, beautiful illustrations.

dream a little dre am

Busy Beach

By Rebecca Finn (Published by Campbell Books, R81) This is a chunky board book for toddlers with something to push, pull or slide on every spread, and lots to spot and talk about. Busy Beach is one in a series of 10 board books for busy little people. With lots to see and heaps to do, children really can join in by pushing, pulling and turning all the little tabs to make the beach come to life. They can build a sand castle, kick a beach ball around and buy an ice cream. This is the perfect “toy” for toddlers who like to play with their books. Now celebrating its tenth anniversary, this is one of Campbell’s bestselling series. Other titles include Busy Playtime, Busy Builder, Busy Farm and Busy Garage.

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(Published by Campbell Books, R212) This is a big, noisy counting book, illustrated by Axel Scheffler, with six jungle animal sounds for children from the age of three. Happy hippos, gentle giraffes, lazy lions and frisky frogs are just some of the animals marching to the jungle beat in Scheffler’s wonderful, noisy jungle. With 10 animals to count and lively illustrations by the world-famous, award-winning illustrator of The Gruffalo, this is a book that children will enjoy over and over. The book makes learning to count lots of fun.

Another title in the series is Noisy Farm.

The Way Back Home

By Oliver Jeffers (Published by Harper Collins Children’s Books, R213) This is an exciting intergalactic adventure from bestseller Oliver Jeffers, creator of Lost and Found. One day a boy finds an aeroplane in his cupboard. Up, up, up and away he flies, whizzing past clouds, stars and planets until suddenly he runs out of petrol. Miles from Earth, the boy crashes into the moon, and waits there. Just as he is beginning to get cold and lonely, a friendly Martian appears from the darkness, also with a broken aircraft. Together they come up with a super plan to rescue each other.

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for preschoolers Magical Mix-Ups: Birthdays and Bridesmaids Activity Storybook

By Marnie Edwards and Leigh Hodgkinson

Monsters

By Russell Hoban and Quentin Blake

(Published by Nosy Crow, R130) This is the first book in the Magical Mix-Ups series, the sister series to the hilarious and innovative Mega Mash-Up series, which is an innovative combination of fiction and doodle books. This book needs creative minds to finish it. Princess Sapphire and the witch, Emerald, live in the mixed-up land of Mixtopia, where everything is just a little bit odd. Let’s face it, perfect princesses and scruffy witches are not usually best friends. So when there’s a terrible party muddle-up in Fairyland, Sapphire and Emerald are just the girls to lend a hand, but can they sort it out on their own? They need the reader to finish the illustrations and make the party of the year happen. Children can doodle, design and draw while you read and make Fairyland’s happy-ever-after ending come true.

The Day the Crayons Quit

By Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers

imagine this...

(Published by Harper Collins Children’s Books, R213) Debut author Drew Daywalt and international bestseller Oliver Jeffers team up to create a colourful solution to a crayon-based crisis in this playful, imaginative story that will have children from the age of three to seven years old laughing and playing with their crayons in a whole new way. Poor Duncan just wants to colour in, but when he opens his box of crayons, he only finds letters, all saying the same thing: We quit! Beige is tired of playing second fiddle to Brown, Blue needs a break from colouring in all that water, while Pink just wants to be used.

Green has no complaints, but Orange and Yellow are no longer speaking to each other. The battle lines have been drawn. What is Duncan to do?

magazine joburg

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Doodle Book

By Eric Carle (Published by Puffin Books, R128) With simple pictures of Eric Carle’s bestloved creations, including the Very Hungry Caterpillar, this book is for children from the age of five to finish and colour. The delightful doodle book will provide hours of fun for little artists, encouraging creativity and stirring the imagination. There are numbers to recognise and colour in, insects to draw, letters to recognise, patterns to follow and copy and colour matching. Children are encouraged to use bright colours and lots of imagination to complete the tasks and pictures.

(Published by Walker Books, R125) This brilliant and hilarious story for children from the age of five is back in print. Full of monsters and disbelieving grown-ups, it tells the story of John who likes to draw monsters – lots of them – red monsters, yellow monsters, scaly monsters, furry monsters, and even invisible monsters.

Nothing but monsters! His mom and dad are beginning to worry. Then one day John starts a monster drawing that fills up a whole sheet of wrapping paper, and that’s just the tip of the tail. Will this be his biggest monster ever? And how long will it remain just a drawing?

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books

for early graders Instructions

By Neil Gaiman and Charles Vess (Published by Harper Collins Children’s Books, R260) The book’s message is: trust dreams, trust your heart and trust your story. A renowned storyteller whose words have transported readers to magical realms and an acclaimed illustrator of lushly imagined fairy-tale landscapes guide a traveller safely through lands unknown, and yet strangely familiar, back home again. When the lonely traveller finds a wooden gate in a wall that has never been seen before, a mysterious adventure begins. The reader must follow the instructions through these magical, unknown lands to see if they can find their way back, and help the traveller find his home. Instructions is a guide for “explorers”, which is filled with all sorts of information about the world in which fairy tales, myths and legends exist.

Space Exploration: It is Rocket Science!

By Dan Green (Published by Kingfisher, R154) Children from the age of eight can “step into a spy suit” and zoom into the cosmos with Basher’s unique one-stop guide to space exploration. Packed with fun facts and memorable characters, this is essential reading for all budding astronauts. The experts that guide children through the book are the fiery Rocket, a speedy guy who is a blast to be around. Then there is the ever-vigilant Satellite, a tireless spy who twinkles in the night, and the intrepid Rosetta, the comet chaser and interstellar adventurer. SETI, an alien hunter who’s searching for company, also pitches in. Other books in the Basher Basics series tackle topics such as creative writing, dinosaurs, grammar, maths, music, punctuation and the weather.

Winnie Goes Wild!

By Laura Owen and Korky Paul (Published by Oxford University Press, R60) Winnie the Witch may not be an expert, but when has that ever stopped her? Here she tries her hand at a bit of detective work, attempts to earn pocket money by doing various jobs, has a go at shearing sheep, and even discovers her inner Tarzan when her broomstick is blown off course, dumping her in dense jungle. The book offers four crazily funny stories featuring everyone’s favourite witch, her big black cat, Wilbur, and a zany supporting cast of new characters. The Winnie the Witch series has sold over five million copies worldwide. Winnie Young Fiction is perfect for children who have grown up with the picture books and are now ready to share longer stories about a favourite, familiar character.

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July 2014

Poo! What is that Smell?

By Glenn Murphy and Lorna Murphy (Published by Macmillan Children’s Books, R98) This fascinating, and very funny book, looks at the five senses. Murphy, author of the bestselling Why is Snot Green? tells you everything you’ve ever wanted to know about the five senses. Find out which animal has the biggest eyes, what’s inside your earholes, why sweaty socks smell so stinky, why sprouts and ice cream taste so different, why we can touch and feel things, which animals are the masters of disguise, how ears work (and we learn if snakes have ears), what’s the loudest animal in the world, what’s inside the human eyeball, why some smells make us sick, how bats use their ears for radar and lots more. magazine joburg

for early graders

fall-on-t he floor fun ny

The Only Child Club

By Anne Fine (Published by Walker Books, R94) Ryan wants to start an Only Child Club.

He knows that as an only child he doesn’t always have the same experiences as some of his classmates. He recruits two similarly deprived friends who join him in an experiment of constant bickering, fighting over who gets the free gift from the cereal box and spending a whole day making a model, only to have it destroyed. Having had a taste of what it’s like to have siblings, the club is happily disbanded and the trio realises that friends are nearly as good as having brothers and sisters – and often less annoying. This is a hilarious read for children from the age of five years old.

for preteens and teens

Strike of the Shark

By Bear Grylls

In Darkness

By Nick Lake

(Published by Random House Struik, R160) When Beck Granger is shipwrecked in the open seas, he needs all his survival skills to save a small group of passengers. But the sinking was no accident. In order to stay alive he’ll have to work out who wants him dead, and why. That is, if the sharks don’t get him first. Author Bear Grylls is one of the world’s most well-known adventurers.

After spending three years in the British Special Forces he set off to explore the globe in search of even bigger challenges.

He has climbed Mount Everest, crossed the Arctic in a small boat and explored deserts, jungles and swamps worldwide.

Children from the age of nine to 11 years old will enjoy this ultimate survivor and adventure series.

(Published by Bloomsbury, R144) In the aftermath of the Haitian earthquake, a boy is trapped beneath the rubble of a ruined hospital – thirsty, terrified and alone.

Shorty is a child of the slums, a teenage boy who has seen enough violence to last a lifetime, who has been inexorably drawn into the world of the gangsters who rule Site Solèy; men who dole out money with one hand and death with the other. But Shorty has a secret: a flame of revenge and a burning wish to find the twin sister he lost seven years ago. As he grows weaker, Shorty relives the journey that took him to the hospital, with a bullet wound in his arm. In his memories he hopes to find the strength to survive. This is a moving story for children from the age of 12 years old.

Darcy Burdock

By Laura Dockrill

she ha s arrived

(Published by Random House, R113) Ten-year-old Darcy Burdock is one of life’s “noticers”. Curious, smart-as-a-whip, funny and fiercely loyal, she sees the extraordinary in the everyday and the wonder in the world around her. In this first book, we are introduced to her family: Mom, Dad and little siblings Hector and Poppy. Plus there’s her non-bleating pet lamb, Lamb-Beth, and best friend, Will. Darcy learns that turning into an angrosaurus-rex just gets her into trouble; trying to run away from home with a reluctant lamb in tow leads to sore kneebows; it’s best not to throw a massive strop just before your surprise birthday party; and if she’s ever in a situation at home or at school where she’s not sure what to do, she should write a story around it and the truth will be illuminated by her imagination.

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books

for preteens and teens

parenting books sit back and rela x

From Courtrooms to Cupcakes

By Niki Malherbe

I’m Dougal Trump…

Where’s my Tarantula?

By D. Trump (Published by Macmillan Children’s Books, R94) Laugh out loud at the boy who is a bigger trouble magnet than Bart Simpson and Just William put together. This is the second instalment of Dougal Trump’s ridiculous life. “Mom,” I yelled. “Sybil, the Goliath birdeater spider, is no longer in my room.” Somebody has stolen Dougal’s tarantula, Sybil (named after his sister – they both have very hairy legs), and she is being held to ransom. Dougal must fulfil the kidnapper’s demands before poor Sybil is tortured – one leg at a time. This book for children from the age of eight to 11 years old is an enjoyable read, with plenty of humour.

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The Girl Who Fell Beneath Fairyland and Led the Revels There

By Catherynne M. Valente (Published by Macmillan Children’s Books, R201) September has longed to return to Fairyland.

And when she finally does, she learns that its inhabitants have been losing their shadows, and their magic, to the world of Fairyland Below. This underworld has a new ruler: Halloween, the Hollow Queen, who is September’s shadow. And Halloween does not want to give Fairyland’s shadows back.

Fans of Valente’s bestselling first Fairyland book will revel in the lush setting, characters and language of September’s journey in this tale, brought to life by fine artist Ana Juan.

This is an extraordinary work of fantasy for teens from the age of 13 years old.

(Published by Print on Demand, R120) When a lawyer gave birth to four children in the space of seven years, her expectations for adulthood came crashing down. She always considered herself a career-driven woman, inspired by her mother, the first female high court judge in Joburg. But now she barely has time for work. Can she feel complete, relevant and worthy as a mother without a career, or can she juggle both? As her one daughter observes, “It’s very tiring being a people, Mom.” Follow Niki Malherbe as she negotiates the terrain “from courtrooms to cupcakes” in her light-hearted yet insightful account of trying to fulfil her own expectations of what it means to be a good mother, but remaining true to herself. To order a copy of the book, email dominiquem@kingsley.co.za

Building Blocks for Good Parenting

By Anita Sinosich (Published by Western Printers, R120) Parenting remains an enormous challenge for any parent. In this book you can find the answers to big questions: What is a child’s aim with misbehaviour?; What is your understanding of discipline?; How do you manage your child’s unresolved anger?; Do you know your personal parenting style?; Do you implement the building blocks for a good relationship with your child?; and more. The book is primarily written for parents, but also for those who are involved in child education, childminders and counsellors. Many examples have been included to assist parents in understanding various points relating to the raising of children from toddler to teenager. To order a copy: 072 377 7902 or anita.deysel@gmail.com

magazine joburg

for us The Spark

By Kristine Barnett

Motoring’s Funny Bone

By Sagie Moodley

(Published by Penguin Books, R190) Kristine Barnett’s son, Jacob, has an IQ higher than Einstein and a photographic memory. At nine he developed an original theory in astrophysics that may earn a Nobel Prize. But Jake’s story is all the more remarkable because his extraordinary mind was almost lost to autism. When the experts wanted to restrict his behaviour – staring at shadows on the wall, stars and patterns – Jake withdrew into his own world. But against all advice, Kristine decided to follow Jacob’s passions – his “spark”. The results were beyond anything anyone could have imagined. Dramatic and inspiring, The Spark is about the power of love and what can happen when we tap into the true potential that lies within every child.

(Published by Pan Macmillan, R136) From how to change a tyre to the pitfalls of car insurance and from buying your first car to knowing when you are being ripped off by a mechanic, Sagie Moodley shows you how to talk the talk and walk the walk when it comes to cars. Enjoy his hilarious outlook on women and cars, learn from the chapter on the Consumer Protection Act and read more about the unending debate of whether or not all mechanics are “the spawn of the devil”. This book talks all thing cars, from pimping your ride to belligerent taxi drivers, from buying a new car to being a self-confessed petrolhead.

Redemption

By Jussi Adler-Olsen

get the entire se ries

(Published by Penguin Books, R143) Two young brothers wake up, tied and bound in a boathouse by the sea. Their kidnapper has gone, but soon he will return. Their bonds are inescapable.

But there is a bottle and tar to seal it. Paper and a splinter for writing; blood for ink. A message begging for help...

Her husband will not tell the truth: where he goes, what he does, how long he will be away. For days on end she waits and when he returns she must endure his desires, his moods, his threats. But enough is enough. She will find out the truth, no matter the cost to him – or to herself. In Copenhagen’s cold cases division, Carl Morck has received a bottle. It holds an old and decayed message, written in blood. It is a cry for help from two boys. Is it real?

Who are they and why weren’t they reported missing? Can they possibly still be alive?

magazine joburg

Another Way to Fall

By Amanda Brooke (Published by Harper Collins, R143) If you could write your own happy ending, what would you say? This is the story of Emma’s life. For three long years, she has battled with illness. Then one day Emma is told that they’ve reached the end of the road. While her family and friends are thrown into denial, anger and grief, Emma suddenly realises that with so much left undone, she must find a way to live the life she has always dreamed of. So Emma begins to write the story of the life she has always wanted to live… And as her body begins to weaken, the lines between fiction and reality start to blur. As the story gains in strength, Emma, and those who cherish her, discover that even in death, there is life.

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calendar

what’s on in july

You can also access the calendar online at

childmag.co.za

Your guide for what to do, where to go and who to see.

Compiled by SIMONE JEFFERY

31 thu

special events

48

FUN for children

50

only for parents

54

bump, baby & tot in tow

55

how to help

55

SPECIAL EVENTS Good Food and Wine Show Visit this food, wine and lifestyle expo focusing on new sensations, foraging, sustainability and world food trends.

FUN FOR CHILDREN

Disney on Ice Join Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pumbaa and their many Disney friends in celebrating 100 years of magic.

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July 2014

ONLY FOR PARENTS

Parenting 101 workshop Get valuable parenting information and advice from two experts.

bump, baby & tot in tow

Toptots term 3 Share and be part of your little one’s development while having fun with other moms.

how to help

Botshabelo’s Mandela Day campaign Help Botshabelo fill 67 square metres with donations in honour of Nelson Mandela.

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magazine joburg

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calendar

17 thursday

SPECIAL EVENTS 5 saturday Artists under the sun This outdoor exhibition celebrates its 54th run. Also 6 July.

Time: 9am–4pm. Venue: Zoo Lake, cnr Jan Smuts Ave and Westwold Way, Saxonwold.

Cost: free. Contact: 011 432 1482 or visit artistsunderthesun.co.za Stargazing and planet walk Guides take you on a planet walk followed by a laser pointer presentation on what is visible in the evening sky. Booking essential. For children 8 years and older. Time: 4pm–8pm. Venue: Kloofendal Nature Reserve, Galena Ave, Kloofendal. Cost: adults R40, pensioners and children R20, R10 per car. Contact: 082 335 1983 or visit kloofendalfriends.org.za The Sunflower Fund fun run Help raise funds by taking part in an 8km run or 5km walk. You can register on the day.

Time: 7:30am. Venue: The Brightwater Commons, Republic Rd, Randburg. Cost: adults R80, children R50, children under 6 free. Contact: 011 781 4200 or visit sunflowerfund.org.za Winter astronomy Join members of the Astronomical Society of SA for stargazing.

Time: 6pm. Venue: Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden, at the end of Malcolm Rd, Poortview, Roodepoort. Cost: adults R30–R60, children R15–R30, children under 2 free. Contact: 083 793 3013, 073 473 5375 or ella@taph.co.za

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July 2014

13 July – Annual fly-fishing competition with Sundowner Adventures

11 friday Open day at Bryanston Pre-Primary School For children from 2 years old to Grade 00. Time: 9am–2pm. Venue: Bryanston Dr, Bryanston. Cost: free. Contact: 011 463 4763 or visit bryanstonpreprimary.co.za The Taming of the Shrew St James Preparatory School is presenting William Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew. Time: 6pm–7:30pm. Venue: Jeppe High School for Boys, cnr Roberts Ave and Good Hope St, Kensington. Cost: R25. Contact: 011 618 4101/4124 or visit stjamesschool.co.za

13 sunday Mandela week at St James St James Preparatory School honours Mandela with a week of guest speakers giving talks on

democracy in South Africa. Also 14, 16 and 18 July. Time: 6pm Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 2pm–4pm Sunday. Venue: St James Preparatory School, 61 Berg St, Belgravia. Cost: free, but donations are welcome. Contact: 011 618 4101/4124 or visit stjamesschool.co.za Reeling in the big one Sundowner Adventures is holding their annual flyfishing competition, suitable for all ages.

Those who are not fishing can enjoy lunch at the lodge. Time: 6:30am–1pm.

Venue: Kloofzicht Lodge, Kromdraai Rd, R374, Muldersdrift. Cost: adults R480, children under 12 years R330, lunch for noncompetitors: adults R165, children under 12 R90. Contact: 011 315 4503, 083 414 0391 or visit sundowneradventures.co.za

Coffee and Chocolate Expo A taste extravaganza with displays of the latest technology in coffee machines, accessories, crockery and products; and demonstrations and workshops in tempering chocolate, roasting coffee beans and more. Ends 20 July.

Time: 4pm–7pm Thursday, 9:30am–7pm Friday and Saturday, 9:30am–5pm Sunday.

Venue: Montecasino, cnr William Nicol Dr and Witkoppen Rd, Fourways. Cost: adults R80–R95, children R60, children under 3 free. For more info: visit coffeechoc.co.za Turbine Art Fair A showcase of predominantly unknown and emerging artists who have produced engaging and excellent work. The fair includes interactive talks, as well as an art area and walkabouts for the children. Ends 20 July. Time: 6pm–10pm Thursday, 10am–8pm Friday, 10am–6pm Saturday, 10am–5pm Sunday.

Venue: Turbine Hall, 65 Ntemi Piliso St, Newtown. Cost: opening preview evening R300, online R55, at the door R75. For more info: visit turbineartfair.co.za

18 friday Meals in Memory Spend 67 minutes packing meals for the underprivileged. You pack enough to feed a child three meals a week for the school year. Preregister on 4 or 11 July. Time: 8am, 10am, 12pm, 2pm and 4pm. Venue: Sandton Convention Centre.

Cost: R450. Contact: 011 872 2498 or visit stophungernowsa.org

magazine joburg

Mandela Day with Little Eden

18 fri

Spend your 67 minutes with the residents of Little Eden, a registered NPO that cares for people with intellectual disabilities. Visitors are encouraged to bring donations of goods (old and new) or monetary donations. Children under 16 years old must be accompanied by a guardian. Time: 9am–3pm.

Venue: 79 Harris Ave, Edenglen.

Cost: free, donations are welcome.

Contact: 011 609 7246 or visit littleeden.org.za

19 saturday Lonehill family fun run Bring your dogs on leads and prams for a 5km or 8km run/ walk around Lonehill. Time: registration 1pm, run/walk 2pm. Venue: Lonehill Park, Calderwood Dr. Cost: R30. Contact: 011 465 9196 or 082 560 1090 Ubambiswano Eco Ridge Trail Join the children of St Andrew’s School for Girls for a 12km hike on Linksfield Ridge in support of their outreach programme, Ubambiswano.

Time: from 7am. Venue: St Andrew’s Ave, Senderwood. Cost: R67. Contact: 011 453 9408 or visit standrews.co.za

22 tuesday Argentinian Cultural Week A vibrant week of art and culture, with some events extending into August and September.

The lineup includes exhibitions, creative workshops, dance performances, a theatre production and music collaborations.

Ends 26 July. Time: varies. Venue: varies across Joburg. Cost: varies. For more info, contact: christabel@buz.co.za or visit embassyofargentina.co.za

International Self-Care Day This is the ideal opportunity to take care of your and your family’s health by giving your medicine cabinet a health check. Visit the 24/7 Medicine Cabinet Checklist for a list of over-the-counter medicines and healthcare products that you should have. For more info: visit selfcare247.co.za

Parkhurst Village Fair The fair showcases and celebrates what makes Parkhurst unique, with exhibitors focusing on cycling, responsible living, Joburg, community and family. Time: 10am–4pm.

Venue: Verity Park, 6th Ave, Parkhurst. Cost: free entry. Contact: 082 889 5399 or visit parkhurstvillagefair.com

26 saturday

27 sunday

Kids Fundamentals MTB skills clinic This clinic is aimed at entrenching safety, bicycle control and respect for the bike.

For children 2–14 years old. Time: 10am.

Venue: The Big Red Barn, cnr Nelson Rd and Glen Rd, Sunlawns, Olifantsfontein.

Cost: R250 (pre-entry only). Contact: 083 326 6721, kirsty@like2bike.co.za or visit like2bike.co.za

Benoni Art Route Twenty artists have joined together to form an art route that meanders past the lakes of Benoni. The route is available on their website. Time: 10am–4pm. Venue: varies across Benoni.

Cost: free. Contact: 084 581 6340 or visit benoniartroute.co.za Discovery 702 Walk the Talk This popular walk follows a brand new 20km route to mark South Africa’s 20 years of democracy. There is a 5km and 8km route. Time: from 6:30am. Venue: Marks Park Sports Club, Emmarentia. Cost: varies. To register and for more info: visit walkthetalk.co.za Me-Nuts Like2Bike cycling series Children have the option to take part in a 2,5km or 12km cycle, or a duathlon consisting of a 1km or 2km run followed by a 6km or 12km cycle. This is the fourth event out of a series of six. For children 2–14 years old. Time: 10am. Venue: The Big Red Barn, Sunlawns, Olifantsfontein. Cost: R110 pre-entry, R120 on the day. Contact: 083 326 6721 or visit like2bike.co.za

24 thursday WODAC Pet Expo The world of dogs and cats has something for everyone. Ends 20 July. Time: 9am–6pm. Venue: Gallagher Convention Centre, 19 Richard Dr, Midrand.

Cost: R40–R85. Tickets are available at the door or through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit dogscats.co.za

magazine joburg

For the love of nature A garden show featuring the SANBI Kirstenbosch South Africa 2014 Chelsea Flower Show exhibit from London. Ends 31 August. Time: 9am–5pm. Venue: Garden World, Beyers Naudé Dr, Muldersdrift. Cost: R30. Contact: 011 957 2545 or visit gardenworld.co.za

18 July – Enter the world of cats and dogs at the WODAC Pet Expo

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27 July – Youth Orchestra Festival

Youth Orchestra Festival Five youth orchestras from Gauteng and the North West province each present a short programme before coming together to perform under the baton of conductor Richard Cock. Time: 2:30pm–5pm. Venue: Linder Auditorium, Wits Education Campus, 27 St Andrews Rd, Parktown. Cost: R50.

Contact: 011 484 1257 or visit jyoc.org.za

31 thursday Good Food and Wine Show A food, wine and lifestyle expo focusing on new sensations, foraging, sustainability and world food trends. Discover the latest trends and tips from the world of food, and bring your children to see celebrity chefs in action and meet Kitchen and Cake Boss, Buddy Valastro.

Ends 3 August. Time: 10am–7pm Friday and Saturday, 10am–6pm Sunday. Venue: CocaCola Dome, cnr Northumberland Rd and Olievenhout Ave, Northriding. Cost: adults R125, children under 12 R50, children under 3 free. Contact: 011 794 5800 or visit goodfoodandwineshow.co.za

FUN FOR CHILDREN art, culture and science Animation Generation 2014 competition Draw the latest alien to join the Ben 10 Omniverse. Children can submit their entries digitally on the Cartoon Network website or by post: HDI Youth Marketeers, Postnet Suite 331, Private Bag X51, Bryanston, 2021. For children 6–14 years old. Entries close 2 September. For more info: visit cartoonnetworkafrica.com/ animationgeneration Days of the Dinosaur Walk among moving, roaring, life-size dinosaurs. This exhibition features more than 45 dinosaurs and two skeletons, a 3-D cinema, excavation zone, Dino Ride and interactive area for children. 20 June–20 July. Time: 9am–8pm Monday–Thursday, 9am–9pm Friday– Sunday. Venue: Sandton Convention Centre.

Cost: adults R140, children 1–18 years old R95, children under 1 free, family of four R395. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit daysofthedinosaur.co.za Ngezinyawo – Migrant Journeys Issues surrounding migrants are addressed in this exhibition. Ends 20 July; adult talkabout 12 July; family talkabout for children 6–12

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years old (booking essential) 19 July. Time: 10am–4pm; family and adult talkabout: 12pm–1pm. Venue: Wits Art Museum, University Corner, cnr Bertha St and Jorissen St, Braamfontein. Cost: free entry. Contact: 011 717 1368, info.wam@wits.ac.za or visit facebook.com/WitsArtMuseum

classes, talks and workshops Beading workshop For children 6–10 years old. Booking essential. 19 July. Time: 10am–12pm. Venue: One10, 110 Susman Ave, Blairgowrie. Cost: R120, includes juice and a snack. Contact Bronwynne: 082 377 7159 or oneten@mweb.co.za Cool creative ceramics The studio has a wide selection of ceramics and wooden blanks that children can paint, mosaic and decorate. Children 6 years old and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Booking essential. Time: 9am–4pm Monday–Friday, 9am–2pm Saturday. Venue: Pottery Junxion, Glendower Place Shopping Centre, 99 Linksfield Rd, Dowerglen, Edenvale.

Cost: studio time R20 per hour, excluding materials. Contact: 011 453 2721 or visit potteryjunxion.co.za Palette and Paintbrush Art and craft workshops for 5–10 year olds. 1–18 July.

Space is limited. Time: 10am–12pm Tuesday–Friday. Venue: The Oak Leaf Restaurant, 61 Rivonia Rd, Sandton. Cost: R100 per session. Contact: 060 351 4158

family outings Catch your fish and eat it You can now trout fish at Huddle Park Golf Course. Once you have caught the fish you can opt to have it cleaned and packed to take home, or for an additional cost you can ask them to prepare the fish. Time: 11am–4pm, every Saturday and Sunday. Venue: Club St, Linksfield. Cost: R75 per fish, includes rod hire and bait, R50 per additional fish.

Contact: 011 640 6693, info@huddlepark. com or visit huddlepark.com DStv Kids’ Xtravaganza Children can meet Mr Maker and Ben 10, and take part in fabulous activities, face painting and other games. Mr Maker and Ben 10 perform four stage shows daily. Ben 10: 28 June–1 July, Mr Maker: 2–6 July.

Time: 9:30am–7pm. Venue: Vodaworld, Midrand. Cost: R135 for two hours. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com magazine joburg

finding nature and outdoor play Survive or race the adventure Challenge your friends to a number of physical and mental challenges. Picnic, braai facilities and swimming pools are available. Booking essential. For children 6 years and older.

Time: 9am, 12pm and 3pm, Saturday and Sunday. Venue: Pelindaba, Hartbeespoort.

Cost: adults R225, children R165. Contact: 082 895 2513 or visit surviveorrace.co.za

holiday programmes Amphibians, reptiles and mammals Montecasino Bird Gardens offers an actionpacked holiday programme that includes workshops on slithering snakes and being a bush ranger. Booking essential. For children 6–11 years old. 30 June–4 July. Time: 8:30am–2:30pm. Venue: cnr William Nicol Dr and Montecasino Boulevard, Fourways.

Cost: R120 per day. Contact: 011 511 1864 or visit montecasino.co.za Bushtrail’s holiday camp Campers take part in hikes, art, swimming, obstacle courses, baseball, clay work, cookouts, campfires, games, trail setting and more.

Booking essential. For children 6–15 years old. 28 June–5 July and 5–12 July. Venue: bus departs for Magaliesburg from Northgate Shopping Centre. Cost: R1 580, including transport. Contact: 014 577 1566 or visit bushtrails.co.za Chartwell Stables pony camp Pony camp for children 6–14 years old. 15–17 July. Time: 8:30am–4pm. Venue: Chartwell Stables, 112 Runnymead St, Fourways.

Cost: R1 200, R450 per day, includes all food, riding and craft activities. Contact: 083 500 0103, 073 279 8572 or visit chartwellstables.co.za Club-V Kids Club The programme includes art and crafts, paint-jamming, basketball, bean bag or Hula Hoop challenges, soccer shootouts and yoga. For 3–13 year olds.

Date: tbc. Time: 9am–12pm. Venue: Virgin Active Health Clubs countrywide. Cost: free for Club-V members. Contact: 0860 200 911 or visit virginactive.co.za Cooking Up a Storm A cooking and art programme with sweet and savoury recipes and a sandart activity. Booking essential. For 6–12 year olds. 4, 5, 18 and 19 July. Time: 10:30am–12:30pm. Venue: Robindale, Randburg. Cost: R250. Contact: 083 408 8802 or visit cookingupastorm.co.za CSE winter holiday cricket coaching For children 4–13 years old. 7–10 July. Time: 9am–2pm. Venue: ABSA Oval, University of Johannesburg, Melville. Cost: R600. Contact: 0861 123 273 or visit cricketschool.co.za Domestic Bliss Junior ranger day programme for children 7–13 years old.

They explore various aspects of bush life, use a compass, investigate animals and more.

11 July. Time: 8am–2pm. Venue: Domestic Bliss, 235 Jan Smuts Ave, Parktown North.

Cost: R295. Contact: 011 447 5517, 083 525 4992 or visit domesticbliss.co.za Drama Dynamics Film and stage acting workshops for 8–18 year olds. Booking essential. 1 and 2, 8 and 9 or 15 and 16 July.

Time: 9am–3pm. Venues: Barnyard Theatre Rivonia or Barnyard Theatre Parkview, Pretoria. Cost: R430. Contact: 083 609 9679 or visit dramadynamics.co.za magazine joburg

Fame Academy A musical theatre holiday workshop that includes classes in singing, acting and dancing. For children 6–16 years old. 7–12 and 14–19 July. Time: 9am–12pm. Venue: Crawford College Benmore, Waterstone Dr, off Benmore Rd, Sandton. Cost: R850 per child. Contact: 082 336 4424 or visit fameacademy.co.za Groovy Green Globe Interactive workshops and science shows. 28 June–20 July. Time: 9am–5pm Monday–Friday, 9:30am–4:30pm Saturday and Sunday. Venue: Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, cnr Miriam Makeba St and President St, Newtown. Cost: adults R20, children R10. Contact: 011 639 8400 or visit sci-bono.co.za Happy Acres holiday camp Children take part in art, crafts, hikes, games, sports, cookouts and more. For children 7–14 years old. 28 June–5 July and 5–12 July. Time: tbc. Venue: departs from the Joburg Zoo for Magaliesburg. Cost: R1 260. Contact: 083 449 5123 or visit happyacres.co.za Holiday sports clinic Experienced coaches teach children the ins and outs of cricket, soccer, touch rugby, dodgeball, tug-of-war, and more. Drinks and snacks are provided. For 5–13 year olds. 7–9 July.

Time: 8:30am–12:30pm. Venue: Montrose Primary School, 91 12th St, Parkmore. Cost: R420 for all three days. Contact: jono@ djcoaching.co.za or visit djcoaching.co.za In the Forest holiday camp Obstacle courses, races, games, crafts, swimming, hikes and more. For children 6–13 years old.

30 June–4 July, 7–11 July and 14–18 July.

Time: 7am–6pm Monday–Friday. Venue: R82/Old Vereeniging Rd, Eikenhof (transport from Sharondale Nursery, Brackenhurst).

Cost: R195 per day, R975 per week, transport R65. Contact: 076 575 8003, 076 035 4038 or visit intheforest.co.za

Croc City flyover A 150-metre zipline flies over three Nile crocodile enclosures, with crocs ranging from 1m–5m in length. Time: 9am–4:30pm daily, crocodiles are fed 2pm–2:30pm Saturday and Sunday, snake shows 11am–12pm Sunday. Venue: Croc City Crocodile and Reptile Park, cnr Cedar Rd and R114, Nietgedacht.

Cost: entry: adults R70, pensioners R60, children under 12 R50; flyover: adults R95, children under 12 R75.

Contact: 083 321 1016 or visit croccity.co.za

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30 mon

Expressions Kids Club Children take part in a range of activities, including art, drama, yoga, dance, and more.

For children 7–15 years old. 30 June–4 July. Time: 8am–1:30pm. Venue: Carlswald Valley, Midrand. Cost: tbc. Contact: 082 402 8169 or visit expressionsinfocus.co.za

ITA Tennis clinic A fun clinic for beginners and intermediate tennis players. In the event of rain they play indoor activities.

Booking essential. For children 3–16 years old. 30 June–4 July and 14–25 July. Time: 8:30am–1:30pm. Venues: 30 June–4 July: Craighall Park Tennis Club, 40 St Albans Ave, Craighall; 14–25 July: Crawford Preparatory School, Sceales Rd, Lonehill.

Cost: varies. Contact: 083 443 3391 or visit itatennis.co.za

Kamp Kwena Kids Club The programme keeps children entertained and stimulated for hours with a supervised daily activity programme. Booking essential. For 4–12 year olds; 2–3 year olds may join a morning session. 28 June–20 July. Time: half-day: 9am–1pm or 2pm–5pm, full day: 9am–5pm. Venue: Sun City Resort, Kamp Kwena Facility, Cabanas Hotel. Cost: halfday R95, full day, including lunch, R240.

Contact: 014 557 4136 or 014 557 5980

Kidz Fishing Camp Children learn to fish and take part in various other activities, including table tennis, board games, nights around the fire and canoeing. For children 7–15 years old. 1–4 and 14–17 July.

Venue: Villa Nova, Vaal River. Children are collected and dropped off in Bedfordview.

Cost: R980. Contact: 083 610 2911 or visit kidzfishingcamp.co.za Little Cooks Club Children make a variety of healthy dishes and treats. Booking essential. Boksburg branch caters to 2–15 year olds. Morningside branch caters to 7–12 year olds. Boksburg: 30 June–18 July, Morningside 1 and 3 July. Time: Boksburg: 9am–12pm and 1pm–4pm; Morningside: 9am–11:30am. Cost: varies. Contact Boksburg: 072 271 8904 or Morningside: 083 985 8080. For a branch in your area: visit littlecooksclub.co.za Minion madness with Buzz Drama An acting, dancing and singing programme for children 5–9 years old. 30 June– 3 July. A new term of weekly workshops starts 21 July, theme: outer space. Time and venue: 10am–12pm at Dance Junxion, Mall of Rosebank; 2pm–4pm at Norscot Manor Recreation Centre, Fourways.

Cost: R800, R600 per extra sibling. Contact: 011 025 2525 or visit buzzdrama.com/ holiday-courses National Children’s Theatre The programme covers theatre and acting skills, and includes songs and scenes from popular Broadway musicals. For children

7–17 years old. Theatre art training: 30 June–4 July; Broadway musical theatre: 7–11 July. Time: theatre art training: 9am–12pm; Broadway musical theatre: 9am–1:30pm. Venue: 3 Junction Ave, Parktown. Cost: R1 000 per child for the week (must enrol for the week). Contact: 011 484 1584, bookings@nctt.org.za or visit nationalchildrenstheatre.org.za Nurturing creativity Children work with crayon wax, underglazing, pottery, decoupage or ceramic painting. 1, 3, 7–11, 16 and 17 July. Time: 9am–12pm.

Venue: Seedpod Studio, Broadacres Garden Centre, cnr Cedar Rd and Valley Rd, Fourways. Cost: R220 per morning, R960 per week. Contact: 011 465 0375 or visit seedpodstudio.co.za Orange Grove aftercare and holiday centre The centre offers supervised care and fun-filled games and activities.

Space is limited. 30 June–18 July. Time: 7:30am–6pm Monday–Friday. Venue: Orange Grove. Cost: R150 per day, includes a light lunch and small snacks. Contact: 082 354 8535 Serendipity Activities include baking, art and crafts, story time, organised games and free play. For children 3–9 years old.

30 June–18 July. Time: 8:30am–12:30pm or 8:30am–4:30pm Tuesday–Friday. Venue: 48 Keyes Ave, Rosebank. Cost: half-day R150, full day R240. Contact: 011 447 7386, serendipityplay@gmail.com or visit serendipityplay.co.za

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Shepherd’s Fold Stables pony camp Spend the holidays grooming, feeding and riding ponies. Booking essential. For children 6–16 years old; 8 years and older can sleep over. 30 June–4 July (Native American theme) and 14–18 July (Wild West theme).

Time: 8am–5pm. Venue: Shepherd’s Fold Stables, 55 Sunset Dr, Elandsdrift, Lanseria.

Cost: R300 per day, R50 extra per night to sleepover. Contact: 084 220 2657 or visit shepherdsfoldstables.co.za Survival campout, level 1 Learn how to make fire using only a flint, find food and water, build shelters, make bows and arrows, go fishing, and more. For children 6–14 years old. 4–6 and 18–20 July.

Time: 4pm Friday–3pm Sunday. Venue: Kareekloof Farm, Lanseria. Cost: R750, includes food. Contact: 076 429 6739 or visit key2comms.wix.com/cashane-rangers Taste Bud Cooking Studio Hands-on cooking and baking workshops in a custombuilt studio for children. Booking essential.

For children 4–11 years old. 1–4 and 14–18 July. Time: 9am–11:30am. Venue: Taste Bud Cooking Studio, 3 Waterford Place Rd, Paulshof. Cost: R260. Contact: 071 136 1622 or visit tastebudstudio.co.za Thaba Eco Kids Club Children go on hikes and learn about survival skills, recycling ideas, culture and history, wildlife detective work, worm farming and rainwater collection. Booking essential. For children 6–12 years old. 26 June–21 July. Time: 9am–2pm Monday–Friday. Venue: Thaba

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Eco Hotel, 46 Impala Rd, Rietvlei, Joburg South. Cost: R150, excluding lunch, R200, including lunch. Contact: 011 959 0777 or visit thabahotel.co.za The Hide Out A week of fun in a bushveld garden, baking, biking, crafting and playing. Includes lunch, fruit, baking and art supplies. For children 5–10 years old.

30 June–4 July. Time: 8am–4pm. Venue: The Hide Out, 1/62 Pine Rd, Kyalami A/H. Cost: R950 per baker for the week. Contact: 072 193 3652 or visit thehideoutkyalami.co.za The Saraswati Principle Winter School Preschool children get to experience the school’s ethos and environment during two weeks filled with activities. 7–18 July. Time: 9am–2pm. Venue: The Saraswati Principle

School, 31 Elstree Ave, Glenvista. Cost: R70 per day. Contact: 084 511 0930 or visit tspschools.co.za Tots n Pots Helderkruin Hands-on cooking lessons for children. Bring a blanket to donate to Baby Moses in Helderkruin.

For children 3–12 years old. 30 June, 2, 4, 7, 9 and 11 July; term three runs 28 July– 3 October. Time: 10am–11:30am. Venue: Tots n Pots, shop 10, Kruin Centre, Banket Dr, Helderkruin. Cost: R150 per lesson, includes a snack and juice, and tea/coffee for parents, R850 per term. Contact: 082 389 1564 or visit totsnpots.com Weltevreden Park Library An interactive holiday programme suitable for children 3–13 years old. 2 July: make soccer player

finger puppets; 9 July: make a winter collage; 16 July: interactive puppet show.

Time: 10am–11am. Venue: 1203 Fern Rd, Weltevreden Park. Cost: free. Contact: 011 679 3406 or gwynethp@joburg.org.za Xstatic Dance Children learn various dance styles. For 4–12 year olds. Time: 8:30am–12pm. Venues: 30 June–4 July: Kyalami Estate, 7–11 July: Floracliff. Cost: R800 for the week. Contact: 079 497 2680 or visit xstaticdance.co.za Yeesh! Fun for kids Puppet shows, old-fashioned games, art and crafts, and chef creativity. For children 2–12 years old. 27 June–20 July. Time: 10am–5pm Tuesday–Sunday. Venue: Yeesh! Fun for kids, Woodmead Commercial Park, Waterval Crescent, Woodmead. Cost: flat rate R75.

Contact: 011 656 9669 or visit yeesh.co.za

markets

30 June–4 July and 14–18 July – Pony holiday camps at Shepherd’s Fold Stables

Books2You Book Fair There are hundreds of books for you to discover.

24 and 25 July. Time: 10am–3pm Thursday, and 7:30am–12pm Friday. Venue: Curro Serengeti, Serengeti Golf and Wildlife Estate, Kempton Park. Cost: free entry. Contact: 031 705 7744 or visit books2you.co.za In2Fresh Farmer’s Market A market with a variety of fresh food and produce, a tea garden and activities for the children: face painting and pony rides. 5 July. Time: 8am–1pm. Venue: 37 Reid Ave, Linbro Park.

Cost: free entry. Contact: 082 338 7818 or visit facebook.com/in2freshfarmersmarket

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Abseiling and caving adventure

Winter craft market and book sale Visit Linden Library’s market and book sale for local crafts and book bargains. 5 July.

Time: 9am–1pm. Venue: cnr 4th Ave and 6th St, Linden. Cost: free entry. Contact: 011 888 5685 or wendypo@joburg.org.za

on stage and screen Bieber and Buddies – Never Say Never Rock to songs such as “Boyfriend” by Justin Bieber, “Best Song Ever” by One Direction and “Roar” by Katy Perry. 19 or 26 July.

Time: 2pm. Venues: 26 July: Cresta Barnyard, Cresta Mall, Randburg; 19 July: Rivonia Barnyard, Rivonia Crossing 2, cnr Witkoppen Rd and Achter Rd, Paulshof. Cost: R90.

Contact Cresta: 011 478 5300, Rivonia: 011 234 2033 or visit barnyardtheatre.co.za Disney on Ice Join Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Pumbaa in celebrating 100 years of magic with a skating spectacular. 11–20 July. Time: varies. Venue: Coca-Cola Dome, cnr Northumberland Rd and Olievenhout Ave, Northriding. Cost: R175–R500, family packages are available. Book through Computicket: visit computicket.com Freckleface Strawberry, The Musical A fun musical with an underlying theme of bullying. Booking essential. 9 June–20 July.

Time: 9am and 11am, Monday–Saturday during the government school term; 10:30am and 2:30pm, Tuesday–Sunday during the government school holidays.

Venue: National Children’s Theatre, 3 Junction Ave, Parktown. Cost: R70– R110. Contact: 011 484 1584/5 or visit nationalchildrenstheatre.org.za Lollos 6 Lalaland Join Minki, Disco, Lollos and Lettie on a journey through space to Lalaland. The production is in Afrikaans.

26 July. Time: 10am. Venue: Mosaiek Teatro, Danielle St, Fairland. Cost: R77.

Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com My Son Pinocchio Jr The little wooden puppet must show that he is honest and unselfish before he can become a real boy. 19 May–10 August. Time: during government school terms, Monday–Friday at 9am and 11am; during government school holidays, Saturdays, public holidays and on certain Sundays: 10:30am and 2:30pm. Venue: Peoples Theatre, cnr Loveday St and Hoofd St, Joburg Theatre Complex, Braamfontein.

Cost: R70–R105. Contact: 011 403 1563/2340 or visit peoplestheatre.co.za

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Puppet shows at Kinder Theatre Puppeteer Margaret Auerbach presents Forest Adventure and The Magic Tree, two puppet shows ideal for children 3 years and older. 22 July. Puppet shows take place every Tuesday and Saturday. Time: 3:30pm.

Venue: Kinder Theatre, 39 Greenhill Rd, Emmarentia. Cost: R50. Contact: 011 646 0870 or kinderspiel@telkomsa.net The Revealers, an anti-bullying play Adapted from Doug Wilhelm’s book, the play takes place in a school where bullying is part of everyday life until three desperate victims join forces and take a stand. Booking essential. 28 July–9 August. Time: 10:30am and 2:30pm, Monday–Saturday. Venue: National Children’s Theatre, 3 Junction Ave, Parktown. Cost: R70–R110. Contact: 011 484 1584/5, bookings@nctt.org.za or visit nationalchildrenstheatre.org.za

sport and physical activities Abseiling and caving adventure Get togged up in gear and abseil in through the roof of a wild cavern before enjoying an adventure by torchlight. Booking essential. For children 8 years and older.

Time: 9am–5pm, daily. Venue: Cradle of Humankind. Cost: adults R350, children R250. Contact Sandy: 011 956 6197, 082 486 2464 or visit wildcaves.co.za Little Kickers Soccer-based programme with a focus on early learning development for children 18 months–7 years old. Time: 8am–11am, every Saturday. Venue: Indoor Sports World, 2 Malherbe St, Rynfield, Benoni. Cost: free trial class. Contact: 072 483 9972 or visit littlekickers.co.za Tap dancing Young boys and girls are taught how to tap during a 30-minute dance class. Children can use their school shoes when starting out. For children 5–7 years old. Time: 2:15pm–2:45pm, every Monday. Venue: The Art of Movement, at Greenside Clinic, 9 Gleneagles Rd, Greenside. Cost: free trial class, R660 per term. Contact: 011 880 6725, 076 686 3280 or visit theartofmovementsa.com

in acrylics, oils or watercolours. Booking essential. Time: 9am–12pm, every Tuesday.

Venue: Hartley Manor, 593 Clondyke Rd, Muldersdrift, Mogale City. Cost: R550 per month, includes refreshments. Contact: 072 577 1775 or nicoleh@rtley.co.za Courses with Domestic Bliss Have your domestic worker trained on an accredited childcare course or elementary cooking course to ensure your peace of mind when leaving your most precious possessions in your childminder’s care. The courses take place over five weekly sessions. Booking essential. Time: elementary cooking: 8:30am–2pm, every Wednesday; childcare course: 8:30am–2pm, every Thursday.

Venue: Domestic Bliss, 235 Jan Smuts Ave, Parktown North. Cost: R2 200. Contact: 011 447 5517 or visit domesticbliss.co.za EdTechTeam Summit featuring Google for Education The summit focuses on deploying, integrating, and using Google apps and other Google tools to promote student learning. For primary and high school teachers. 3 and 4 July.

Time: 7:30am–5:30pm. Venue: Dainfern College, Broadacres Dr, Fourways. Cost: tbc. For more info: visit za.gafesummit.com Experience Chelsea 2014 Join the designer of the award-winning SANBI Kirstenbosch South Africa 2014 Chelsea Flower Show exhibit, David Davidson, as he gives a slideshow presentation. Booking recommended. 25 July. Time: 9:30am.

Venue: Garden World, Beyers Naudé Dr, Muldersdrift. Cost: R80, includes refreshments and entrance to the Garden World Spring Festival. Contact: 011 957 2545 or visit gardenworld.co.za Fun With Words demonstration Parents, teachers, therapists and tutors working with children in Grade R–3 can find out more about Raising Readers’ multisensory activity kit, Fun With Words. Booking essential.

10 July. Time: 9:30am–11:30am. Venue: Sunninghill Gardens, Sunninghill. Cost: free.

Contact: marian@raisingreaders.co.za or visit raisingreaders.co.za “Living an Inspired Life” The talk focuses on the mind, body and soul of the adult, the child and the relationship between the two. For teachers and parents of 4–6 year olds. 26 July. Time: 9:30am–11:30am.

Venue: room 3, Field and Study Centre, Louis Ave, Parkmore. Cost: R250. Contact: 011 706 0413 or visit helenhansen.co Organic vegetable gardening guide Learn to create it on your rooftop, balcony or garden. Booking essential. 27 July. Time: 11am–4:30pm. Venue: Sandton. Cost: R580, includes a light lunch. Contact: sales@soughtafterseedlings.co.za or visit soughtafterseedlings.co.za

only for parents classes, talks and workshops Art classes at Hartley Manor A space for you to learn how to be creative, relax and have a little me-time. You are free to paint

19 July–26 September – Moms and Babes term 3

Parenting 101 workshop Get valuable information and advice from Nikki Bush and Dr Dereck Jackson. For parents with children in pre- and primary school. 17 July. Time: 6pm–9pm. Venue: Redhill School, 20 Summit Rd, Morningside. Cost: R250. Contact: 011 298 8567 or visit jhbchildwelfare.org.za RAVE-O evening talk A workshop for parents who want to support their child’s literacy skills in Grades 2–5. Booking essential. Evening talk: 9 July, orientation workshop: 10 July, parents’ workshop: 12 July. Time: 7pm–8pm Wednesday, 12:30pm–3:30pm Thursday, 9am–12:30pm Saturday. Venue: Bellavista School Hall, 35 Wingfield Ave, Birdhaven. Cost: evening talk R80, orientation workshop R400, parents’ workshop R250. Contact: 011 788 5454 or visit bellavistaschool.co.za

on stage and screen Monty Python’s Spamalot The play retells the legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table and features showgirls, cows, killer rabbits and French people.

11 July–10 August. Time: 8pm Tuesday– Friday, 5pm and 8:30pm Saturday, 2pm and 5pm Sunday. Venue: Joburg Theatre Complex, Braamfontein. Cost: R180– R300. Book through the Joburg Theatre: 0861 670 670 or visit joburgtheatre.com Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike This raucous and poignant smash hit

by Christopher Durang, won the Tony Award for best play in 2013. 12 July– 10 August. Time: 8pm Wednesday–Saturday, 5pm Saturday, 3pm Sunday. Venue: Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre, cnr William Nicol Dr and Witkoppen Rd, Fourways. Cost: R100–R170. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com

out and about “Esoptra” by Fiona Couldridge This solo exhibition features a series of oil paintings of foetal scans, newborns and infant mummies. 19–27 July. Time: 10am–3:30pm. Venue: Upstairs @ Bamboo, cnr 9th St and Rustenburg Rd, Melville.

Cost: free entry. Contact Fiona: 082 401 0905 or visit bamboo-online.co.za Wits Art Museum drop-in drawing Join experienced art educator Gina de Oliveira for an informal drawing lesson that focuses on WAM’s latest exhibition. 5 July.

Time: 12pm–1pm. Venue: WAM, University Corner, cnr Bertha St and Jorissen St, Braamfontein. Cost: free, but donations are welcome. Contact: 011 717 1365

support groups Cancer Buddies Newly diagnosed individuals are paired with someone who has fought and survived the same type of cancer. The one-on-one relationships inspire hope and offer the chance to share experiences and ask personal questions. Contact: 0800 033 337 or visit cancerbuddies.org.za Mom-Me Time Moms chat about life and its challenges, help and support each other, and share some laughs. 9, 12, 23 and 26 July. Time: 10am–12pm. Venue: Oageng Baby Link, 134 17th St, Linksfield. Cost: R150 per month, includes refreshments. Contact: 011 640 7170 or visit oagengbabylink.co.za magazine joburg

Multiple Sclerosis South Africa Inland branch They offer help and guidance for people suffering from multiple sclerosis.

They can assist with resources, guidance, counselling and support groups. Contact: 011 477 3540 or visit mssainland.org.za Overeaters Anonymous (OA) Members seek recovery by following a 12-step programme. Contact: 011 640 2901 or visit oa.org.za

bump, baby & Tot in tow

classes, talks and workshops Fitmommy Time: prenatal classes 9:45am–10:30am, postnatal classes, with or without your baby 10:30am–11:30am, veteran moms 5:30pm–6:30pm, every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Venue: Helderfontein Estate, Chattan Rd, Glenferness. Cost: varies. Contact: 082 895 2513 or visit fitmommy.co.za Moms and Babes term 3 A play activity programme to enhance sensory-motor learning. For babies 2–12 months old.

Term 3: 19 July–26 September. Time: varies. Venue: Sharonlea, Randburg. Cost: tbc. Contact: 082 891 7344 or numandi@ momsandbabesrandburg.co.za Toptots term 3 Share and be part of your little one’s development while having fun with other moms. For babies 3 months–4 years old. Term 3: 19 July– 20 September. Time: varies. Venue: Bryanston. Cost: tbc. Contact: 082 459 5860 or visit toptots.co.za

playtime and story time Afternoons at The Yard Relax as your children slide, swing, run and climb on the jungle gym and various other play structures. For 1–6 year olds. Time: 2pm–5pm every Tuesday and Thursday.

Venue: The Yard, 11 Meadows End, Woodmead. Cost: R30. Contact: 071 362 6796 or theyard4kids@gmail.com Parkhurst Library’s story time Children as young as 6 months old are welcome to take part in the library’s weekly story reading. Time: 3:30pm, every Monday.

Venue: cnr 5th Ave and 13th St, Parkhurst.

Cost: free. Contact: 011 788 4510

support groups Deaf Federation of South Africa For assistance, consultancy and advice.

Contact: 011 482 1610, deafeducation@ deafsa.co.za or visit deafsa.co.za

how to help Botshabelo’s Mandela Day campaign Botshabelo has marked out 67 square metres on their property, which they hope to fill with donations in honour of Nelson Mandela. They request donations of nappies, formula, nonperishable food, educational items and more. Botshabelo cares for the underprivileged in Olievenhoutbosch and surrounds. 18 July. Venue: 64 Main Rd (R55), Crowthorne, Midrand. Contact: 082 225 2625 or visit botshabelo.co.za The Topsy Foundation A registered NGO that cares for orphaned and vulnerable children in the rural communities of Mpumalanga. They are appealing for donations of stationery, educational toys (puzzles, building blocks and books), sports equipment and dress-up clothing for the primary schools, crèches and daycare centres in the rural communities. Donations can be delivered to: The Topsy Foundation offices, Ogilvy and Mather, 15 Sloane St, Bryanston or they will collect. Contact: 011 709 6806, topsyfoundation@ogilvy.co.za or visit topsy.org.za

It Starts With Me A registered nonprofit organisation that operates in Tembisa. They serve 200 nursery schools, helping them with resources and equipment needed to improve learning, food, safety and the security of the children. They would appreciate donations of blankets and children’s mattresses, food parcels, toys and stationery. Contact Lindiwe: 078 634 5941, 082 793 5803 or itstartswithme@gmail.com

don’t miss out!

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

To post an event online, visit childmag.co.za

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

childmag.co.za/resources/birthday-parties

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finishing touch

thick as thieves

l

iving away from home I’m very aware of how important family time is, and I’m keen that my son also comes to understand that – not only within his immediate family, but with his extended family members as well.

Although there are bound to be conflicts from time to time, family friendships are special as there’s a bond that’ll always exist, no matter who stole whose toy or who pushed whom. It’s the next best thing to having a brother or sister.

Growing up I was always very close to my cousins, especially since I was an only child until the age of nine. During this time, my cousins were essentially the closest thing I had to siblings. They were my best friends, my confidants, my number-one partners in crime. Most importantly, they were family. Luckily we were close in age too. We used to go on family vacations together, camping trips, sleepovers, and whenever there was a family get-together or a reunion with those living overseas, I always looked forward to our time shared together. To this day, we remain close.

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Cassandra and her son

Our son also loves to spend time with his cousins. They are inseparable. They act out stories, chase each other around, ride bikes and always have a blast. From the moment he leaves them until the time he sees them again, he’s either thinking of them or begging us to make a play date.

They’re tight. So much so, that we see them almost every weekend.

A few weeks ago we all went away for the weekend to Rooi Els. Our family from London were staying at their holiday house, so a few of us went to visit. It’s a

wonderful spot. It’s one of those places where children have visited over the years, and as a result you don’t feel the need to pad the place down or follow your little monsters around with a dustbuster. It’s very relaxed, and really is the perfect place for children and adults.

While there, the children were busy playing in a new environment and let their imaginations run wild. They had their own space equipped with bunk beds and a closet filled with old, unfamiliar toys, games, and sport and beach equipment.

It’s amazing how a cupboard filled with new and exciting things, no matter how old, can entertain a child for a whole weekend or more. So, the adults got a chance to relax, partake in adult conversations that didn’t revolve around Barney, braai and play board games. We also were able to enjoy the surroundings: the constant sound of the ocean crashing against the rocky shoreline, the beautiful sunsets, and a few relaxing strolls along the beach, while the children preferred their games, cautiously running to and from the incoming waves, and splashing through the nearby river water.

Although we weren’t there for long, we felt refreshed after the visit – craving just one more day before having to head home. Without question our son felt the same way, and was not ready to leave. But at least he had tons of fun filled with memories of time spent with his cousins, enough hopefully to create longlasting friendships.

Cassandra loves watching her son get up to mischief with his cousins, and can’t wait to see what they do next.

magazine joburg

PHOTOGRAPH: MENKE BONNEMA

A cousin can often be as close as a best friend or a sibling. CASSANDRA SHAW explains.

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