Child magazine | JHB May 2014

J O B U R G ’ S

b e s t

gu i d e

let’s

party

f o r

p a r e n t s

the ride of

their lives

one family goes to Disney World

your bumper

dealing with a

birthday guide

shy child taking the sting out of

queen

bees

should you choose your child’s friends?

www.childmag.co.za

May 2014

free

plus

health

magical themes and recipes birthday party etiquette at school

education

entertainment

Hunter House P U B L I S H IN G

We’re in a celebratory mood – we’ve turned 10 and it’s our party issue.

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

To mark the occasion, we bring you more features, more recipes, great books, something to laugh about and “the ultimate party guide” (page 32). Whether your child is celebrating at home, at school or having a mega bash, we’ve covered every party whim from baby to teenager. This issue is a keeper.

But parenting is not all fun and games, so we also explore difficult topics, such as fighting the urge to interfere in your child’s friendships (page 14), what happens when your daughter gets caught up in the manipulative world of the queen bee (page 24) and how to deal with a shy child (page 12). In this piece, Glynis Horning gives you

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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10 tips to help your child. And then we get back to celebrating with Durban resource editor Tamlyn Vincent, who shares her magical week with her four-year-old son at Disney World in Florida (page 26).

Enjoy this month’s issue and keep it close for when your child gets to wear their birthday crown and dish out the cupcakes.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there!

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

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May 2014

3

contents may 2014

16 upfront

regulars

3 a note from lisa

7 upfront with paul we should think

6 over to you readers respond 29 reader’s blog Julie Donald shares a

twice about our children walking about with expensive gadgets, says Paul Kerton

foolproof cupcake recipe

9 pregnancy news – not thinking straight Anél Lewis sheds some light

features

on momnesia or “porridge brain”

14 choosing their friends parents should think twice before interfering with their child’s choice of friends, says Gary Koen

16 party politics Cassandra Shaw chats to a few teachers to find out how they celebrate birthdays at their schools

18 creative cakes we give you party inspiration from Arina du Plessis’s latest book

24 girl world your daughter needn’t

fall victim to the queen bee’s bullying tactics, says Lucille Kemp

10 best for baby – wrap them with care Katherine Graham looks at the age-old practice of swaddling

12 dealing with difference – how to deal with a shy child there’s much parents can do to help their shy child. By Glynis Horning

32 resource – the ultimate party guide Compiled by Simone Jeffery 46 what’s on in may

26 a family fantasy Tamlyn Vincent

took her family to Disney World for her son’s fourth birthday

30 chew on this Vanessa Papas dishes

58 finishing touch Cassandra Shaw believes parents should also enjoy a good party

out the truth about processed foods

59 a good read for the whole family

health 8 mirror, mirror... when children start showing an interest in beauty routines. By Marina Zietsman

classified ads 53 family marketplace

this month’s cover images are supplied by:

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May 2014

Joburg

Cape Town

Durban

Ackermans ackermans.co.za

Claudia De Nobrega Photography claudiadenobrega.com

shutterstock.com

Pretoria

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May 2014

5

letters

loving vermin In response to your article “more than just a pet” (March 2014): leaving the pet shop with bags of compressed sawdust, rodent cubes (different to the ones you put in the roof) and an expensive cage, I muttered to myself, “All this for vermin!” Excitedly gesturing toward the contents of the little cardboard box he was clutching, my little blonde asked, “So is his name Vernon, Mom?” And so Whiskers Vernon Joubert joined our household.

Since becoming a single mom and relocating to an upstairs unit fondly referred to by me as “Freedom Flat”, we had been through a lot of ups and downs. The excitement of having a new home and a new routine had worn off and the reality of my working and the permanence of aftercare had been difficult. I’d implemented a reward chart to keep us all headed in the right direction. And that direction led us to vermin. Well, the first choice would have been a feline but the regulations of complex-living restricted us. Fish were boring and died too easily and I have a parrot named Tequila who bites with more ferocity than her namesake. So in search of something cuddlier and hardier, we chose a rat, as I have never met a goodtempered hamster.

My second little blonde was going to settle for a female fish to go with the blue male known as Seaside. He has outlived his red counterpart, Liquorice, only because he is actually the second Seaside to grace the tank… but unluckily for me, there were no females to be found,

resulting in a trip back to the rodent cages for a mouse.

My darling ignored the cute variegated specimens with the ink drop eyes and chose one of the white ones with creepy red eyes that remind me of laboratories… and it’s hello to Stuart Speedy Joubert.

As luck would have it, Stuart fits perfectly into Ben 10’s jet. Sorry Ben, your wings have been clipped. Stuart is king of the cockpit now, and boy did he make it his own. After the children were sound asleep, I found myself haunted by a pungent ammonia smell that did not seem cage-related. After an unpleasant treasure hunt I settled on the green jet. Opening the cockpit revealed the most toxic smell I’d been subjected to in years – mouse urine. While attacking the area with all of the brands of disinfectant in my possession, I wondered why this excretion has not been used in biological warfare. The toxicity of this tiny amount of fluid seems unreal and completely wasted.

Whiskers Vernon, although at least three times the size of Stuart Speedy, was not nearly as talented in the art of stench warfare.

It took some doing but the cockpit is clean and odour free – ready for Ben or Stuart to log some more frequent flyer miles. Whiskers and Stuart have settled in well. After having their cages cleaned, they spent the entire night tearing paper and rearranging their homes. I imagine they do this in quite a foul mood seeing as they have to do it on such a regular basis. But they knuckle down and get it done with their tiny paws and sharp teeth.

over to you it’s a sensitive topic In response to “spirituality and school” (April 2014): I am a mom of two school-going children and I consider myself a spiritual person, currently on my journey to reverence. But I feel that education and spiritually should be completely separate. Spirituality is a personal choice and, until you can make that choice for yourself, it is up to your parents to teach and guide you. Why then are people still putting this role into the hands of our educators? They are there to impart knowledge, not guide a child on a spiritual path.

Some schools say they are not associated with a religion, yet they still read from religious scripture at assembly and pray. If you want to teach morals and good behaviour, do it. You don’t need religion to do so.

Cheryl

apraxia awareness Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) is a disorder that seriously interferes with a child’s ability to develop clear speech. CAS makes it difficult or impossible for an affected child to plan the movement of the lips, tongue or jaw, which is needed for speech. Children with CAS generally have a good understanding of language – they know what they want to say, but have difficulty learning or carrying out the complex movements that underlie speech. Apraxia is one of the most severe childhood speech and communication disorders.

Wednesday, the 14th of May 2014 marks the second annual Apraxia Awareness Day. I want to bring awareness to our community about this speech problem

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May 2014

As much work as they are for us parents, I feel it is so important for children to grow up with pets.

The happiness they bring outweighs the extra work and smelly side effects. I was pondering this thought when my gaze settled on the packet of rodent cubes.

It read: “Rodent cubes fed to your rodent colony are an investment in the health and wellbeing of your reptiles.”

Ag, shame man.

Nicole

not just another glossy magazine We love the articles in Child magazine, not because we revel in others’ sorrow or problems, but because we learn to have patience when dealing with our struggles in raising a boy. Child magazine is not only a list of places to go to and things to buy and see with children, but a mini-book of stories on how to raise children. We do not always know where to go for help, but reading Child magazine is a primary source, and sometimes just a source of inspiration. If these folks can handle their problems, so can we. No skinny models on the front cover and no stories inside about great people doing great things, but triumphant stories about normal people overcoming their child-rearing issues. When the magazine comes out and we’ve read it from cover to cover, I make sure to take it to my paralysed mother-in-law. She loves reading it too.

Helen

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.

in children because, although there is little that is known about the disorder, and it is still very misunderstood, it has a huge impact on children and their families. Speech and communication are critical skills for young children to develop. We need to find ways of supporting affected children and their families, because speech therapy, the only proven treatment for apraxia, is quite costly and will extend over many years for these children. They must work and struggle so much more just to learn to speak, a skill that comes effortlessly to other children.

My son, Evan, was diagnosed with apraxia in 2012 when he was two and a half years old. With the speech and occupational therapy that he has been receiving since his diagnosis, he has made significant progress, from not being able to say “mommy” at age three to now speaking in excess of five words consecutively. I have teamed up with two other moms of apraxic/dyspraxic children to start creating awareness in South Africa.

We have created a Facebook page called “Apraxia Awarness South Africa” and intend to launch our website, aarsa.co.za on 14 May. Deidre Warner

online feedback In response to “being classified” I am a divorced “single father”. I find it ridiculous that our child sees his parents at times in the same place but “miles apart”. Communication of any sort is almost impossible.

Blaming is, I now understand, a fruitless emotion and will only make you bitter. I would certainly have loved for it all

to have been different, but it is not. I am trying now, as best I can, to embrace the “single parent” label. I travel abroad often with my child. I have been to Disney World in Florida and it was fantastic. This year though, for us, it’s Lapland for Christmas, just to prove once and for all, that Father Christmas really does exist. Take a trip and enjoy every moment with your children.

JH In response to “active learning” My nine-year-old daughter and I use Google to learn about things. The last topic was “different species of rhino”. We do this as a team activity, so there is never any chance of viewing inappropriate material. We used YouTube to find out how to draw Olaf from the movie Frozen, and within minutes she had drawn a good likeness. Having a tablet is like having an entire library at home – wonderful.

Heather T

erratum In the article “childhood depression” (April 2014), Linda Naidoo is credited as the director of Childline Durban.

Naidoo is in fact a former director. We apologise for any inconvenience this error might have caused. 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

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upfront with paul

with money in hand Parents should think twice about the luxuries their children leave home with, advises PAUL KERTON.

ILLUSTRATION: MARK VINCER

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f I gave your daughter, whether 10 or 17 years old, R10 000 in cash and said, “Please give this money to your mother for me,” before dropping her off at the bus stop, you would think I’d lost my mind. Nobody – not even grown-ups – carry that much cash on them. Yet every day, thousands of children are doing just that – walking around with a cellphone, tablet or laptop worth R10 000.

When the school bell rang the other day, I watched as children poured out of a typical school in a “good area”. The children were 11 to 15 years old and I’d guess that more than half of them had a very slick cellphone in their hand. One 11 year old walked past my car with the latest iPhone 5s, her eyes trancelike, fixated on

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the screen in the classic default position – totally unaware of her surroundings.

The latest iPhone 5s 64GB costs an eye-watering R15 000. Older models are between R6 000 and R8 000, and lesser brand smartphones clock in at R4 000 to R6 000. A MacBook Pro is between R13 000 and R18 000. A good tablet is approximately R5 000. These figures are astonishing.

The trouble now is that the technology is so advanced; it’s all squeezed into one hand-held unit, and mobiles are seriously expensive luxury items. We have lost the argument that they are not an integral part of our lives. Cellphones have gone from a “nice-to-have” to an “extra part of our brain”. And we are seemingly lost without them. Everybody wants to have the latest model. But not everybody can afford one,

which means that some people prefer to take everybody else’s, either for their own use, or to sell on.

Last month, for the first time in 20 years of living in South Africa, I was mugged when two guys with knives “jumped” me at a railway underpass. It was stupid of me to walk there knowing that the station staff had gone home.

They took my smartphone, but luckily I was unharmed. Just last week, however, a schoolboy had his throat slit outside a school in Somerset West for his cellphone.

Incredibly, he survived.

If it is any consolation, it is not only a South African problem, but a global one. In Syracuse, New York, cellphone thefts are up by 64% in a year and they even refer to it in street slang as “apple picking”.

Every phone has a unique ID: the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. The authorities, the phone companies and service providers could do something about it if they felt like it. They could kill the trade in second-hand phones by blocking stolen phones, immediately rendering them unusable. For instance, they could track my stolen phone right now to within 10 metres if they wanted to.

The question is, do they really want to?

And if not, why?

As cellphones become ever more sophisticated and expensive, government needs to act to force cellphone companies to respond. At the moment nobody could care less. And our children are prime targets.

Follow Paul on Twitter: @fabdad1

May 2014

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health

mirror, mirror…

Many of Hollywood’s “beautiful people” are moulded and “chipped at” to look like angelic beings. MARINA ZIETSMAN finds out what we should do when our children start showing an interest in a beauty routine.

Puberty is all about raging hormones, when common changes such as the appearance of more body hair and acne occur. These can be very embarrassing and can also come with various stigmas, but there are ways to help minimise them. skincare routine Children should start with a skincare routine at around 11 to 13 years of age when puberty sets in, recommends Lindey Visser, general manager at the International Health and Skincare Academy in Cape Town. Visser advises that children use products that are age appropriate and do not contain alcohol. They should not use soap, which is a breeding ground for bacteria. Aline Venter, training manager for the Sorbet Group, adds that “boys should definitely also start a skincare routine”. She suggests that a pubescent use a cleanser, toner, moisturiser and sunscreen daily.

“They can also exfoliate once a week and use a mask, and there is no harm in going for a facial once a month.” removal of facial and body hair If your child shows an interest in removing unsightly hair to avoid being teased by peers, it’s probably the right time to do something about it. But Dr Dagmar Whitaker, a specialist dermatologist in Cape Town, says one should probably not start hair removal before puberty. “If hair is soft and light, it is best left alone. Let girls enjoy some freedom before they get roped in by peer pressure,” she says. Waxing and

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May 2014

shaving can cause ingrown hairs, infections and unsightly scarring, says Whitaker.

The most popular hair removal method is shaving. “It is cheap, but has the highest risk of ingrown hair,” says Whitaker. It can also lead to a thickening of the hair shaft and the hair then becomes more visible than before. “Bad shaving habits can scar you for life.

It can also cause a viral infection (plane warts), which can be most unattractive, so the proper technique and hygiene is of utmost importance,” says Whitaker. She adds that hair-removal creams are gentle, but stay away if you have eczema or sensitive skin.

Venter opts for waxing as the long-term benefits are great, but this must be done professionally. Visser adds that laser therapy is the safest option, but must be done with a registered laser therapist.

Young girls should not be concerned about getting pubic hair.

“Pubic hair develops at the onset of hormonal changes, indicating the beginning of puberty. But the chances of developing ingrown hair is a lot higher when shaving the pubic area,” says Whitaker.

She adds that the area is also more prone to infections and even the development of sebaceous cysts. “If one chooses to shave pubic hair, then meticulous hygiene is imperative.”

The bottom line is to gauge what motivates this interest in hair removal. Speak to a professional to find the right method for an age-appropriate result.

other beauty treatments Spray tans are not recommended.

Spray tanning has been banned in New Jersey in the US for children under 14 years old, as DHA-exposure (DHA is present in the most effective sunless tanning products) has not been tested properly by the US Food and Drug Administration.

Pedicures and manicures are harmless, but if you do choose nail polish, use a water-based formula, as they are chemical-free.

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PHOTOGRAPH: shutterstock.com

puberty lurking

pregnancy news

not thinking straight Momnesia – myth or malaise of motherhood? ANÉL LEWIS looks at possible causes of “porridge brain” during pregnancy.

PHOTOGRAPH: shutterstock.com

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knew something was up when I found myself pushing my car key into the ticket slot at the mall’s parking pay station. I was four months pregnant, and it felt like my brain was in a thick fog. I would walk into a room and forget why I was there. And if I didn’t write it down, or put a reminder on my phone, it would be forgotten in the haze of what was once my memory. When I fell pregnant again, it was the forgetfulness that made my husband suspect another baby was on the way. But what causes this “porridge brain”, also known as pregnesia or momnesia, that so many women seem to experience during, and for some time after, their pregnancy?

While there is plenty of anecdotal evidence suggesting that it’s a very real condition, there’s no conclusive scientific evidence that it exists. In fact, a 2012 study by the Medical Research Council Unit on Anxiety and Stress Disorders at Stellenbosch University suggests that a pregnant woman becomes even more alert, as she develops a heightened sensitivity to danger.

Other studies found that lack of sleep and a shift in priorities may have something to do with the memory lapses.

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Louann Brizendine, director of the Women’s Mood and Hormone Clinic at the University of California, says the upsurge in progesterone and oestrogen can affect the neurons in the brain. The rush of oxytocin when a woman gives birth also affects the brain’s functioning, which could explain why the brain fog tends to linger after birth.

Then there’s the evolution argument – that women simply develop temporary memory loss so that they can focus on their pregnancy and child.

The American Psychological Association concluded that while pregnancy may have some mild effects on cognitive functioning, it was actually the expectation or stereotype that pregnant women are a bit addled that makes them think they have pregnesia. I’m sure the many new mothers who’ve found their TV remote in the fridge, or left the house wearing a face mask, would strongly disagree.

Despite what the science says, the good news is that momnesia is not permanent, and within a year you should be back to your lucid self again.

in the meantime write it down – phone numbers, special dates and things you need to buy for your baby set reminders on your phone or computer to alert you store your car keys and wallet in a conveniently placed bowl so you know where to find them don’t procrastinate – the quicker you do something the less likely you are to forget about it use timers when cooking

you’re not alone • Nikki Homann of Cape Town says: “I was shopping for fabric softener and I saw those dryer sheets that you can use in the tumble dryer instead of putting softener in the washing machine, and thought I would try them. I got home, and took the box of dryer sheets through to the laundry… at which point I remembered that we didn’t own a tumble dryer.”

• Georgia Millad, also from Cape Town, recalls how she unwittingly started putting items into someone else’s trolley while shopping. When she realised her mistake, she abandoned the trolley and “made a dash for it”.

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best for baby

wrap them with care Mothers have been doing it for centuries, yet the age-old practice of swaddling

ll eyes were on the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge when they first appeared in public with their baby – not only because it was the world’s first glimpse of him, but because he was seen swaddled. A favourite among nurses and nannies for lulling babies to sleep, swaddling has recently lost some of its lustre due to the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and hip dysplasia.

Proponents say that swaddling soothes babies and helps them sleep longer – especially if they suffer from colic. “Studies have shown that babies have more coordinated sucks and swallows when they are swaddled,” says Richardson, “so if your baby is a fussy feeder, keep him swaddled for the duration of the feed.”

risks benefits “Swaddling is the best way to imitate the tight hug of the womb environment,” says Ann Richardson, co-author of Baby Sense.

“It provides deep-touch pressure and prevents your baby’s limbs from shooting out in a startle reflex – a common cause of night wakings.”

Other experts agree. Registered nurse Cindy Homewood of the Bowwood Baby Clinic says the practice is very common in South Africa and for good reason. “Swaddling provides babies with the comfort, security and warmth they need,” she says.

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If you do decide to swaddle, it’s crucial that you do so correctly. Always place a swaddled baby on his back in the cot, never face down, to avoid the risk of SIDS. It’s also important not to wrap his legs straight. There should be enough room at the bottom of the blanket for him to bend his legs. “Improper swaddling by tightly wrapping your baby’s legs down straight may loosen the joints and damage the soft cartilage of the hip sockets, leading to hip dysplasia,” cautions Richardson.

Another risk is overheating. Make sure the blanket is 100% cotton and avoid

using polyester or polar fleece wraps. If it’s hot, use a light muslin cloth so your baby remains cool.

“It’s important that the swaddling blanket should keep the baby’s hands near his face in order to be able to soothe himself by sucking,” adds Homewood.

“Previously the baby’s arms were pinned down at his sides or across his chest, which was frustrating. Another method of swaddling could be under his arms across his chest, therefore leaving his arms free.”

Your baby will be ready to stop being swaddled between six and 12 months. “It’s a very individual decision as each child develops at his own pace,” comments Homewood. “Once the baby’s neurological system matures, he may not need the boundaries that swaddling provides.”

Whether you use a cotton blanket or a custom-made swaddle, the benefits of swaddling are known. Any technique that helps your baby sleep better is worth considering, as long as you are mindful of the risks.

how to swaddle 1 Lie the blanket diagonally with the top corner folded over.

Place the baby on the blanket with her hands close together in the midline near her mouth.

2 Wrap one side of the blanket across her body and tuck it in under her back and legs.

3 Fold the bottom end of the blanket up and tuck under the baby’s uncovered shoulder.

Ensure enough room for her legs to move and bend.

4 Wrap the other side of the blanket over the opposite shoulder and tuck in around her body.

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PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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is not without its detractors. KATHERINE GRAHAM investigates why.

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May 2014

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dealing with difference

how to deal with a

shy child

Shyness can hold a child back in our outgoing culture, but there’s much you can do to help. By GLYNIS HORNING

be professionally assessed and treated as early as possible.

They generally respond well to cognitive behavioural therapy that progressively exposes them to social situations.

“Medication is usually not as successful, and should only be given when the anxiety is overwhelming and therapy is not producing success on its own,” says Ladikos.

Most children, however, require only guidance and patience, outgrowing their shyness as they mature and acquire better social skills. There’s much parents can do to help. refrain “Calling a child ‘shy’ encourages them to define themselves that way and resist change,” says Patricia Tau, an educational psychologist at Sunshine Hospital in Benoni and Dalpark 6 in Brakpan. Rather tell them and other people that they can be “a bit reserved at first” but will “soon warm up”, she advises. nurture Noticing a child’s needs from babyhood and responding to them teaches them to trust and feel secure, says Tau. Also, expose them early to the care of loving others, from relatives to baby-sitters, so they learn to trust them, says Ladikos.

unpacking the problem Being shy is not a fault, it’s largely a personality trait – part of being an introvert, says Pretoria psychiatrist Dr Annemarie Potgieter. In some cases it may be linked to a traumatic event or to life experiences, such as Janine’s.

These children feel awkward in social situations, but once they become desensitised to them they usually relax, says child psychiatrist Dr Androula Ladikos, also from Pretoria.

It’s only when they don’t, and extreme embarrassment or fear prevents them from socialising, that they need professional help. They may have an anxiety disorder or social phobia (though this usually shows up only in adolescence), or Asperger’s syndrome (an autism spectrum disorder that makes social interaction difficult). The causes are complex and unclear, and some researchers suggest they may include genetic factors or a chemical imbalance in the brain, but there is not enough proof of this, says Ladikos: “It’s rather a temperament trait.”

Left untreated, acute shyness can restrict a child’s social development and education and impact their work and personal lives. It can even trigger co-morbid conditions, such as depression. “The low self-esteem that often goes with it may also predispose youngsters to substance abuse,” says Ladikos. These children need to

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empathise Acknowledging how they feel without criticising builds confidence: “I know it can feel a bit scary starting a conversation with someone you don’t know, but that’s how I’ve made all my friends.” Pushing them builds resistance: “Go on, don’t be silly, Mr X won’t bite!” Many parents need to be taught to resist the urge to say such things, says Tau. encourage “Encouraging and supportive parenting, where you allow a child to do things on their own without constantly correcting them, builds self-esteem, as opposed to controlled parenting,” says Ladikos. Also, help them to identify talents and interests that make them feel special, and develop them. “It gives them things to share with others, making it easier to connect,” says Tau. model Children learn most from watching us and rolemodelling, says Ladikos. Smiling readily and making eye contact with others, greeting them, paying compliments, and chatting casually with check-out staff and car guards can all help foster a relaxed attitude to social interactions and teach your child social skills. “Also model tolerance, respect and forgiveness, as it teaches them that they don’t need to be perfect,” says Tau.

facilitate Create opportunities for your child to socialise safely, stretching them slowly – from having one child over to play a few times, to having them visit that child, Tau suggests. Involve them in sport and cultural activities that interest them, from soccer to choirs, and remind teachers to involve them in class activities. role play Ask what situations your child struggles with and act them out, from breaking into a play group to answering questions in class or coping with party nerves: “How would it be if you help serve the eats?” Also practise basic social skills, such as introductions, handshakes and making conversation. Suggest questions they can ask, says Ladikos. respect Don’t put the child on the spot: “Go on, sing for your aunt. You do it so well.” Ask them in advance and accept it if they decline, says Ladikos. Not all children are born performers. applaud Praise every attempt they make to socialise on their own, says Tau: “I know it wasn’t easy asking Siyabonga to play, but you’ll have fun. Well done.” Also teach them that failure is okay. It provides the feedback we need to grow. step back Whatever you do, don’t constantly speak for your child. It can be tempting when they’re shy, especially if you’re an extrovert. If someone addresses them, give them time to answer for themselves, Tau says, otherwise you are signalling that you don’t have confidence in them and could be keeping them from developing the very communication skills you want them to have. * Names withheld for privacy

don’t shy away ost children outgrow shyness, but get M professional help if your child: • avoids eye contact and interaction; • is socially isolated; • has learning or behavioural problems; • leaves others feeling uncomfortable in their presence and • has a family history of anxiety disorders, depression or substance abuse.

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PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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ost of us have experienced shyness – arriving at a dinner party where we don’t know a soul or facing a first day at work. We also know how important it is to be able to handle such situations and make social connections comfortably. So, having a child who clams up in company and clings, or who mumbles monosyllabic replies and retreats, can be disturbing. “My daughter would rather sit alone than make conversation with other children,” says Durban bookkeeper Janine* of her 11 year old. “At the school gala she was on tenterhooks wondering when she was going to be called to swim, but too shy to ask her teachers or her team-mates, who weren’t in her grade. She discovered afterwards she was just a reserve so she’d suffered for nothing.”

Janine understands her daughter’s shyness – she experienced it herself as a child. “My dad died when I was five and my mom moved around, so we often changed schools and homes. I remember sitting at school with everyone talking around me and not feeling comfortable.

I preferred to be on my own. I eventually got over it, but I don’t want that for my child.”

magazine joburg

May 2014

13

parenting

choosing their friends We want to nurture and protect our children as much as we can, but we can’t live their lives for them.

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but none of it will really amount to anything if your child is unable to relate properly to themselves or to others. In many ways, these activities are largely secondary. The goal is to meet and make new friends, to share new experiences and to find out more about themselves. Parents have a vital role to play in teaching their children how to make choices, but that role does not extend to making those choices for them. That defeats the purpose of developing their ability to choose wisely. While it remains the parents’ responsibility to shield their children from destructive, harmful or threatening influences, which can include some of the friends they make, parents need to be cautious that they don’t dictate who their children’s friends should be.

learning to stand Most parents would agree that it’s their duty to nurture and protect their children. However, an equally important task is teaching them how to stand on their own two feet. Children do not naturally know how to look after themselves. The only way they are going to learn is by practice, before the real separation starts to happen when they are teenagers. Seven to 12 year olds are in the safest, most golden childhood years. This period of time in your child’s life is known as the “latency years” and is often misrepresented as a dormant phase during which nothing of great importance happens to them developmentally.

This is simply not true.

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PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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hen signing our children up to do swimming, cricket, horse riding, cooking, dancing, music or tapestry lessons, we tend to forget why we help them acquire these skills in the first place. The main reason is to help them develop into grown-ups who will one day leave home to pursue happy, successful lives of their own. Whether or not these lives will include their parents is largely dependent upon the parents’ ability to listen and talk to their children while they are growing up.

Parents who get this right will hopefully build a relationship with their children that will last a lifetime.

Having a child with a range of different skills, abilities and plenty of hobbies and pastimes may be laudable,

GARY KOEN explains.

Describing these years as “latent” is apt, because something is definitely happening to them beneath the surface. Children of this age group are sufficiently independent to be able to view and appreciate the outside world, yet they are still close enough to their families to feel safe and protected. During this time a wonderful blurring of boundaries occurs between themselves and this outside world, which is social and concrete and filled with so many more “things”. It is a truly delightful time as your child begins to discover, not only how they are able to engage with and influence the outside world, but also how the outside world can enrich their own internal life. It’s a time of great curiosity and learning when children acquire and put into practice all the skills they will need when faced with the challenges of real interpersonal relationships.

During these years children need to be encouraged to identify and to act on their own needs and to discover their own power to fulfil them. This is a time to feel proud of themselves for trying something new, for joining in, for participating, for sharing and for appreciating their own abilities as well as those of others. All of these experiences will constellate and provide them with an anchor and a sense of direction.

It is our hope for our children that they will start to develop minds of their own, so it’s vital that we do not take up too much of their lives with our own judgements and prejudices, because this will cut right across your child’s need to work these things out by themselves.

magazine joburg

natural separation The important thing to grasp is that the only way your child is going to learn how to look after himself is by separating from his parents. The most normal, natural way of doing this is by making his own friends. Parents who have tried to dictate who their children’s friends should be will find this essential aspect of being a teenager very threatening.

They will end up feeling betrayed by their child’s natural need to separate and may even seek to undermine

It is during this time that children acquire and put into practice all the skills they will need when faced with the challenges of real interpersonal relationships. the appeal of the group. Some parents may even be secretly pleased when their children suffer setbacks and disappointments with their chosen circle of friends.

They welcome the opportunity to expose the group as harmful and dangerous, and never hesitate to remind their teenager that their family must always come first.

A teenager will become very anxious, resentful and even fearful if the message they receive is to choose between their friends and their family. If they are threatened

with being cut off from their family for making the “wrong” choice or they are told that their family can’t survive without them, this can severely cut across a teenager’s natural need to develop into a grown-up.

If you have provided your child with a solid and safe family experience, it’s not necessary to remind them of the importance of their family. They will instinctively know and understand this. But the importance of family will be measured by how successful you are at helping your teenager grow and develop a separate and fulfilling life of their own. After all, how is your son or daughter ever supposed to start a family of their own if they are never allowed to separate from their own parents?

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

May 2014

15

education

party politics There’s a lot to think about when planning a birthday celebration at school. CASSANDRA SHAW gives advice.

ask first While some schools celebrate birthdays in the classroom, others might not. So it’s important to contact your child’s school about their party policies. If they allow small celebrations, check if they have any limitations. Hawa Tayob from Elf Montessori Teacher Training says that they advise their educators to limit what parents can bring into the classroom so they don’t feel like it’s a competition. She feels that it’s important not to make parents with financial restraints feel uncomfortable and pressurised.

every school celebrates their own way

longer be “cool”. To spare yourself, and your child, any embarrassment, why don’t you get your child to bake and bring in the cupcakes themselves? Liz says that’s what some of her Grade 7 to Grade 9 students do as most parents stop bringing things in once their children get to Grade 5 or 6.

special diets and allergies If you’re thinking of bringing something to eat, it’s a good idea to contact the school about their policies on allergies, as well as if there are any children with allergies or specific diets in your child’s class. Make your plans around these rules and try your best to accommodate everyone. Sonya says that if they have a student with a particular allergy, they “would ask parents to provide a little extra for this child”. Hawa suggests bringing alternatives such as a gluten-free cake. Ann Owgan, the headmistress at Brescia House Primary School in Joburg, says to make things easier at their school, parents are able to place orders for cupcakes with the tuck shop, which can be delivered to the class the morning of the birthday.

timing The classroom schedule is very important as it gives children a sense of order and structure to their day, says Hawa.

Children seem to be more relaxed and calm if they know what to expect ahead of time. If you’re planning to bring something in, find out what time of day is best for the class.

Like in most schools, Liz says that they ask parents to bring celebration goodies in the mornings, and that the items are kept in the school kitchen until break, when they will be distributed and the children will celebrate together. Sonya says that although the younger children tend to celebrate a little longer, her Class 5 students usually spend about 15 minutes having a birthday party.

Celebrations can come in all shapes and sizes, so find out how your child’s school celebrates, and what you can do to help out.

Sonya le Roux, a Class 5 teacher at Constantia Waldorf School, says celebrations change from grade to grade.

In Class 1, a child chooses two friends to help decorate their birthday table with items that are important to the birthday extras child: a cake, as well as a handmade gift Some parents like bringing party packs or item of nature from their teacher. The to the school. Check first to make sure child is given a birthday crown and, before the school allows them. Hawa says singing a birthday song and eating cake, that some schools she consults don’t. extra tips each child whispers a special birthday It’s also wise not to fill party packs • Check if the school has plates and cutlery. If not, provide them. wish into the child’s ear. In Class 5, the with overly sugary and unhealthy foods, • T

o save costs and clean-up time, send cupcakes so only the cupcake wrappers children say aloud to the birthday child as some parents may not want their need to be dealt with. what they admire in them most. children eating them. Ann says that they • A

void a mess: make a vanilla rather than a chocolate cake, or leave out the Hawa says they advise parents to try to limit snacks with a high sugar sticky, coloured icing. participate in “The Birthday Circle” – a content, and Belinda Brinckate, head of universal Montessori celebration of the the Ashlings Phase at Ashton International birthday, which may vary slightly from College in Ballito near Durban, says school to school. It focuses on the child’s personal life journey, highlighting milestones and their parents usually only include three or four small sweets and a party favour in their experiences. Parents are asked to bring photos of their child and write what their child did party bags. or enjoyed most at each age. Once the ceremony is completed, the class sings “Happy Birthday” and the birthday child offers a cupcake to those participating in the celebration. invitations At Abeille Ruche in Cape Town, founder principal Liz Simpson says that their classes For your child’s afterschool party, it’s advisable that you hand out the party invitations with pray for the birthday child in the morning; “Happy Birthday” is sung in three languages – care. If you can’t invite the whole class, Belinda says that the best way to distribute the English, Afrikaans and isiXhosa, and cake is shared. invitations is to do so outside of the school environment. Contact the school and ask for the other parents’ details so you can email or mail the birthday invitations. Alternatively, age appropriate only invite a small portion of students, or just the boys or just the girls in the class.

Before you hit the shops, make sure you first ask your child how they feel about a party But don’t ever leave out only one or two individuals, says Liz. This could cause some at school. Once children reach a certain age, their mommy bringing in cupcakes may no hurt feelings.

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May 2014

magazine joburg

PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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child’s birthday is an event that’s jam-packed with anticipation, fun, friends, laughter and joy, but most importantly, it’s a time to celebrate. Last year I was surprised when a mother from my son’s class brought in treats and party favours to celebrate her child’s birthday at school; especially since I knew they were throwing a party the following weekend. But as the year went on, I noticed that this was commonplace.

And this year, my son’s teacher mentioned how much fun the children have celebrating their birthdays in class: they eat cake, their name gets put on the board, they sing “Happy Birthday” and take a group photo.

The more I thought about it, the more it seemed like a great way to make your child feel special on their big day, and as parents we’re always trying to find ways to make them feel good about themselves. But it’s important to remember that every school is different, and each has their own rules and ways of celebrating. So, if you’re as clueless as I was, here’s a list of things to consider when preparing for your child’s next birthday celebration at school.

magazine joburg

May 2014

17

book extract

Put your best cake forward this year with the help of Party Magic 5.

ARINA DU PLESSIS shares some decorating ideas that your children will love. building blocks block cake

All cake recipes and the icing recipe are on page 23.

step 1

Cover a cake board with paper and plastic or place the cake on a block building base. Cut the cake into squares and rectangles of different sizes – you could make more blocks than we have done here.

step 2

Ice each piece of cake with a different colour icing.

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step 3

Pile some of the smaller pieces of cake on top of the larger ones, like real building blocks. Use marshmallows for the “pegs” and ice them with the same colour butter icing.

step 4

Place sweets of the same colour on top of the iced marshmallows, leaving enough space for the birthday candles.

Decorate the cake board with building block biscuits.

magazine joburg

PHOTOGRAPHS: BERNA COETZEE / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

cake recipes

what you’ll need • 1 x slab cake • 250ml each blue, yellow and orange butter icing • white marshmallows • round blue, yellow and orange sweets with a flat top

ahoy, me hearties! pirate ship cake what you’ll need • 2 x 30cm loaf cakes • 1 x 20cm round sponge cake • 875ml white butter icing • pretzel sticks • 3 wafer biscuits • 6 red Astros • 125ml small red sweets • 4 each of blue, yellow and black Liquorice Allsorts other • kebab sticks • cotton string • 1 small plastic skull for the figurehead (available from toy and party shops) • 3 blue-and-white striped paper straws • 2 pirate flags on toothpicks • red cardboard • paper punch • 1 red-and-white checked paper serviette • double-sided tape • birthday candles

step 1 Cover a cake board with paper and plastic. Place the two loaf cakes next to each other on the board. Round off the two back corners. Cut the front into a curved point so that the cakes have a boat shape.

magazine joburg

step 2

Ice the cake with white butter icing. Cut off a piece of the sponge cake that is as long as the back of the cake and is approximately 5cm wide.

Place it on the back of the cake and secure with kebab sticks to form the cabin. Ice this with white icing too.

step 3

Push pieces of pretzel stick around the edge of the “deck”. Make a railing by winding string around the sticks. Stick two wafers on the front of the cabin and another on the bow. Put the “figurehead” in place. Push two kebab sticks into the deck for masts and slip a straw over each. Make flag poles in the same way: cut straws in half and put the flags in them.

step 4 Decorate the cake with Astros, small sweets and Liquorice Allsorts (see the photo).

Cut sails out of red cardboard and curl the edges. Punch holes in the sails and put them on the masts. Cut four double flag shapes out of the serviette, fold around the masts and flagpoles and stick in place. Push the candles into the cake.

May 2014

19

book extract

flower garden party flower-bed cake what you’ll need • 1 x 20cm round sponge cake • 100ml light pink butter icing • 750ml light green butter icing • 8–10 finger biscuits • 6 wafer biscuits • extra green food colouring • sugar flowers (available from baking shops) • brightly coloured sweets

step 1

Cover a cake board with paper and plastic. Cut the cake in half horizontally and ice the layers together with light pink butter icing.

step 2 Ice the entire cake with light green butter icing. Cut one end of the finger biscuits and stick the biscuits around the cake an equal distance 20

May 2014

apart. Cut the wafer biscuits into thin pieces, just long enough to fit between the finger biscuits. Stick the wafers in place to form a fence.

step

3

step

4

Colour the remaining green icing slightly darker. Spoon most of it into a piping tube or bag with a rosette nozzle and ice around the bottom of the cake for the grass. Then ice a square on the top of the cake to make a flower bed. Decorate the grass with a few sugar flowers.

Spoon the remaining green icing into a small plastic bag and cut off a small corner. Ice a rambling creeper pattern on the sides of the cake and use sugar flowers for the creeper’s flowers. Arrange the brightly coloured sweets in rows of the same colour to represent the flower bed. magazine joburg

let’s make music xylophone cake what you’ll need • 1 x slab cake • 180ml light pink butter icing • 125ml hundreds and thousands • 625ml white butter icing • pink musk straws • about 9 Boudoir biscuits • 300ml glaze • blue, red, yellow, pink and green food colouring • 2 white marshmallows other • 2 striped paper straws

step 1

Cover a cake board with paper and plastic. Cut a long triangle shape off the slab cake, as shown in the photograph.

The piece that remains will become the xylophone.

magazine joburg

step 2 Spread pink butter icing on the cake board and sprinkle with hundreds and thousands. Place the cake in the middle of the board and ice it with white butter icing. Arrange a row of pink musk straws along the long sides of the cake.

step 3 Divide the glaze among eight or nine bowls and colour each one a different colour. Carefully spread the glaze on the Boudoir biscuits. Stick pieces of biscuit together with butter icing to form the longer notes and leave to harden. Arrange on the cake. step 4

Cut the paper straws slightly shorter.

Make holes in the marshmallows and push the straws into them to make mallets. Place them on the cake board next to the xylophone.

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21

book extract

he scores a try! rugby stadium cake what you’ll need • 4 x 20cm round sponge cakes • 875ml light yellow butter icing • 250ml green butter icing • wafer straws • jellybeans • 4 round jelly sweets (yellow, red or pink) • 5ml cocoa powder • desiccated coconut other • 5 blue-and-white striped paper straws • toothpicks • rugby ball birthday candles (or look for mini chocolate rugby balls) • 4 small South African flags on sticks (optional)

step 1

Place one of the four cakes at one end of a rectangular board. Cut another cake into a crescent shape. Make sure your cutting line follows the curve of the whole cake, and place it against the cake on the board. Shift the cakes to the centre of the board. Place the remaining two cakes on top and cut out a rectangle from the middle.

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step 2 Use a sharp serrated knife to cut the edges where the rectangle has been cut away at an angle towards the bottom, for the rows of seating.

Trim the sides of the rest of the cake so that the top layer does not hang over the bottom. step 3 Ice the entire cake, except for the very middle where the grass will be, with light yellow butter icing. Put the green icing into a piping tube or bag with a star nozzle and pipe the rugby field in the middle of the cake. step 4

Use wafer straws to make lines on the grass.

Make goal posts from paper straws – use a toothpick to make holes in the uprights to fit the crossbars. Place the rugby ball in the middle of the field and use jellybeans for the players. Push round jelly sweets onto toothpicks and place one in each corner of the stadium for floodlights.

to complete If you are using the flags, stick them into the corners of the stadium at an angle. Mix the remaining yellow icing with the cocoa powder and use it to make the access routes to the stadium. Spread the remaining green icing on the rest of the board and sprinkle with a little coconut.

magazine joburg

slab/loaf cake makes 1 large slab cake what you’ll need • 20ml margarine • 250ml milk • 5 extra-large eggs • 375ml sugar • 580ml cake flour • 15ml baking powder • 3ml salt method Preheat the oven to 190°C. Grease a baking tin with butter, oil or spray with non-stick cooking spray. Line the tin with baking paper and grease or spray again. Bring the margarine and milk to the boil, and leave to cool. Beat the eggs well until light and add the sugar a spoonful at a time. Beat well until

butter icing makes about 500ml butter icing what you’ll need • 125g soft butter or margarine • 500ml icing sugar, sifted • 10ml vanilla essence • boiling water or lukewarm milk

magazine joburg

thick and light. (This should take about 10 minutes – the mixture is ready when it runs off the beater in a thick ribbon.)

Sift the flour, baking powder and salt together and fold into the egg mixture.

Gradually add the warm milk mixture and fold in. Pour into the prepared baking tin and smooth the top. Bake for 30 minutes until well risen and golden brown or until a cake tester inserted in the middle of the cake comes out clean. Leave to cool in the tin for a few minutes before turning out on a wire rack to cool completely. For a chocolate slab cake replace 80ml of the cake flour with cocoa powder. For two large loaf cakes, pour the batter into two greased and lined loaf tins (approximately 33cm) and bake for 35–45 minutes.

method Cream the butter or margarine and icing sugar. Beat in the vanilla essence and a little boiling water or milk to make a spreadable icing. Keep beating until the icing is light and creamy. Use as is or beat in food colouring to make coloured icing. For chocolate icing add 30ml cocoa powder to the icing sugar and slightly more boiling water or milk.

sponge cake makes 2 x 20cm sponge cakes what you’ll need • 125ml water • 125ml milk • 100ml cooking oil • 4 extra-large eggs, at room temperature • 450ml sugar • 500ml cake flour • 10ml baking powder method Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease two round or square 20cm baking tins with butter or oil, line with baking paper and grease again. Bring the water, milk and oil to the boil and remove from the heat. Beat the eggs well. Add the sugar a little at a time and keep beating until the mixture is thick and pale yellow. (This should take about 10 minutes – the mixture is ready when it runs off the beater in a thick ribbon.) Sift the flour and baking powder together and fold into the egg mixture. Add the warm milk mixture and fold in to combine. Divide between two baking tins and bake for 25 minutes until done or until a cake tester inserted in the middle of the cake comes out clean. For chocolate sponge cake replace 80ml of the cake flour with cocoa powder.

about the book Brush up on your decorating skills with the help of Arina du Plessis’ Party Magic 5. In her book, she offers parents a range of creative ideas for their children’s parties; everything from invitations and snacks to cakes and party favours.

The book has 20 themed-cake recipes with eight additional decorating ideas for cupcakes; giving you something for every taste, age group and budget.

Party Magic 5 is published by Human and Rousseau and can be found at all good book stores for R185.

May 2014

23

your child’s life

girl world The queen bee – your daughter needn’t become one nor be victim to one when you provide for

he’s no longer invited to parties, she’s on the receiving end of sarcastic comments and has been deleted from the BBM group; she’s slowly being ejected by her own friends. This was the case with Lauren, Grade 8, who was bullied by Beth, a girl she had been friends with since Grade 5. She became so depressed, as a result, that she refused to go to school.

This scenario is rife among girls at pre-adolescent age, when they are entering into “girl world”, which is often dominated by cliques led by queen bees – those girls in a position of power over their peers. Cape Town-based psychologist Mareli Fischer says queen bee behaviour is described as relational aggression, a subtle form of bullying.

Rosalind Wiseman, in her book Queen Bees and Wannabes, illustrates the problem with this remark from a 12 year old: “Yes, we’re exclusive, but it’s just popularity. I’m the queen, but I’m not mean. People exclude themselves. Nobody has the power to do that.

I’m perfect and I’m not in denial.”

From early on, Beth stood out as the leader, the trendsetter, the one with the best ideas. She also controlled all decision making for the group and would punish, ridicule or ignore anyone who disagreed with her, outshone her academically or in sport, and received too much attention from a boy. Beth decided who was allowed in the group, where they would spend break times and what kinds of activities were desirable for them to participate in. And the group fell in line.

Lauren, being more an observer than a leader, found it difficult to stand up to Beth because, while Beth railroaded everyone, being friends with her brought Lauren status, popularity and a social compass.

In an emotionally mature world, behaviour such as this carries no weight because friends value kindness and loyalty over being cool, pretty and popular. Until then, however, “friendship” with a queen bee can be devastating to your daughter – the nota-girl, not-yet-a-woman.

profiling… … the victim It can be difficult to tell when your child is being led by a queen bee because during the preteen years girls tend to be more in the presence of their friends than their parents, says Kathryn Muir, resident psychologist at a private all-girls school in Joburg. Listen to

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May 2014

magazine joburg

PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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her emotionally. By LUCILLE KEMP

your intuition. Out of her own adolescent feelings of awkwardness and ineptitude, you may sense a loss of individuality and values and an almost obsessive “needing” what a particular girl or group has. Her words are not her own and you may see her being mean or acting in a way that you never expected of her.

She may also withdraw, seem down and confused, and struggle to pinpoint situations that made her feel uncomfortable. Doubting herself is true of the girl being targeted by the queen bee. … the queen bee It’s important to note that a queen bee label is not an attack on a strong personality, but rather on bad behaviour. “There is nothing wrong with being popular, admired and socially adept; rather it becomes an issue when the particular girl uses these admirable qualities in ways that are hurtful and destructive,” points out Cape Town psychologist Gary Koen.

Although parents play a vital role in managing this issue, the classroom and playground may be the best place to gauge queen bee behaviour. Muir highlights that teachers should be alert for subtle, nonverbal behaviour such as rolling eyes, a sideways glance, a sarcastic look, turning a back on another, sending notes and excluding others. Be aware of girls who are able to persuade other girls. Muir says, “Call this behaviour inappropriate just as you would when a child swears at or hits someone.” The bullying is not as overt as it often is with boys. It is easy to miss, leaving everyone feeling confused as to what really just happened.

Listen to girls who tell you that there’s a problem; don’t dismiss it or doubt what you saw.

do as I do So, what causes your sweet girl to grow into a bully? Fischer speaks about a dysfunction in making friends, which is a developmental skill. “Today’s children grow up with fewer siblings and opportunities for unstructured play and less freedom to explore friendships than that of children a decade ago,” she says. Also, a popular parenting style today promotes a high sense of individual entitlement ahead of getting along with others. Parents often focus on their child’s academic skills and can quite easily neglect social skills, which results in a selfcentred child.

Children are quite egocentric, says Fischer, and parents are the first teachers of empathy, which is needed to successfully negotiate the many social situations they will find themselves in. Giving reasons for the rules you enforce and offering explanations for your decision making, can result in children who cooperate, share and initiate positive social connections.

“Although girls see the adult world as far removed from theirs, they’re watching us.

Model what it looks like to enjoy positive relationships, deal with conflict constructively, maintain healthy individuality and make good choices,” states Muir. By observing how you share, support and communicate respectfully with people outside your family, as opposed to disregarding them or behaving in an exclusive way, your children are likely to do the same.

Setting a good example is an unwritten rule that extends, of course, to all the adults in a child’s life. When the guidance counsellor at Lauren and Beth’s school was alerted to the bullying, she thought to take a step back and remind the girls in the grade about sisterhood and how women should collaborate with and celebrate each other.

dealing with it Take the situation seriously but deal with it calmly, showing compassion while being firm. Whether your child is the bully or the bullied, your job is to empower your child by equipping them emotionally.

“I’m going to call you on it.” Name her behaviour as you see it. “When you roll your eyes at Samantha, it’s like you’re saying ‘You’re pathetic’, and that’s not on.”

Let’s build a strong inner life. This means developing a healthy self-esteem and strong intuition. When your daughter is comfortable with who she is deep down, without feeling reliant on her looks, talent or a particular skill, she may feel more secure about her place in the world.

Confidence is your friend. Bullying ends when she takes responsibility for herself and moves away from the clique.

Behaviour you can respect. Model appropriate behaviour, especially when you feel angry, disappointed and threatened, and ensure you aren’t engaging in bullying yourself.

Don’t abuse Facebook. Monitor their social media interactions and intervene with a timeout, if needed.

“I get it.” Try to grasp your daughter’s world; ask questions and show a real interest in her experience. Don’t lecture.

“I won’t make threatening calls to the school.” Do not coerce your child into a course of action – that is no different to being the queen bee.

Talk and walk assertively. Show her she can be firm without being mean.

Express your emotions. She should express anger in a direct manner and not underhandedly.

Seek a more accepting friendship circle. Ask her to identify the characteristics of a good friend. magazine joburg

May 2014

25

getaway

a family

fantasy TAMLYN VINCENT and her family spent a week

w

e edged upwards, slowly climbing towards the peak.

We reached the top and my breath caught for an instant. We dropped.

We zoomed around a bend. We clattered through a corner. We screamed with delight. And all too soon, it ended.

“Can we go again?” pleaded four-yearold Hayden.

We went to join the queue, smiles plastered across our faces as we clambered back into the rollercoaster and climbed, white-knuckled, towards the top.

For a second, I looked out over the Magic Kingdom in Florida’s Walt Disney World. Then we plummeted around the track once more and not even the hum of crowds or rattle of the wheels could drown out Hayden’s giggles of delight.

When we decided to take a family holiday, Walt Disney World was not my first choice. I’m more of an ancient ruins type

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of girl, but it was going to be Hayden’s first major holiday, so we decided on the world’s largest theme park. And after experiencing the magic-comes-standard that is Disney, I’m glad we chose this destination, despite the travel: three flights, 19 hours in the air, seven hours in airports, two customs checks, a train and a bus trip; and that was just getting there. Luckily, the long-haul flight was overnight and we slept most of the way. It isn’t comfortable, but a bag full of toys, an activity book and an iPad loaded with movies and games did come in handy. Customs and security checks, normally not a hassle, become a difficult task with an excitable, curious four year old. But after racing through Atlanta airport and finding our shuttle at Orlando, we finally made it to the hotel, where we were greeted by smiles, balloons and fivestorey high models of Toy Story’s Woody and Buzz. magazine joburg

PHOTOGRAPHS: TAMLYN VINCENT

in the magical land of Walt Disney World.

a magic kingdom We opted to stay at one of the Disney resorts. There are plenty to choose from, as there are perks that come with being on the inside. The All-Star Movies resort is geared towards children, with its cafeteriastyle restaurant, pool, play area and daily activities, such as decorating pumpkins for Halloween. There is also a steady flow of shuttles from the resorts to the Disney parks, and the Park Hopper option meant we could get into any of the theme parks on any day. The alternative was to pay for entry at one park every day, but this would mean sticking to a stricter schedule, something not always possible with a four year old. Another perk of staying at a Disney resort is the extended hours at some of the theme parks for resort guests.

So, where to start? The Magic Kingdom, of course. Every young child’s dream must surely come to life inside this theme park.

From princess and pirate makeovers, to meeting favourite characters, there really is something for every child. Breakfast with the friends from The Hundred Acre Wood was first on our itinerary.

Arriving before the crowds, we got the chance to take in Main Street USA bathed in early morning sunshine and decked out for Halloween. Rounding a freshly scrubbed corner, Cinderella’s Castle sparkled in the distance, forming the perfect backdrop for a bronze statue of Walt Disney and his most famous creation, Mickey Mouse. The castle stretches up 60 metres, but appears even taller, as the bricks at the top are smaller than those at the bottom, a design trick called forced perspective. But our tumblies were rumbly, and Tigger and Pooh were waiting, so off we headed.

A full breakfast, complete with Mickey Mouse waffles, was in order given the day ahead of us. The Buzz Lightyear ride had us shooting laser guns at Emperor Zurg.

We flew around planets in the Astro Orbiter, rode Goofy’s Barnstormer rollercoaster (about nine times) and took a spin in the teacups. There are countless rides and we did them countless times. We started

Meeting Minnie and Mickey Mouse at Animal Kingdom

with the smaller rides, but soon graduated to bigger ones, such as Splash Mountain and Thunder Mountain Railroad, a runaway rollercoaster that had everyone screaming, as did the supertubes at Blizzard Beach, one of two waterparks. Hayden wasn’t big enough for all the rides, something I was secretly relieved about, but he did measure up for Dinosaur at Animal Kingdom. This is a loud, dark, bumpy ride with remarkably realistic dinosaur roars and a Carnotaurus that comes hurtling towards you seconds before you reach safety. Hayden didn’t think it was all that bad, probably because his eyes were shut for most of the ride.

Meeting the Disney characters is another must-do, although Hayden did want to know how Mickey always managed to be at the same park we were visiting, and why none of the characters said anything. We didn’t tell him about the Utilidors, an underground network of corridors that characters use to get around without being seen outside of their area.

We did suggest, though, that they had to save their voices for the shows.

And what shows they were. Fantasmic in Hollywood Studios was our favourite, with its pyrotechnics and water displays.

The fireworks at the Magic Kingdom were breathtaking, if slightly deafening.

We also bumped into a parade on Main Street, with floats, dancers and characters, and saw a play staged in front of Cinderella’s Castle.

Stopping for a family photo in front of Cinderella’s Castle

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getaway

something for everyone Walt Disney World is an exciting destination for younger children, especially when they still believe they’re actually meeting Mickey Mouse. But the Disney tunes never turn off and it’s busy, even out of season, with an estimated 17 million visits to the Magic Kingdom in 2012 alone. Excited children seem happy to run great distances to the next ride, but keeping up is tiring, especially given the unseasonal heat we experienced. You do also have to queue, with longer waits at the more popular rides. Still, it’s hard not to be impressed by the scale and production of everything.

Waiting to go down Splash Mountain, you hear chipmunk voices from tiny treehouses along the path and the crypts at The Haunted Mansion play sounds when you run your fingers over them. It’s the perfect excuse to let your inner child get swept up by the magic.

Epcot, a theme park in Disney World, is more suited to older children and adults.

There are a few rides that Hayden enjoyed there, especially Soaring, where you’re lifted high into the air in front of a giant screen. The wind on your face and the smell of orange orchards make the flight over California that much more real. Also worth a visit is the World Showcase, where you can experience cultures from around the globe. A food and wine festival was on the go when we visited, and we tried

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out German sausage, Chinese ice-cream ribbons, tacos and sushi. Not surprisingly, Hayden wasn’t impressed by the lack of rides, a feeling he continued to express whenever we went near a shop.

Downtown Disney, with its warehousesized shops and life-sized Lego models, is the place to go for retail therapy. Toy shops, boutiques, cafés and restaurants line the cobbled streets. Disney dolls, themed clothing, shoes, jewellery and even Disney bakeware is on offer. But it took a while to find anything not covered in Mickey Mouse shapes and, like everywhere else, the shops are crowded with eager tourists, mini princesses and family troupes.

Shopping can be a tempting pursuit for those staying in the park. Magic Bands, issued as hotel keys when you check in, let you charge anything you buy to your room account.

Downtown is also home to entertainment spots, such as Planet Hollywood, jampacked with movie memorabilia, which serves the most delicious, sticky, fall-offthe-bone ribs. Street food is the staple though, with hot dog and ice-cream stands offering quick bites and refreshments.

The biggest surprise was the turkey drumstick, a delicious, if sizeable snack from Frontierland. But after a week of this, I was craving a big, healthy salad at home.

After hanging around in airports for another eight hours, and 18 more hours in

the air, we touched down in Durban. Jetlagged to the hilt, it took us a week to get back into the swing of things. But the very next day, and every week since, Hayden has wanted to know when we are going back to Walt Disney World.

disney must-do list: • • • •

s ee a fireworks display; ride Splash Mountain; eat a turkey drumstick; have your picture taken with Mickey Mouse and • buy something with Mickey Mouse on it.

Snacking on a turkey drumstick at Frontierland in the Magic Kingdom

top tips • S pend some time on the website (disneyworld.disney.go.com) before you go. It details the rides, entertainment and dining options at the parks and will help you plan your holiday.

• Have a good idea of what you want to do, but be willing to change your plans to fit in additional park operating hours, character experiences or other extras.

This is where the Park Hopper is useful.

• Take your children’s height into consideration before booking. Younger children may love meeting the characters, but probably won’t be able to go on all the rides. Heights for rides are given on the website.

• Wait for a time of year when there is a celebration, such as Halloween or Christmas, as there will be themed decor and shows.

• Pack light, depending on the time of year you go, as Florida doesn’t get all that cold, and pack a pair of comfy walking shoes.

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reader’s blog

piece of cake JULIE DONALD shares her foolproof cupcake recipe, and

w PHOTOGRAPHS: shutterstock.com

explains how baking with children can be both rewarding and fun.

hen I first started baking classes for children I wondered how well they would manage the measuring out, the mixing and the scooping of the batter into the cups, let alone the decorating side of things. But, to our amazement, even the four and five year olds managed to make the most amazing cupcakes. The best thing of all, though, was seeing the feeling of achievement on their faces when they saw what they had done. Naturally, they made a huge mess while going about it, licking their fingers, the bowls and the spoons, but I think that was part of the fun.

The younger children learnt all about where eggs come from and what baking powder does, and also developed their fine motor skills – especially when decorating. The slightly older groups were interested in practising reading the recipes, using fractions to measure the ingredients and finding out why oil and milk don’t mix.

None of the children needed me to tell them how to decorate their cupcakes though. If we started off making flowers, we would end up creating monsters.

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Creative ideas flow easily from children and I do my best to encourage that. Once they grow up they lose that sense of being uninhibited about their ideas. It’s something so precious in life that needs to be nurtured and encouraged in children.

At the end of the day, the product doesn’t need to be perfect. After all, it’s all about the experience. I grew up baking with my mother and grandmother, and gained a lot from those experiences. Now, watching the children do the same, learning something and taking part in an activity that’s both rewarding and fun, is really rewarding.

Julie Donald has been teaching children how to bake for a number of years. Her website is: juliescakestudio.co.za

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

easy cupcakes what you’ll need • ¾ cup flour • w cup castor sugar • 1 tsp baking powder • ¼ tsp salt • ¼ cup milk • ¼ cup oil • 1 egg • ½ tsp vanilla essence method Sift the dry ingredients together. Add the wet to the dry ingredients and beat well until smooth and creamy. Place six paper cups in a muffin tray and fill each three-quarters full. Bake at 180ºC for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

butter icing what you’ll need • 100g butter • 2 cups icing sugar • 1 tsp vanilla essence • a little milk method Cream the soft butter with a wooden spoon and add the icing sugar and vanilla essence.

Keep stirring until well mixed; add a little milk to make the mixture a spreadable consistency.

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health

chew on this We know that processed foods are bad for us, but so many foods are made that way. VANESSA PAPAS dishes out the truth on what is

ithout processed foods our grocery stores would look very different to what we’re used to. Think bright, fresh, colourful vegetables and fruits; organic gluten-free wholegrains; less plastic, tins and cardboard boxes; freshly caught wild fish; and organic eggs and dairy. Instead, when shopping for our family, we’re faced with chemically-laden, mass-produced and sugar-filled aisles.

processed foods defined Food processing is the transformation of raw ingredients into food, or of food into other forms. Think of it as taking clean, harvested crops or animal products and using these to produce attractive and marketable food products, often with a long shelf life. While there are certain benefits of food processing – from toxin removal and preservation to food consistency – there are many more disadvantages.

“As a general rule of thumb, processed food is anything that has sugar as one of the top three ingredients (or high

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fructose corn syrup), has been chemically altered from its natural state, has ingredients you cannot pronounce and has colours not found in nature,” explains Vanessa Ascencao, a nutritionist and wellness speaker from Cape Town. “The more refined something becomes the less it is in its natural whole-food state and therefore loses some, if not all, of its nutrient value. A good example is oats. What we eat when we eat quick-cooking oats is actually far from what the oat groat looks like and the nutritional value it contains.” The same can be said for white flour, processed sugar and fruit juices, says Ascencao.

A number of chemicals and additives are found in processed foods, which is why it’s important to read the ingredients on the packaging. Anything with the letter “E”, followed by a number, indicates an additive. Parents should be especially mindful of tartrazine (a synthetic lemon yellow azo dye – E102) found in fizzy drinks, ice creams, sweets, chewing gum, jam, yoghurt and certain infant medicines.

Tartrazine is known to cause anxiety, migraines, asthma

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PHOTOGRAPH: shutterstock.com

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acceptable and what should be avoided.

attacks, blurred vision, eczema, other skin rashes, thyroid cancer, Eosinophilia (increase in specific forms of white blood cells), clinical depression, ADHD or hyperactivity, hives, permanent DNA damage, heart palpitations, rhinitis, sleep disturbances/insomnia, general all-over weakness, hot flushes and OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder).

unappetising additives Some of the most commonly consumed food products by children are ironically some of the most “chemically laden”: chicken nuggets, soft drinks, hot dogs, burgers and fries, sugary cereals, doughnuts, crisps and certain yoghurts. “Food experts claim chicken nuggets are at the pinnacle of industrialised foods,” says Ascencao. “While

hormones and also causes obesity. Sometimes it’s tricky to see what foods contain MSG, so parents should look out for words such as monosodium glutamate, free glutamate, hydrolysed protein, autolysed yeast, yeast extract, caseinate, and natural or artificial flavours, as all of these can be indicators of MSG,” says Ascencao.

There are other foods that should be avoided, such as chocolate, crisps, porridge and cornflakes, as these often contain something called GMOs (plants or animals that have had their DNA modified). GMOs can increase food toxicity, allergy susceptibility, immune suppression, resistance to antibiotics, and the incidence of cancer. Takeaway outlets are notorious for serving foods fried in oil that has been used and left to cool and then re-heated and used again.

The typical chicken nugget bought at a fast food outlet often contains more than 50% fat and more carbs than protein. you may think that chicken nuggets are mostly protein, the typical chicken nugget bought at a fast-food outlet often contains more than 50% fat and more carbs than protein.

The vast majority of hot dogs and other highly processed meats on the market contain loads of salt (often labelled ‘sodium’), artificial flavours and cheap unhealthy fillers,” says Ascencao. She adds that most soft drinks include artificial sweeteners, which can alter brain neurochemistry and increase insulin levels, leading to obesity, gallstones, gum disease and cavities, bloating, migraines, arthritis, fatigue, weight gain, breast cancer, cardiovascular disease and lowered immune function. “MSG – a food enhancer added to a number of foods attractive to children – destroys nerve cells in the brain, inhibits natural growth

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The oil is often treated with something called butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), which prevents fat spoilage. BHA and BHT can cause insomnia in children and long-term health issues, including liver and kidney damage, baldness, behavioural problems, cancer, foetal abnormalities, and even growth retardation. Other preservatives commonly found in foods include sodium nitrate and nitrite (added to canned foods and many cold meats), which can cause colon cancer, and partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, commonly found in foods such as crackers, cookies, cakes, doughnuts and French fries. It’s associated with heart disease, breast and colon cancer, atherosclerosis and elevated cholesterol.

good to know • Vitamin C is destroyed by heat and therefore canned fruits have a lower content of vitamin C than fresh ones.

• Processed foods are high in refined sugar, which suppresses the immune system, causes hyperactivity, and affects blood-sugar levels, which affects your child’s ability to concentrate and focus, and their overall mood.

• When wholegrains are refined, the bran and the coat of the grain are often removed. Some nutrients are lost, most significantly fibre.

foods to avoid Processed foods made with trans fats, saturated fats and large amounts of sodium include: • canned foods with large amounts of sodium or fat; • pasta meals made with refined white flour; • packaged high-calorie snack foods such as crisps, chocolates and sweets; • frozen fish sticks and frozen dinners high in sodium; • packaged cakes and cookies; • boxed meal mixes that are high in fat and sodium; • sugary breakfast cereals and • processed meats.

healthy non-processed/less-processed foods • fruits and vegetables; .• organic oats, quinoa and brown rice; • coconut milk and almond milk; • good fats (almonds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds); • home-made chocolates (less dairy and sugar); • dips using hummus and or mashed avocado; • gluten-free or rye bread; • oat cakes; • quality free-range eggs, chicken and meat and • omega 3 fish (salmon, sardines, pilchards).

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accessories and services

ultimate

the

party guide Your comprehensive guide of everything party related. Compiled by SIMONE JEFFERY

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All designs For top-end invitations, party stationery, printable table decor, party packs as well as graphic email invitations and photo albums. Postage nationwide. Contact: 083 324 7134, info@alldesigns.co.za or visit alldesigns.co.za A-Z Creative Entertainment Offers junior chef’s parties, drumming workshops and combo parties. Catering, party equipment and operators available for hire. Contact: 011 682 2660, 079 697 7745, info@ creative-entertainment.co.za or visit creative-entertainment.co.za Balloon Magic Provides balloon decor, balloon sculpting, custom balloons and helium balloons. Offers delivery. Contact: 011 894 2482, cindy@balloon-magic.co.za or visit balloon-magic.co.za Crazy Concepts They sell high-quality playground equipment and toys, ball ponds, rock climbing walls, funny mirrors, rides and jumping castles. Contact: 021 850 0102, info@crazyconcepts.co.za or visit crazyconcepts.co.za Crystal Print Designs invitations and party stationery. Delivery nationwide. Contact: 031 205 7284, info@crystalprintsa.co.za or visit crystalprintsa.co.za Digital Memory Creations Personalised invitations, gifts and favours custommade to suit any theme. Personalised decor and banner printing also available.

Contact: 076 880 8406, 072 357 5146, shaurell@digitalmemorycreations.co.za or visit digitalmemorycreations.co.za Function Fotos and Design Designs invitations, name tags, stickers and personalised party stationery. Fourways, Randburg, Sandton and surrounds.

Contact: 083 379 5545, tlwdesigns@ telkomsa.net or visit functionfotos.com Funky Photo Booth They supply up to two photo booth butlers and funky props. Contact: 071 969 5769, info@funkyphotobooth.co.za or visit funkyphotobooth.co.za Gelli Baff Completely safe powder that turns ordinary water into colourful goo.

Nationwide delivery. Contact: 031 502 6135, 072 474 9566, wendy.ekman@ altiustrading.com or visit altiustrading.com Giant Jaws Rents out jumping castles, including dragon and princess castles, water slides and more. Kyalami, Sandton, Fourways, Randburg and surrounds.

Contact: 084 723 9570, marel@giantjaws. com or visit giantjaws.com Handmade by Jo Custom-made invitations, party packs, name badges, personalised banners, party hats and more.

Contact: 082 789 5308 or jo@twoway.co.za In Good Company A store and online shop that specialises in tableware, decorations and party favours. Parkhurst.

Contact: 011 447 1628, 071 217 1240, contactus@ingoodcompany.co.za or visit ingoodcompany.co.za

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resource

Its Mine Labels Offers personalised invitations, labels, party pack stickers, tattoos, and personalised ribbon and wrapping paper. Nationwide delivery.

Contact: 011 646 3640, admin@itsmine. co.za or visit itsmine.co.za Jitterbugs An online shop for invitations (magnetic, sticker and digital), edible icing prints, party pack stickers and party favours. Nationwide delivery. Contact: 031 261 1030, orders@jitterbugs.co.za or visit jitterbugs.co.za Just Labels Colourful personalised stickers for children’s birthday presents.

Choose your own wording and pictures from their website. Nationwide delivery.

Contact: 031 266 1738, sales@justlabels. co.za or visit justlabels.co.za Kids Like Us Piñata Factory Offers a range of handcrafted piñatas to complement any theme. They custom make a design for you. Also offers professional face painters. Nationwide delivery. Contact: 072 228 0563, kids_like_ us@live.com or visit kidslikeuspinatas.com Kids Party Packs They supply themed party ware, serviettes, paper plates, piñatas and party packs. Filled party packs cost R25−R35. Contact: 082 887 4298, info@kidspartypacks.co.za or visit kidspartypacks.co.za Kidz Cardz and Party Buckets Personalised party buckets, party packs, invitations, piñatas and themed bottled water/juice/milkshake, and banners.

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Nationwide delivery. Contact: 072 584 7083, info@kidzcardz.co.za or visit kidzcardz.co.za Kidz Party Zone They specialise in themed decor, tables, chairs, tablecloths, tiebacks, banners, flags, photo boards, party boxes and balloons. Contact: 072 562 8971, kidzpartyzone.biz@gmail.com or visit kidzpartyzone.co.za Koufe to Bonbonnieres Makes party packs. Gifts from R20 upwards. Contact: 011 455 3995 or peterrose@mweb.co.za Labels Inc. An online shop offering a range of personalised stationery, including party invitations and cards. From R60.

Nationwide delivery. Contact: 082 556 4232, 082 897 7799, lauren@labelsinc. co.za or visit labelsinc.co.za Lulu Belles This boutique stocks beautiful Lou Harvey branded bunting, cupcake holders, invitations and a comprehensive party jar. Benoni. Contact: 083 601 8010 or orders@lulubelles.co.za Magic Party Specialists Equipment for parties, including popcorn, candyfloss and bubble machines and helium balloons. Contact: 011 789 7847, magic@ sheermagic.co.za or visit sheermagic.co.za Matilda’s Partyware Designer paper partyware and decorations delivered to your door. Nationwide. Contact: 084 777 5125, info@partyware.co.za or visit partyware.co.za Mauve − Stationery and Invites Personalised party invitations as well

as coordinating party decor and accessories. Contact: 084 701 1009 or kameshnee@mauve.co.za Memory Maker Party goodies for sale, mascots for hire, entertainers, cakes, party packs and decor. Randburg. Contact: 076 413 8994, info@memorymaker.co.za or visit memorymaker.co.za Missi Magpie Suppliers of party decorations, from pompoms to lanterns, juice dispensers and handmade favours.

Fourways. Contact: 084 603 1194, 083 285 9449, info@missimagpie.co.za or visit missimagpie.co.za M&M Party Supplies Stocks a vast range branded with favourite characters: from paper plates to party buckets and more. Contact: 072 207 7331 or manuelascalone@gmail.com Money Box Party Packs Unique, novel and affordable party packs. Money box ranges include: blank, set design, DIY colouring-in and DIY licensed stickers.

Contact: 082 422 7872 or visit jorsam.co.za Parties4Africa An online shop with a wide range of party products with over 50 children’s themes to choose from. Contact: 073 942 1730, info@parties4africa.co.za or visit parties4africa.co.za Party Place They sell a variety of polystyrene cut-outs. Customised cutouts also available. They hire out jumping castles, tables and chairs. East Rand.

Contact: 072 286 6215, sales@partyplace. co.za or visit partyplace.co.za

Piñata and Balloon Africa Sells piñatas in any shape, size or colour, as well as balloon art decor. R250 includes a decorated stick and 200 sweets. Contact: 082 457 2276 or mgwyther@mweb.co.za Pretty Little Party They design and make party stationery: choose a standard theme or get them to design something. Also offer party printables. Contact: 084 586 2370, 082 410 9719, info@prettylittleparty. co.za or visit prettylittleparty.co.za Sing Your Name Create a personalised CD, which includes all the guests’ names in the song and a message on the cover.

Contact: 082 072 2307, jacobiegraham@ gmail.com or visit singyourname-sa.com Sky Toys A wholesale balloon company with a wide variety of balloons, from plain and printed to novelty and foil, as well as helium balloons. Contact: 011 837 3924, info@skytoys.co.za or visit skytoys.co.za Stick With Us Design and printing of personalised party stationery including invitations, thank-you stickers and cards.

Postage nationwide. Contact: 082 377 0513 or mandy@stickwithus.co.za Sunrise Sweets Buy an assortment of treats, sweets and chocolate in bulk.

Roodepoort. Contact: 011 475 8366 or visit sunrisesweets.co.za Sunshine Parties Get designed party printables, bunting, digital invitations, cupcake toppers and food labels. They can customise designs. Contact: 031 764 6350 or visit sunshineshabby.com

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resource The Crazy Store Offers a wide range of party packs, invitations, cards, stationery, themed plates and cups, lucky packets, streamers, balloons, bunting, gift bags and wrapping paper, dress-up costumes and more. Contact: 021 505 5500, info@ crazystore.co.za or visit crazystore.co.za The Toy Factory Shop Offers a range of gifts for parties, small toys for party packs and party buckets, balloons, art and crafts and more. Edenvale, Brakpan and Randpark Ridge. Contact: 031 701 2968, info@thetoyfactoryshop.co.za or visit thetoyfactoryshop.co.za Willow Custom Prints Creates printable invitations, announcements, and wall art. Nationwide delivery. Contact: willowcustomprints@gmail.com or visit facebook.com/willowcustomprints Wrap-It A store offering ribbons, beads, wrappings, carrier bags and handmade boxes. Greenside. Contact: 011 782 6471, blanche@wrapit.co.za or visit wrapit.co.za

animal parties Barnyard Kids A farmyard experience in the city.

Go DIY or let them do it all for you. Midrand. Contact: 011 024 6062, info@barnyardkids.co.za or visit barnyardkids.co.za Capriole Stables Pony Parties The venue offers gardens with plenty of space, a jungle gym and a swimming pool. Themes include a treasure hunt party, gymkhana party and a children’s boot camp. They can bring the ponies to you. Randjesfontein. Contact: 082 573 4797, equineiq@mweb.co.za or visit capriolestables.com Crazykidz Farmyard An outdoor venue that provides a full party-planning service or you can organise it yourself. There is a farmyard and pizza oven. Party fees start from R1 050. Kensington B. Contact: 082 389 9153, crazykidzfarmyard@gmail.com or visit crazykidzfarmyard.co.za Croc City Crocodile and Reptile Park They set-up, decorate, cater and supply entertainment. Everyone gets the chance to hold a baby crocodile and is taken on a fun tour of the park. Nietgedacht.

Contact: 083 321 1016, 083 657 7561, info@croccity.co.za or visit croccity.co.za Farmyard Frendz There are trampolines, jumping castles, jungle gyms, swings, pony rides, a children’s train, three lapas with chairs and tables for children and adults. They have a touch-and-feel farm with various animals. Various catering options. Northriding. Contact: 083 307 0790, farmyardfrendz@hotmail.com or visit farmyardfrendz.co.za Jungle Tots Farmyard An outdoor venue with a covered lapa and enough space for 40 children and 40 adults. They supply the tables, chairs, cutlery and crockery.

Children can enjoy animal feeding and unlimited pony rides. Midrand. Contact: 083 377 7571 or jenco@ibi.co.za Lory Park Animal and Owl Sanctuary A tea garden and play area with jungle gym, jumping castle and big and small lapa.

Entertainment includes animal petting and feeding. Midrand. Contact: 011 315 7307, info@lorypark.co.za or visit lorypark.co.za

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Mac’s Party Farmyard Exclusive venue with an indoor hall, picnic and braai facilities, a jungle gym, jumping castle, farm animals and more. Joburg south. Contact: 011 948 8752, 082 657 6817, info@duosapphire. co.za or visit duosapphire.co.za Mobile Zoo Interactive parties with a selection of exotic animals at your venue or Mobile Zoo’s. Contact: 083 299 6900, info@ mobilezoo.co.za or visit mobilezoo.co.za Montecasino Bird Gardens − Café Flamingo Celebrate with over 200 bird species, more than 600 other animals and the Flights of Fantasy bird show.

Fourways. Contact: 011 511 1203, welile@ montebg.co.za or visit montecasino.co.za Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve Offers a fully-equipped play area with jungle gyms, trampolines, swing sets, jumping castles and water slides (on request).

Price of packages are tailor-made.

Kromdraai. Contact: 011 957 0106/09, bookings@rhinolion.co.za or visit rhinolion.co.za SA Lion Park Package includes venue hire, entrance to Cub World, game drives, jumping castles, balloons, chairs and tables with covers and a private braai area. Cake and platters optional. Lanseria.

Contact: 076 187 3883, info@lionpark. com or visit lion-park.com Spaanyard Kids Party Venue and Party Hire A country party venue with plenty of animals to touch and feed, miniature pony rides, miniature tractor rides, a swing carousel, jumping castle, water slide, trampoline and more. Honeydew. Contact: 082 869 2385, spaanyard@gmail.com or visit spaanyard.co.za Wild and Earthly This mobile farmyard provides an interactive experience where children get up close with a range of animals. From R900. Contact: 084 550 0120, lisa@wildandearthly.co.za or visit wildandearthly.co.za

art and craft parties Artjamming Creative painting parties include paint on tap, brushes and all the tools to help children complete their masterpieces while jamming to a chilled beat. Melrose and Lonehill. Contact: 011 684 1608, 011 465 5778, manager@artjamming.co.za or visit artjamming.co.za Art on One Children get to freely express their creativity during a two- to threehour venue hire. Acrylic paints, brushes, disposable aprons and canvasses (or templates) are supplied. Bedfordview.

Contact: 011 450 1059, info@artonone. co.za or visit artonone.co.za Arty Party’s Benoni Craft and theme parties tailored around your child’s interests, include sandart, canvas painting, decoupage and clay moulding. They arrange invitations, tables, chairs, cakes and more.

Benoni. Contact: 084 856 8315 or artytotsbenoni@gmail.com Bambury Stocks a range of sticky mosaics to create diaries, mirrors, jewellery or cards. Nationwide delivery.

Contact: 083 680 5976, nikiw@bambury. co.za or visit bambury.co.za magazine joburg

Buddy Bear Parties Choose a bear, stuff and fluff it, add a heart, make a wish, then dress and accessorise it. From R200 per child. Contact: 082 664 7107, leanne@ buddybear.co.za or visit buddybear.co.za Build-A-Bear Workshop Children make their own cuddly animal, give it a heart and personalise it with an outfit and accessories. Parties with a minimum of six guests get a dedicated party bear to keep them entertained. They offer printable invitations and thank-you cards. Sandton City and East Rand Mall. Contact: 0861 123 277 or visit buildabear.co.za Color Café A ceramic-painting and mosaic studio. Paint or mosaic a decorative item and they will fire and glaze it, or grout it for you. Bring your own snacks, cake and drinks. Hyde Park Corner. Contact: 011 341 0734, 083 566 4126, cilla@colorcafe.co.za or visit colorcafe.co.za Cool Kidz | Crafty Kidz They offer craft kits for children. Each child gets a pack with all the tools and crafts to do a project of your choice. Nationwide postage.

Contact: 079 873 0546, info@coolkidz. co.za or visit coolkidz.co.za Crafty Corner They come to your venue and entertain the children with age- and gender-appropriate crafts. Minimum 10 children. Contact: 011 782 0351, 082 780 3673, admin@craftycorner.co.za or visit craftycorner.co.za Just Kidding Around Children 6 years and older can use Perler beads to create cards, bag tags or jewellery. Kits are available to host your own party at home or contact an agent to host the party for you. Contact: 031 562 0200, 082 856 8140, julie@ justkiddingaround.co.za or visit justkiddingaround.co.za Kidz Only They supply sandart home kits for your own sandart party. Gift packs, single card packs and party packs are also on offer. Nationwide delivery.

Contact: 083 453 4032, admin@kidzonly. co.za or visit kidzonly.co.za Mosaics by Di’Sign Mosaic parties at your home or venue of choice. For children 6 years and older. They also offer party packs, themed cake and cupcakes.

Northern suburbs. Contact: 071 937 2811 or mosaicbydisign@gmail.com Paper Creations Scrapbooking parties for children 7−15 years old. Bryanston.

Contact: 071 603 7396 Perler Beads and Shrinkles A fun craft activity suitable for children 6–13 years old. Joburg North. Contact: 083 611 1377, jenny.gonsalves026@gmail.com or visit justkiddingaround.co.za Pottery Junxion Children of all ages paint or mosaic on a variety of ceramic or wooden blanks. Parties can be themed and organised around your requirements and budget. Edenvale. Contact: 011 453 2721, rosie@potteryjunxion.co.za or visit potteryjunxion.co.za Rock Paper Scissors They organise craft and theme parties and can arrange decor, games and goodie bags. Blairgowrie.

Contact: 084 693 2160 or visit facebook. com/RockPaperScissorsPlay magazine joburg

Seedpod Studio Creative parties for children 4 years and older. Options available are sewing and beading a felt cupcake, melting crayons onto a canvas, dry brushing and mosaics. Cakes and cupcakes optional. Contact Fourways: 011 465 0375, Parkhurst: 011 447 0006, info@seedpodstudio.co.za or visit seedpodstudio.co.za Smudge Offers a party venue with customised themes supervised by qualified artists, as well as invitations, party packs and catering. Fourways.

Contact: 082 322 8916, lady@smudgeart. co.za or visit smudgeart.co.za

cakes and catering Angioni Exclusive Bakery They specialise in designer and flavoured cakes, biscuits and desserts. Contact: 082 218 3094, sabrina@angioni-bakery.co.za or visit angioni-bakery.co.za Annica’s Designer Cakes For customised cakes, sweets, party packs and cupcake decorating activities.

Ferndale. 011 326 1526, 011 326 0937 annicas@mweb.co.za or visit annicascakes.co.za Bake My Day Customised cakes and cupcakes. Contact: 082 829 5514, 076 412 4275, lynette@bake-my-day.co.za or visit bake-my-day.co.za Belle’s Patisserie Specialty cakes, cupcakes, cake pops and macaroons to match. Birnam and Sandton.

Contact: 011 440 4474, 082 944 4018, quotes@bellespatisserie.co.za or visit bellespatisserie.co.za Bellisimo CK Creators of birthday cakes, confectionery and party packs. Buccleuch. Contact: 084 598 9544, bellisimock@gmail.com or visit bellisimocakes.wozaonline.co.za Bon Moment Bakers Specialises in decorated cookies and party favours. Nationwide delivery. Contact: bonmomentbakers@iafrica.com or visit facebook.com/BonMomentBakers Cake Deco Mania Suppliers of edible cake image printing products such as printers, icing sheets and licensed pre-printed images. Contact: 083 657 9225, sarel@inkredible.co.za or visit inkredible.co.za Cakes 4 Kiddies Eggless and normal cakes in chocolate, chilli chocolate, vanilla and granadilla sponge, eggless vanilla and chocolate cupcakes. Carob substituted for chocolate on request. Randburg.

Contact: 011 794 3646, 082 550 9932 or cakes4kiddies@gmail.com Cakes by Seilaz Offers a range of cakes.

Craighall Park. Contact: 078 893 8368, cakes@seilaz.com or visit seilaz.com Chantal’s Cakes and Catering For cakes, cupcakes, main dishes, side orders, salads and savoury tarts.

Roodepoort. Contact: 076 849 4042 or chantalscakes@vodamail.co.za Chlo Lo Catering Customised cakes and cupcakes as well as savoury snacks and novelty biscuits. River Club. Contact: 072 659 8919, robynwilson1@googlemail.com or visit chlolo.co.za May 2014

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resource Cotton Candy Cakes For quality cakes.

Roodepoort. Contact: 071 365 4841 or elayne.cottoncandycakes@gmail.com Crumble Cake Shop and Kitchen Innovative cakes for children and adults, cake pops, cupcakes and platters.

Craighall Park. Contact: 011 781 0571, jennifer@crumblecakeshop.co.za or visit crumblecakeshop.co.za Cuppabake Sweet and savoury baked products, 3-D cakes, birthday cakes and cupcakes in various flavours. Randpark Ridge. Contact: 011 791 0248, info@ cuppabake.co.za or visit cuppabake.co.za Delite Foods Offers sugar-free, low-fat sweets, jellies, biscuits and chocolate drinks. Buy directly from their site. Contact: 021 702 0721/2, info@delitefoods.co.za or visit delitefoods.co.za Designer Bites They offer the full package for any party, from the cake and the catering to the decor and everything else you need. Contact: 011 022 4575, info@designerbites.co.za or visit designerbites.co.za Elegant Toppings For cupcake bouquets and candy trees. Northwold. Contact: 079 110 5617, info@eleganttoppings.co.za or visit eleganttoppings.co.za Kadies Bakery Supplies A baking supplies shop that stocks over 2 500 lines associated with baking and cake decorating. They also bake cakes. Fourways. Contact: 011 465 5572, enquiries@kadies.co.za or visit kadies.co.za

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Kauai They offer an extended catering menu, which includes smoothies, juices, canapés and wrap platters. Contact: 0861 152 824 or visit kauai.co.za L’il Delights They make cakes, cupcakes and other baked delights. East Rand.

Contact: 083 392 0458, 078 937 9834, cake.lildelights@gmail.com or visit lil-delights.com Magnolia Cakes One-, two- or threetier custom-designed cakes with handcrafted sugar figurines. Horison Park. Contact: 011 760 2058, enquiries@magnoliacakes.co.za or visit magnoliacakes.co.za My Cupcake Wrappers For personalised cupcake wrappers and party favours.

Postage nationwide. Contact: 072 891 2000 or mycupcakewrappers@gmail.com Naz’s Cakes & Catering For cakes, party bags, sweet and savoury snacks and chocolate fountains. Fourways, Dainfern and Broadacres. Contact: 073 758 2218 or naz-scakesandcatering@outlook.com Patisserie Belle Tailor-made cakes for all ages. They also offer tarts, cupcakes, platters, and sweet and savoury pastries.

Randpark Ridge. Contact: 011 791 6242, 072 129 7237, tania@pbelle.co.za or visit patisseriebelle.co.za Petits Fours Deli and Decor Provides high teas, cakes and party platters. They also do catering. Blackheath. Contact: 011 782 1778, petitsfoursdeli@gmail.com or visit petitsfours.co.za

Poptart They make cupcakes, cake pops and cookies. Fourways. Contact: 082 874 2851 or poptartsa@gmail.com Say it with a Cake Handmade cakes, minicakes, cupcakes and pixie bites. Contact: 083 528 1721, sayitwithacake2@gmail.com or visit sayitwithacake.co.za Sugar-Free TLC For sugar-free cakes, cupcakes, biscuits and desserts, as well as dairy-, gluten- and egg-free cakes and desserts. Contact: 082 601 6552, tracy@ sugarfree-tlc.co.za or visit sugarfree-tlc.co.za Supacakes Offers a variety of gourmet and novelty cakes as well as cupcakes.

Kempton Park, Soweto, Joburg south and Roodepoort. Contact: info@supacakes. co.za or visit supacakes.co.za The Baker’s Warehouse For all your baking and catering supplies and ingredients. Packaging and novelty tins available for hire. Bryanston. Contact: 011 706 5010 or apadop@icon.co.za The Cake Lady Novelty cakes and cupcakes made to order. Fourways, Randburg, Roodepoort and surrounds.

Contact: 083 700 8938, thecakelady@ wbs.co.za or visit thecakelady.co.za The Honeybee Bakery 3-D cake toppers are tailor-made. Sandton. Contact: 082 969 9688, the.honeybee.bakery@gmail.com or visit thehoneybeebakery.co.za Top Cakes For character cakes, picture cakes, cupcakes and platters. Randburg.

Contact: 076 550 8996, enquiries@ topcakes.co.za or visit topcakes.co.za

cooking parties Angelo’s Kitchen A family restaurant where children can make their own pizzas. Jumping castles available.

Contact Bryanston: 011 463 5800, Parktown: 011 447 8001 or visit angeloskitchen.co.za Chocdelite Children do chocolate moulding and they can take home their creations. They also offer party packs, invitations, platters and edible prints. Florida. Contact: 083 554 6041, info@chocdelite.co.za or visit chocdelite.co.za Cooking up a Storm “I made it myself” cooking parties are agespecific and offer two hours of interactive, supervised baking and cooking at a venue of your choice.

Also offer sandart parties. Randburg.

Contact: 083 408 8802, jeanri@ cookingupastorm.co.za or visit cookingupastorm.co.za Gizzy’s Cupcakes Hosts cupcake decorating parties, and creates themed cupcakes and speciality cakes. Contact: 079 586 4667, enquiries@gizzyscupcakes.com or visit gizzyscupcakes.com Little Cooks Club New exciting cooking themes available such as spade to spatula, kids vs kitchen, liquorice and lime, frosting and fondant, and more.

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For children 2–15 years old. Contact: headoffice@littlecooksclub.co.za or visit littlecooksclub.co.za Morgan Meals Organises interactive food games and kitchen etiquette, as well as creating edible masterworks. For boys and girls 4−12 years old. Contact: 082 214 5271, jade@morganmeals.com or visit morganmeals.com The Taste Bud Studio Baking or cooking parties for up to 23 children, including cupcake making, Cake Boss parties and MasterChef. Paulshof. Contact: 082 331 9987, info@tastebudstudio.co.za or visit tastebudstudio.co.za Tots n Pots Baking packages include: MasterChef, high tea, teddy bear’s picnic and chef of the day. Randburg, Helderkruin, Fourways, Benoni and Florida Glen. For a branch near you: visit totsnpots.co.za

educational parties Experilab Organises science-themed parties at your home or venue of choice. Children perform experiments that they take home.

They also stock activity packs for home parties. Contact: 012 993 4985, info@ experilab.co.za or visit experilab.co.za Imagine the Venue All-weather venue with a large playground, garden and an inside area for parents. They also do party planning. Chartwell and Fourways.

magazine joburg

Contact: 082 928 7474, imagine@mailnet. co.za or visit imaginethevenue.co.za Maropeng Birthday Parties Children are entertained by a guided tour of the Sterkfontein Caves or Maropeng Visitor Centre followed by supervised party games. Optional party extras available. Cradle of Humankind.

Contact: 014 577 9000 or visit maropeng.co.za Puppets and More For ventriloquist, educational and party puppet shows that use large colourful puppets. Contact: 082 293 6097, parkersofbluehills@ worldonline.co.za or visit puppetsandmore.co.za Sci-Bono Discovery Centre Parties include a tour of the centre, a science show, a party coordinator, two hours in the birthday party venue and free entrance to the centre for 50 guests. Newtown.

Contact: 011 639 8400, birthday@scibono.co.za or visit sci-bono.co.za Toby Tower The range consists of creative activities, stickers and wall decor for party favours or party edutainment.

Contact: 0800 220 488, tobytower@ pyrotec.co.za or visit tobytower.co.za

entertainers Aalwyn’s Funtainment Offers entertainment as a clown, ventriloquist, magician, mime and balloon artist.

Contact: 083 354 8726

Andy’s Action Parties Entertainment for children from the age of 6. Themes include army, Survivor, Minute to Win It, Fear Factor, The Amazing Race, sports themes and more. Contact: 082 381 1051, info@aaparty.co.za or visit aaparty.co.za Beat Parties Provides themed entertainment at your home or a venue of your choice within Gauteng. You relax while they entertain the children. Contact: 071 682 0551, jayson@beatparties.co.za or visit beatparties.com Blue Flame Events They offer children’s entertainment, balloon modellers and face painters, and rent out jumping castles.

Contact: 072 599 2288, info@bflame.co.za or visit bflame.co.za Buzz Parties Themed birthday parties filled with high-energy, interactive games for children aged 5−9 years old. Children are engaged and entertained at a time and place of your choice. Contact: 011 025 2525, info@buzzdrama.com or visit buzzdrama.com/parties Clowns R Us They supply clowns, face painters, balloon sculptors and organise pamper parties at your venue. Contact: 082 491 2583 or clowns@post.com Darin the Magician A 45-minute, oneman show designed around a theme. All shows feature colourful and interesting props, magic and balloon twisting.

Contact: 082 978 4260 or darin@ darinthemagician.com

Drum Connection Interactive drumming parties for children and teens. Contact: 084 389 6814, info@drumconnection. co.za or visit drumconnection.co.za Duo Sapphire Entertainment Professional entertainers and equipment suppliers travel to your venue or entertain you at Mac’s Party Farmyard. They supply tents, equipment and more.

Contact: 011 948 8752, 082 657 6817, info@duosapphire.co.za or visit duosapphire.co.za Fairytale Fantacies Entertainers dressed as Disney fairytale princesses, pirates or power rangers come to your house to coordinate and host the party. Entertainment include face painting and a craft activity. They also offer pamper, craft and pirate parties. Contact: 079 343 2042, moira@fairytalefantacies.co.za or visit fairytalefantacies.co.za Fairy Time Their fairy, mermaid or princess entertainer organise dressup parties and Alice in Wonderland tea parties for children 3–7 years old.

Contact: 083 258 3250, caroline@ fairytime.co.za or visit fairytime.co.za Gerard the Clown Events and Entertainment A clown, magic shows, face painting, balloon sculpting, rides, animal rides, food and carnival games.

From R950. Contact: 082 979 1534, gerard@gerardtheclown.co.za or visit gerardtheclown.co.za

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resource Never Grow Up! Arranges face painting, balloon sculpting, party games, handmade party decor, fun photo backdrops and more. Cost ranges from R450 per hour. Joburg and surrounds.

Contact: 083 780 0757, monique.naude@ nevergrowup.co.za or visit moniquenaude. wix.com/never-grow-up Paint My Face Professional face painters and temporary ink and glitter tattoos.

Contact: 083 550 2547, info@paintmyface. co.za or visit paintmyface.co.za Puppetales A 40-minute show that includes ventriloquism, marionettes, music and stories. Nationwide. Contact: 011 609 8158, 082 964 6189, machteld@ puppetales.co.za or visit puppetales.co.za Puppet World Interactive puppet shows with themes, music, lighting and puppet characters to suit your theme. For children up to the age of 6. Contact: 071 866 3204, hayley@puppetworld.co.za or visit puppetworld.co.za Remember Me Face painting and temporary, airbrushed tattoos at your venue. Birthday cakes, cupcakes and invitations also on offer. Northern suburbs, East Rand and West Rand. Contact: 083 305 1237 or cdedmondson@gmail.com Smilemakers Specialists in entertainment, decor and full event planning. Contact: 086 111 2877, party@smilemakers.co.za or visit smilemakers.co.za Spellbound Puppets Interactive puppet shows and puppet-making workshops.

Contact: 011 648 5235, 082 744 3882, info@spellboundpuppets.com or visit spellboundpuppets.com The Incredible Dog Show A world-class dog show in English, Afrikaans or both.

Contact: 084 500 0415, lloyd@dogzcool. com or visit dogzcool.com Themed Action Parties Plan actionpacked parties at your home or venue of your choice, for children 4−12 years old. Themes include Survivor, Minute to Win it, Fear Factor, pool party, paintball, Olympics, boot camp and pirates. Contact: 079 696 9745, kim@ themedactionparties.co.za or visit themedactionparties.co.za The Paint Facer Flavia transforms your children into magical creatures, animals and princes and princesses with facepainting or nail art. Bedfordview. Contact: 082 858 6329 or mightyjungle@global.co.za Tricky Trevor Entertainment Offers magic shows and balloon modelling.

A children’s carousel for 2–6 year olds can be rented. Contact: 011 849 5847, duffys@iafrica.com or visit trickytrevor.co.za Unforgettable Parties Entertains children with fun games and sports such as soccer and cricket. Variety of jumping castles, candyfloss and popcorn machines and a foam pit for hire. Contact: 011 333 9991, 072 804 4596, info@u-parties.co.za or visit u-parties.co.za Wild Kids A facilitator comes to your venue for an hour of physical outdoor fun where children navigate an obstacle course and perform physical activities.

For ages 3−9 years old. Contact: 083 457 4106, 082 379 2675, troyeterblanche@ gmail.com or visit wild-kids.co.za

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Wow Wee Magic Show A hilarious and interactive show with magic, mentalism, tricks and illusions. Contact: 082 336 9287, ryan@wooweemagic.com or visit wowweemagic.com Xstatic Dance studio and productions Themed dance parties at a venue of your choice. Themes include hip-hop, masque ball, princess and the pop star and Step Up. Can provide props, decor, prizes and cakes and cupcakes. Contact: 079 497 2680, lindy@xstaticdance.co.za or visit xstaticdance.co.za

equipment for hire 101 Party Hire Assists with tables, chairs, crockery, cutlery and glassware for your function. Dispatch in Fourways. Contact: 011 027 7626, sales@101partyhire.co.za or visit 101partyhire.co.za Ambience Decor and Function Hire jumping castles at affordable prices, party packs, catering equipment and decor. Kempton Park. Contact: 071 602 5747, 079 881 4997 or ambiencedecorhire@gmail.com A Wizards Jumping Castles A large selection of jumping castles and water slides for hire. Roodepoort and northern suburbs. Contact: 011 472 3154, 072 220 6063, info@wizardscastles.co.za or visit wizardscastles.co.za Bearfoot Bounce Jumping Castles Well-maintained jumping castles and water slides for hire. Contact: 082 443 0170, info@bearfootbounce.co.za or visit bearfootbounce.co.za Bouncy Jumping Castles Suppliers of water balls, water slides, jumping castles, popcorn and candyfloss machines, tables and chairs. They deliver, set up and collect. Woodmead.

Contact: 084 679 4808, bev@ bouncyjumpingcastles.co.za or visit bouncyjumpingcastles.co.za Bumpy Jumpy Castles Large range of jumping castles, including the Pooh’s Adventure Playground, Princess Dream’s ball pond or a choo-choo train. They deliver, set up and collect. They also offer balloons, a bubble machine, children’s chairs and tables and more. Contact: 082 227 8537, fun@bumpyjumpycastles.co.za or visit bumpyjumpycastles.co.za Crazy Water Balls Hire water balls to use in your pool and on grass, roller and zorb balls, water slides and castles. Contact: 082 449 4197, shauny@crazywaterballs. co.za or visit crazywaterballs.co.za Enchanted Creations A party hire and decor shop with goods such as invitations, personalised banners, jumping castles, themed decor, accessories, themed bags, 3-D cakes and more.

Nationwide delivery. Contact: 084 567 5220, info@enchantedcreations.co.za or visit enchantedcreations.co.za Fourways Castles Hires out a selection of jumping castles, water slides and bubble machines. Enquire for pricing. Fourways and surrounds.

Contact: 071 351 8420, 082 755 8355, info@fourwayscastles.co.za or visit fourwayscastles.co.za magazine joburg

Fun Photobooths Add some fun to any party with a photobooth.

Contact: 083 415 0319, 082 897 9746, info@funphotobooths.co.za or visit funphotobooths.co.za Funtacee Parties Online party shop that sells decor, novelties, party packs, dress-up costumes and accessories. They also hire out equipment, supply entertainers, photographers, jumping castles, decor, tables, chairs and more.

Contact: 011 425 0689, 072 952 6519, info@funtaceeparties.co.za or visit funtaceeparties.co.za Funtasia Party Décor Helium balloons, tables, chairs, tablecloths, party boxes, jumping castles, cakes and cupcakes and more. Posting nationwide. Contact: 021 914 6935, funtasiaparties@telkomsa.net or visit funtasiapartydecor.co.za Gladiator Inflatables Hires out a variety of inflatable jumping castles, water slides and mini obstacle courses. Contact: 011 672 4861, rentals@gladiatorinflatables. co.za or visit gladiatorinflatables.co.za Iyooh Parties Hires out chocolate fountains, candyfloss and popcorn machines, jumping castles and water slides. They also plan themed parties.

Contact: 076 548 1784, iyoohparties@ gmail.com or visit iyooh-parties.co.za Jeremy Kusner Productions Supplies carousels, mini trains, disco and karaoke parties, mechanical bulls, circus acts, and sound and lighting equipment. Contact: 0861 112 876, info@jkproductions.co.za or visit jkproductions.co.za Jump Junction Jumping castles for hire: Jungle Jumper, Princess, Adventure Island and more. Tables and chairs available. North and north-western suburbs. Contact: 072 298 4024, brenda@jumpjunction.co.za or visit jumpjunction.co.za Luc’s Parties Tables, chairs, tablecloths, chair covers, tiebacks, themed plates, cups, birthday cakes, cupcakes, party packs and invites. West Rand. Contact: 079 883 2391, lucille@lucsparties.co.za or visit lucsparties.co.za Photo Booth Creations Instant, unlimited photos with props and a personalised message. Fourways. Contact: 083 557 7337, info@photoboothcreations.co.za or visit photoboothcreations.co.za Photoboothinc Unlimited duplicate sets of photo strips printed instantly, an experienced operator for the duration of the event, use of fun props and a DVD for the host with all the photos. Contact: 083 377 9449, rob@photoboothinc.co.za or visit photoboothinc.co.za Rocking Kids Hires out jumping castles and takes care of all your party needs from catering to themes and entertainment. Contact: 082 099 2401, info@rockingkids.co.za or visit rockingkids.co.za Sensation Lab Manufactures and hires out Bedouin tents, furniture, dance floors, marquees, and fairy and disco lights. Contact: 011 023 5940, info@sensationlab.co.za or visit sensationlab.co.za magazine joburg

Snap! Photo Booth Hire a photo booth that will keep your guests entertained for hours. Contact: info@snapsnap.co.za or visit snapsnap.co.za Star Castles Suppliers of jumping castles, slides, ball ponds and more. They also provide carnival games, candyfloss and smoke machines. Contact: 011 679 5699, 082 372 9177, info@starcastles. co.za or visit starcastles.co.za Super Duper Castles Provides jumping castles, inflatable slip n slides, children’s chairs and tables and party packs.

Fourways and surrounds. Contact: 083 457 3402, info@super-duper-castles.co.za or visit super-duper-castles.co.za Xtreme Fun Have fun with a range of activities, including mechanical bulls and surfboards, jumping castles, pedal carts, a rocket shoot, mobile tea cups, miniature train, dunk tank and more. Contact: 082 390 0900 or xtremefun1@gmail.com

fancy dress hire Danceland A wide selection of masks, costumes, accessories, dancing attire, ballet shoes, leotards and fancy dress. Clearwater Mall. Contact: 011 475 1466 or tonycalix@yahoo.com Jods Hire Service Hires out costumes and accessories for all sizes and ages. Edenvale. Contact: 011 450 4424/5, enquiries@jodshire.co.za or visit jodshire.co.za Masquerade Costume Hire and Novelties A wide range of fancy dress costumes including animals, carnival, fairytale costumes, characters, famous people, horror, occupations and superheroes. Contact Meadowdale: 011 453 4065 or Sunninghill: 011 807 4300, info@masqueradecostumes.co.za or visit masqueradecostumes.co.za Pirates and Princesses Tailor-made costumes. They need at least two weeks to make the costume. They do not hire costumes. Collect from Germiston.

Contact: 011 828 1512, 082 716 9732, val@piratesandprincesses.co.za or visit piratesandprincesses.co.za Razzmatazz Costume Hire Offers a wide selection of costumes for adults and children, as well as themed jumping castles. Edenvale. Contact: 011 452 4555, 011 452 1651, razzmatazz@iburst.co.za or visit razzmatazz.co.za Sinderella Costume Hire Fancy dress costume hire and sale of theatrical novelty items and party accessories. Pine Park.

Contact: 011 782 0622, sinder@global. co.za or visit sinderellacostumehire.co.za Snog The Frog Handmade, themed party outfits and costumes for sale, or mascot costumes for hire. They also supply party decor, bunting, garlands, signs and accessories. Sandton. Contact: 076 259 9434, info@snogthefrogsa.com or visit snogthefrogsa.com Sweet n Sassy Creates party dresses, tutus, hair accessories and tutu tops. Design your own tutu online.

Nationwide delivery. Contact: 082 878 7544, lesley@sweetnsassy.co.za or visit tutus.co.za May 2014

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full party planning service ABC Jumping Castle and Theme Parties Supplies jumping castles and organises themed birthday parties. Services include delivery, set up and collection. Contact: 083 724 7714, info@abcjumpingcastles.co.za or visit abcjumpingcastles.co.za Absolute Perfection Arranges everything from the entertainment, invitations and designer cakes to coordinating the day’s activities.

Contact: 072 314 9347, candace@ absoluteperfection.co.za or visit absoluteperfection.co.za Bring on the Party Party hiring and booking service specialising in all aspects of children’s birthday parties from the furniture and linen to water slides, candyfloss machines and face painters.

North and west of Joburg. Contact: 072 256 7834, bringontheparty@vodamail. co.za or visit bringontheparty.co.za Edufun4kids An outdoor venue that includes tables, chairs, use of a swimming pool, playground, bikes and riding area and a lapa. From R1 000.

Ruimsig. Contact: 011 958 1769, 082 561 6039, info@edufun4kids.co.za or visit edufun4kids.co.za Events 501 They specialise in planning and implementing a variety of events, from sound hire and DJ services, jumping castles, balloon arches and novelty cakes.

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Kyalami. Contact: 072 819 1444, 084 699 8506 or tebogo@events501.co.za Events by Elana They plan the entire party for you and also cover party packs, catering, cakes, equipment hire, decor and the invitations. Contact: 082 880 7131 or elana.vdeventer@gmail.com Fantasy Tea Party They come to your venue with crockery and cutlery to set up teas and eats, and provide a gift for each guest. From R150 per person. Birthday cake optional. Contact: 082 653 5128 or sheilagh@chantillynetworking.co.za Jolly Parties Supplies party decor, jumping castles and water slides.

Contact: 072 431 9789 or jollyparties4@ gmail.com Monkey Magic Get a personalised onestop service for any event, including hassle-free children’s parties. For your closest branch: visit monkeymagic.co.za Namaste Kids They organise themes, eats, equipment, entertainment, rides, animals, staff, catering and beverages.

Contact: 072 064 8628, info@namastekids.com or visit namaste-kids.com Nickerbockerdoodlebug Soft Play Provides a wide range of entertainment solutions for babies and toddlers. Joburg north. Contact: 083 742 0121, info@ nickerbockerdoodlebug.co.za or visit nickerbockerdoodlebug.co.za Outlandish Events They source the venue, provide catering, party packs, decor, photographers, invitations, equipment

hire and entertainment. Contact: 076 040 0487, info@outlandishevents.co.za or visit outlandishevents.co.za Party Packs and Piñatas They make party packs to match your theme and supply piñatas and jelly cameras.

Nationwide delivery. Contact: 087 805 9977, 082 683 5766, info@ partypacksandpinatas.co.za or visit partypacksandpinatas.co.za Razmataz Kidz Parties They handle all the planning from the decor, cakes and themed party packs to jumping castles and entertainers. Contact: 084 240 5823, nomfundo@razmatazkidzparties.co.za or visit razmatazkidzparties.co.za Stace-Face Face Painting Entertainers, face painters, decor, party activities, piñatas, and themed parties. They also provide childminders, photography and DJs. Contact: 076 420 9209, stacey@ staceface.com or visit staceface.com Supakids Offers various options to custom design your child’s party. They source a venue or come to yours and supply the decor, food and entertainment.

Contact: 083 298 6178, office@supakids. co.za or visit supakids.co.za The Children’s Party Company Takes care of the catering, decorations and entertainers at the Playground Café or venue of your choice. Contact: 011 023 3479, 076 043 2228, thechildrenspartycompany@gmail.com or visit thechildrenspartycompany.co.za

The Sassy Sisters Custom-made events.

Joburg north. Contact: 082 319 3245, thesassysistersevents@gmail.com or facebook.com/TheSassySistersEvents Twinz Kiddies Party They specialise in the planning and setting up of themed parties, jumping castle hire, mascots, themed 3-D cakes, invitations, and table and chair hire. Contact: 082 501 8367, info@twinzkiddiesparty.co.za or visit twinzkiddiesparty.co.za TNT Events Sources and supplies the catering, the venue, entertainment, accessories and more. Randburg.

Contact: 074 894 0776 or tammy@ tntevents.co.za Whimsical Parties Offers entertainment from themed characters to face painters. They also organise pamper parties, craft parties, entertainers, themed parties, decor and catering.

Contact: 011 476 8272, 082 436 8620, jhb@whimsicalparties.co.za or visit awishawaywhimsical.blogspot.com Wonderkids Parties and Functions They create the ideal event for you and take care of everything. Roodepoort. Contact: 084 517 4043 or shogarann@gmail.com Wonderworld Parties They bring the party to your house or venue of choice and take care of all your requirements. Northern suburbs, Randburg and West Rand. Contact: 082 556 2984, angbus@lantic.net or visit wonderworldparties.magix.net

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indoor and outdoor parties Cafe Blu A large venue with a children’s play area. They provide the catering, party favours, and decorations. Pineslopes and Fourways. Contact: 011 022 4575, info@ cafeblu.co.za or visit cafeblu.co.za Cakes and Castles For all your party requirements from themed plates, cups and serviettes to birthday cakes, cupcakes, helium balloons, decor, party packs and jumping castles.

Risidale. Contact: 083 774 1012, info@cakesandcastles.co.za or visit cakesandcastles.co.za Chartwell Castle The largest known uninterrupted hedgerow maze in the southern hemisphere. Contact: 010 227 0002, info@chartwellcastle.co.za or visit chartwellcastle.co.za Clamber Club Parties Mobile obstacle course party entertainment. They bring obstacle courses and games to you. For children 1−9 years old. Contact: 011 325 2031, headoffice@clamberclub.com or visit clamberclub.com Col’Cacchio Pizzeria A family restaurant that offers a “make your own pizza” facility for children. Some venues have optional indoor and outdoor play areas. Benmore Gardens and Fairland. Contact: 087 803 4000 or visit colcacchio.co.za Crackerjack Parties Party venue that arranges entertainment, party packs,

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decor and catering. Rivonia. Contact: 082 604 8641, info@crackerjackparties.co.za or visit crackerjackparties.co.za Dumelang Executive Lodge and party venue Private event venue within a guesthouse. Catering and jumping castles arranged on request. Midrand and Kelvin. Contact: 079 716 1788, info@dumelanglodge.co.za or visit dumelanglodge.co.za Earth Kids A large party venue with rolling lawns, play equipment and braai facilities.

There is an indoor area where you can set up the party table. Crowthorne. Contact: 011 023 5746, 083 233 7806, party@ earthkids.co.za or visit earthkids.co.za Emerald Resort and Casino Children get one leisure activity (Aquadome, ten-pin bowling, adventure golf, rock climbing, an animal farmyard or game drives), a combo meal, party pack, birthday certificate and a Kidzone retail discount voucher. Vanderbijlpark. Contact: 016 982 8000, info@emeraldcasino.co.za or visit emeraldcasino.co.za Fahrenheit Seafood and Grill A family restaurant with a secure play area.

They also offer private function rooms, cake, decor and entertainment. Contact Edenvale: 011 452 9704/6, Benoni: 011 425 5765, info@fgrill.co.za or visit fgrill.co.za Family Fun Zone They help you organise everything from decor to games and food options. You are provided with a private decorated table, party packs,

invitations, an ID sticker for each child and supervised help. Kyalami. Contact: 011 047 0129, info@familyfunzone.co.za or visit familyfunzone.co.za George and Lucy’s Party venue in a country setting with an indoor area and farm-style patio. There is a play area with a jumping castle, bike track and covered deck. Chartwell. Contact: 011 708 1326, 082 578 0468 or visit georgeandlucys.com Gold Reef City Theme Park Offers birthday packages with free entrance for the birthday child, reduced prices for five or more friends and access to all rides and attractions. Ormonde. Contact: 011 248 6800 or visit goldreefcity.co.za Grannies House and Gardens Play venue that can accommodate 40 children, with a bike track, party room, party kitchen, beach room, fantasy room, modular play room and more. Cakes and platters available. R90 per child.

Blairgowrie. Contact: 011 326 4265, 082 456 9887, info@granniesgarden.co.za or visit granniesgarden.co.za Happy Acres Party Venue Venue hire includes use of the tables, chairs, cutlery, crockery and access to the play facilities.

Package includes chips, cold drinks, hot dogs and cupcakes for 20 children.

Albermarle. Contact: 083 962 9341 or elisejfourie@gmail.com Houghton Estate Family Centre A multifunctional venue with a wide selection of play equipment. Rental includes the

assistance of a party manager. Houghton Estate. Contact: 082 499 2578, tracy@ hefc.co.za or visit hefc.co.za Jungle Joes They arrange and set up themed parties and organise face painters and clowns. They also offer jumping castle and slip n slide hire, archery, zip lining and more. Bramley. Contact: 011 887 1771, 083 655 8027, info@junglejoes. co.za or visit junglejoes.co.za Jungle Junkies Offers an indoor play centre with miniature rooms, jungle gyms and a scooter track, as well as an outdoor farmyard. Various packages available.

Kromdraai. Contact: 073 315 0884 or vanblerkyolande@gmail.com Kidzville Party Venue Exclusive use, self-catering venue with ample shade and parking, loads of play equipment and entertainment. Venue hire includes decor, balloons, crockery and cutlery. Kempton Park. Contact: 083 463 1429, beth@kidzville.co.za or visit kidzville.co.za Ladies and Laaities party venue Offering a big play area with a jumping castle, trampoline, racing track for push scooters and more. They can organise the party for you. Boksburg, East Rand.

Contact: 083 787 2544, 082 962 7969, jeanne@ladiesandlaaities.co.za or visit ladiesandlaaities.co.za Laser Tag Extreme Laser tag games for your birthday party at home, at a park or a function venue of

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resource your choice. Contact: 084 542 8689, info@lasertagextreme.co.za or visit lasertagextreme.co.za Learn More A space for your child’s birthday party, with a fenced off swimming pool, trestle tables, tablecloths, three gazebos, and play equipment included in the hire price. Randpark Ridge. Contact: 071 435 3260, info@learn-more.co.za or visit learnmore2011.weebly.com Little P’s Venue set on 11 acres of landscaped gardens. They take care of decor, entertainment and catering.

Bredell, Kempton Park. Contact: 082 227 2608, karen@nkangalodge.co.za or visit facebook.com/littlepsparties Mike’s Kitchen Your child receives a free meal, ice cream, balloon and gift. Book for 10 or more and get a free cake. Contact: 011 463 9269 or visit mikeskitchen.co.za Rainbow River Party Place A large outdoor area by a river, a lapa, chairs, tables, helium balloons, as well as cutlery and crockery. Morningside. Contact: 011 804 9729, 082 604 4124, info@rainbowriver. co.za or visit rainbowriver.co.za Spur Steak Ranches A safe venue for children’s parties plus a birthday combo meal. Invitations are available. Nationwide.

Contact: 0860 007 787 or visit spur.co.za Starzky’s Parties An outdoor area with a soccer field, trampoline, jungle gym, sandpit, plastic motorbike track and a covered patio to set up. They also offer jumping castle hire and soccer parties at your venue. Edenvale. Contact: 011 882 3428, 083 234 5890, info@starzkysparties. co.za or visit starzkysparties.co.za The Hide Out An upmarket party venue in a bushveld setting. Children enjoy the play area while parents relax on the veranda or in the lounge. Kyalami. Contact: 072 193 3652, housewife@live.co.za or visit thehideoutkyalami.co.za The Mustard Seed Indoor and outdoor party venue that offers party planning, party hire, photography and decorations.

Ruimsig. Contact: 082 568 6106, infomustardseed@gmail.com or visit themustardseed.wozaonline.co.za The River Cabin Situated on a farm, with wooden jungle gyms, swings, sandpit, see-saw, Wendy house and monkey bars.

Venue hire includes tables, chairs and a kitchen assistant. Entertainment, decor and catering optional. Contact: 011 462 3998, 082 261 4689, therivercabin@gmail. com or visit therivercabin.co.za Tres Jolie Fully-licensed, child-friendly restaurant and party venue with a floodlit playground, jungle gyms, jumping castles and sandpit. Optional extras include balloons, cakes and party packs. Ruimsig.

Contact: 011 026 0153, 011 794 2473, info@tresjolie.co.za or visit tresjolie.co.za Wakaberry Frozen Yoghurt Bar Parties are for children ages 14 and under.

Choose from different party packages and extras. Contact: 031 572 4971, info@ wakaberry.co.za or visit wakaberry.co.za Wild Kids Company An indoor and outdoor venue for 0–12 year olds. Activities include zip lines, bike paths, jungle gyms and a climbing wall. Benoni. Contact: 082 066 1964, adel@wildkidscompany.co.za or visit wildkidscompany.co.za

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indoor parties Bambanani For childcare, party packages and an outdoor (covered) play area with a jungle gym, sandart, dress-up and more. Melville. Contact: 011 482 2900, info@ bambanani.biz or visit bambanani.biz Galaxy World Packages include a game of bowling, time on the amusement machines, a party pack and your choice of a child’s meal. Bedford Centre.

Contact: 011 615 6877, 082 387 6559, mail@galaxyworld.co.za or visit galaxyworld.co.za Jimmy Jungles Supervised and secure adventure indoor playground for children from 6 months old to a maximum height of 1,4m. They organise everything from the invitations to birthday cake. Edenvale.

Contact: 011 452 1824, partiesjjg@gmail. com or visit jimmyjungles.co.za Jungle Rumble Parents can kick off their shoes and join their children (up to the age of 12) for two hours of play in the multilevel indoor playground. Costs include a private room, party packs and a jungle surprise. Mulbarton. Contact: 011 432 0403, info@junglerumble.co.za or visit junglerumble.co.za Kay’s Place Exclusive indoor party venue and play centre in Kyalami which has a coffee shop and childminders to watch your children. Contact: 083 200 2203, info@kaysplace.co.za or visit kaysplace.co.za Kids Unleashed An indoor play centre and party venue with ball ponds, slides, and climbing frames. They arrange decor, cake and piñatas. Alberton. Contact: 011 869 8246, info@kidsunleashed.co.za or visit kidsunleashed.co.za Little Feet Party Venue A self-catering, covered venue with braai facilities, a kitchen and a play system for children 0−6 years old. Benoni. Contact: 079 398 7916, info@littlefeetpartyvenue.co.za or visit littlefeetpartyvenue.co.za Orango Tangos Uniquely themed party rooms with various packages available incorporating decorations, snacks, sweets and party packs. Northcliff Corner. Contact: 078 526 9887, 084 775 9797, info@orangotangos.co.za or visit orangotangos.co.za Star Kidz Indoor Play Park An indoor play centre that organises party packs, themed decorations, platters and sweets. Ruimsig. Contact: 083 312 0358, info@starkidzplaypark.co.za or visit starkidzplaypark.co.za The Fun Company The centre offers bowling, arcade games and bumper cars (only Rosebank). You are given a demarcated area for a maximum of 30 children, a trestle table and balloons. Contact Rosebank: 011 447 4099, Edenvale: 011 452 3502, info@thefuncompany.co.za or visit thefuncompany.co.za The Party Cabin An indoor venue with a large playground for the children to enjoy. Jumping castles, water slides and DJs can be arranged.

Bedfordview. Contact: 082 821 2645, bedfordviewmont@wbs.co.za or visit bedfordviewmont.co.za magazine joburg

Yeesh! Fun for Kids They offer ball ponds, slides, giant two-storey climbing frames and more. Arranges junior chef and art and crafts parties. Cakes, catering, party packs and decor optional.

Woodmead. Contact: 011 656 9669, info@ yeesh.co.za or visit yeesh.co.za

music and drama parties Disco Baby They come to your venue with the necessary DJs, karaoke equipment, disco accessories, make-up, dancers and decor. Contact: 084 804 6550, bookings@ discobaby.co.za or visit discobaby.co.za Drama Dynamics The group will go on a tour of the theatre, take part in improvisation games using props and costumes, and create fun scenes to perform for one another. Barnyard Theatres in Boksburg and Rivonia or at your venue. Contact: 083 609 9679, dramadynamics@gmail.com or visit dramadynamics.co.za National Children’s Theatre The birthday child is invited onto the stage to receive a birthday gift and a photo of the cast, and everyone sings “Happy Birthday”.

They can assist with preparing party packs, banners, posters, invitations, cakes and snacks. Parktown. Contact: 011 484 1584, cindy@nctt.org.za or visit nationalchildrenstheatre.org.za Wired Sound Studios − Pop Idol Parties Children can realise their Pop Idol talents as they sing and record their own CD in a professional recording studio. Best suited for a group of up to 20 children.

Parktown North. Contact: 082 339 4733, info@wiredsoundstudios.co.za or visit wiredsoundstudios.co.za

outdoor parties AcroBranch Combines sport and adventure.

Birthday parties get full access to all the junior courses. You also get the use of all their facilities, such as the lapa. Catering not supplied.

Melrose. Contact: 078 438 7463, melrose@acrobranch.co.za or visit acrobranch.co.za Aroma Café A café with a shaded playground and plenty of play equipment.

They offer full catering and arrange activities for the children. Costs range from R50 per child. Fourways. Contact: 011 465 4326, info@aroma-cafe.co.za or visit aroma-cafe.co.za Boot Camp SA Sergeants supervise as boys and girls scale cargo nets, traverse rope swings and leopard crawl through mud-filled trenches. Sniper parties for children 4−6 years old, and commando parties for children 7 years and older.

Extras available. Fourways. Contact: 011 021 3495, kidsparties@bootcamp-sa. co.za or visit bootcamp-sa.co.za Canned Olive Happyland A large, enclosed playground on the premises of the Greek Sporting Club boasting a pirate ship jungle gym with eight slides.

Senderwood. Contact: 011 027 3030, 082 411 6539, cannedolive@mweb.co.za or visit cannedolive.com magazine joburg

Cashane Junior Rangers Survival parties, learn to make fire using a flint, build shelters and shoot with bow and arrow. From R200 per child for morning or afternoon activities. Magaliesburg.

Contact: 076 429 6739, cashanerangers@ gmail.com or visit key2comms.wix.com/ cashane-rangers Cedar Farm Offers a play area with jungle gyms, trampoline, sandpit and a petting zoo with ducks and rabbits. Jumping castle and pony rides are optional. There is a fully equipped kitchen and a covered lapa. Chartwell. Contact: 011 796 5220, 084 667 0946, info@cedarfarm.co.za or visit cedarfarm.co.za Elf’s Hill Party Yard An exclusive playground with a wide selection of play equipment. They offer entertainers, accessories, party packs, decor and catering. Chartwell. Contact: 082 337 5646, bookings@elfshill.co.za or visit elfshill.co.za Fantasy Park A fun-in-the-country experience with two venues: Aeroplaying includes a real passenger airliner, while Enchanting is equipped with a castle maze. Chartwell. Contact: 072 256 7834, fantasypark@vodamail.co.za or visit fantasypark.co.za Footloose Trout Farm Children’s fishing parties, including entrance, rod hire and bait, plus a hot dog and cool drink.

There is an indoor area for the evenings, a swimming pool and a playground.

From R130 per child. Fourways North. Contact: 011 466 9911, 083 462 2779, kim@kendals.co.za or visit footloosetroutfarm.co.za Hobo’s Hide Partyland A children’s party venue in the country with a thatched lapa, braai facilities, tables, chairs, a jungle gym and swings. Optional extras: water slides, a jumping castle and pony rides. From R1 300. Muldersdrift. Contact: 081 358 1946, charlene@thepartyland.co.za or visit thepartyland.co.za Honeydew Mazes Explore their giant elemental maze or growing maize maze that has winding pathways leading to secret gardens with brainteasers and puzzles. They supply you with a wooden bench. An adult must accompany children under 15 years old into the maze. Contact: 073 795 2174, enquiries@maizemaze. co.za or visit honeydewmazes.co.za Jozi X Action and adventure parties with an action world, trapeze, jungle swings, tightrope-walking and more. Bryanston.

Contact: 082 456 2358, info@jozix.co.za or visit jozix.co.za Kid-e-up Party Yard They have a huge garden, trampolines, jungle gym, jeep, motorbike track and swings. They can arrange entertainers, cakes and catering, decorations and party packs. Suitable for children 1−10 years old. Kyalami. Contact: 071 419 8008, bookings@kid-e-up.co.za or visit kid-e-up.co.za Kinglets and Queenies Offers an expansive garden with a private playground and lapa area. A jumping castle, cutlery, crockery, tables and chairs are included. Ruimsig. Contact: 079 736 7113, info@kinglets.co.za or visit kinglets.co.za May 2014

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resource Larney Ladybirds Offers fully-themed or DIY parties. They will plan the party from start to finish or guide you. From R1 500 for a three-hour party. Broadacres. Contact: 083 770 7702, info@larneyladybirds.co.za or visit larneyladybirds.co.za Little Hooligans Garden World offers a safe, enclosed outdoor farmyard. Package includes decorations, chair covers, a centre piece, balloons, a jumping castle, playground and animal feed. Muldersdrift.

Contact: 011 957 2545, 083 267 7949, zeldam@mtn.blackberry.com or visit gardenworld.co.za Mico’s Party Place A private garden venue for children 1−7 years old and for a maximum of 45 children. Organises pamper parties for girls aged 4 years and up. Sandown. Contact: 082 789 5110, micos@icon.co.za or visit micos.co.za Picnics for Pixies Choose from a variety of menus, decor and entertainment options. Contact: 082 638 4624, 082 357 7511, info@dialapicnic.co.za or visit picnicsforpixies.co.za Pines Resort Offers shaded areas for picnics, an Olympic-size swimming pool, water slides, a toddlers’ pool and play areas. Closed for winter. Silverfields, Krugersdorp. Contact: 011 955 3845, info@ pinesresort.co.za or visit pinesresort.co.za Post House Parties Lots of space to play and a jungle gym, see-saws, swings and a trampoline. Decor, catering and entertainment can be arranged. From

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R1 850 per day. Chartwell. Contact: 082 417 1395, nicole@posthouseparties.co.za or visit posthouseparties.co.za Rietvlei Zoo Farm A farm with large picnic areas. Bring bicycles and explore the trails or enjoy the nine-hole putt-putt course, carnival fun, pony and tractor cart rides. Joburg south. Contact: 011 024 1512, info@rietvleifarm.co.za or visit rietvleifarm.co.za River Café Choose the gazebo or deck setting and they’ll do the rest, including supplying food and entertainment such as a jumping castle, water slide, jungle gyms and more. Sandton. Contact: 011 783 2442, lorraine.rivercafe@gmail.com or visit rivercafesandton.co.za Serendipity Full-service venue − party space, catering, decor, entertainment, magicians, art and crafts, cupcake decorating and jumping castles. Rosebank.

Contact: 011 447 7386, serendipityplay@ gmail.com or visit serendipityplay.co.za Sundowner Adventures Fly-fishing parties. Equipment is provided and catering available on request.

Magaliesburg. Contact: 011 315 4503 or sundowncorporate@gmail.com Survive or Race the Adventure Designed around Survivor and The Amazing Race, parties provide entertainment for ages 6 and up. Can arrange catering.

R165–R225. Pelindaba. Contact: 082 895 2513, admin@surviveorrace.co.za or visit surviveorrace.co.za

The Mighty Jungle Large outdoor venue with a fully equipped enclosed area for exclusive hire with jungle gyms, sandpit, merry-go-round, foefie slide and more.

Bedfordview. Contact: 082 880 9335, 083 452 8120 or mightyjungle@global.co.za The Oak Leaf Party solutions that include dining options for adults. There are covered jungle gyms, a trampoline, children’s race track, giant snakes and ladders and a video room. Sandton.

Contact: 011 884 5837, info@theoakleaf. co.za or visit theoakleaf.co.za The Silver Birch Restaurant Host your party in the children’s area or under the thatch lapa. Children can make their own pizzas and play in the playground.

Randburg. Contact: 011 792 5714 or visit thesilverbirch.co.za The Ski Deck Enjoy bumboarding and slope riding. All parties are exclusive and set in a garden with jungle gyms, trampolines and covered lapas. Ferndale, Randburg. Contact: 011 781 6528, info@ ski.co.za or visit ski.co.za The Yard A garden venue for children 1−5 years old. They can play in the sandpit, on the trampoline, climbing wall, monkey bars or swings. Woodmead. Contact: 071 362 6796 or theyard4kids@gmail.com Trees Eco Fun Park Outdoor venue, trees to climb, lawns to run on, bush cave, fairy garden, tree house, mud-cake making, and picnic spots. R25 per person. Benoni.

082 458 1504 or nicolette@words.co.za

Under the Oak Tree A small garden venue with a covered patio area, bike track and jungle gyms. Catering is optional. Bramley. Contact: 011 786 0077, 083 395 3512, info@undertheoaktree. co.za or visit undertheoaktree.co.za Wild Cave Adventures Children 8 years and older wear overalls, helmets and torches and abseil through the roof of a wild cavern. From R220 per child, minimum of 10. Cradle of Humankind. Contact: 011 956 6197, 082 486 2464, info@wildcaves. co.za or visit wildcaves.co.za Wild Things Party Venue Outdoor parties for boys and girls aged 5 and up, featuring canoeing, swimming, fishing, a jungle gym and farmyard. They coordinate all activities, arrange decorations and catering if required. Lanseria. Contact: 082 459 1728 or paula@stornoway.co.za

pamper parties Beauty Galore Pamper parties for girls at your venue for manis, pedis, facials and massages. They also arrange goodie bags and catering. Contact: 071 387 5160 or mona0106clare@gmail.com Featherbrooke Children Le Petite Femme pamper parties in their mobile playhouse, which includes mini facials, mini manicures, mini pedicures and a chocolate fondue. Contact: 011 469 0034, 083 704 8600, springett@mweb.co.za or visit featherbrookechildren.co.za

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Lillies and Lace events Organises themed parties for toddlers to teens.

From pamper parties and fashion shows to mini chef, teddy bears’ picnic, Dora the Explorer and more. Alberton and southern suburbs. Contact: 082 562 2091, michelle@lilliesandlace.co.za or visit lilliesandlace.co.za Little Belle’s Pamper Parties They come to your venue and set up a princess retreat, offering pamper treatments, party favours, linen and decor. Contact: 083 503 8859, info@littlebelles.co.za or visit littlebelles.co.za Melville Wellness Centre and Day Spa Girls aged 6−12 years old can celebrate with tailor-made pamper packages that include a mini mani, pedi, facial and body massage and Jacuzzi. Packages from R290. Melville. Contact: 011 477 6987, info@melville-wellness-centre.co.za or visit melville-wellness-centre.co.za Pamper Girlz Pamper parties in your home for girls 4−13 years old, which include facials, foot and hand scrubs, make-up and nail polish. They also do pirate parties for boys. Contact: 082 515 8079, liza@pampergirlz.co.za or visit pampergirlz.co.za Roiketla Spa They offer children’s pamper parties complete with massages, manicures and pedicures.

Muldersdrift. Contact: 083 928 1113, roiketlaspa@vodamail.co.za or visit roiketlaspa.co.za

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Studio Girls Experience a real studio shoot with a professional photographer for your child and all their friends.

Packages include the venue, food, photographic shoot, a CD and a cover girl photo for each guest. Bryanston. Contact: 082 897 7540, jacky@studiogirls.co.za or visit studiogirls.co.za X-clusive Girls Pamper Parties Packages start at R190 per girl. This includes the painting of nails, children’s champagne, a practical on looking after their skin, and a beauty hamper to take home. For girls 6 years and older. A minimum of eight girls and a maximum of 14. Lonehill. Contact: 082 672 4546, x-clusive@mweb.co.za or visit xclusive-image.co.za

sports parties Action Soccer Coordinators assist in conducting indoor soccer or beach volleyball games for boys and girls while you relax. Meals can also be arranged. Edenvale. Contact: 011 453 9400, info@actionsoccersa.co.za or visit actionsoccersa.co.za Action Sports Offers a combination of three sports, which includes netball, soccer or cricket. All equipment and an umpire will be provided for a two-hour party for children 5 years and older.

Arenas nationwide. Contact: 0861 122 8466, info@actionsports.co.za or visit actionsports.co.za

Avalanche They provide a private, decorated table, popcorn, balloons and two hours’ access to the slope. From R2 500 for 10 children. Fourways.

Contact: 011 467 2426, info@avalanche. co.za or visit avalanche.co.za BZRK Paintball Book a paintball party for boys and girls as young as 7 years old.

They arrange party packs, the cake and set up on the day. Linksfield and Magaliesburg.

Contact: 071 640 9640, jeanine@bzrk.co.za or visit bzrkpaintball.co.za Cricket School of Excellence Cricket, rugby and soccer parties. Parties at a venue of your choice or at the University of Joburg. They can also organise invitations, cakes and a table. Contact: 0861 123 273, william@cricketschool.co.za or visit cricketschool.co.za Let’s go Bowling Bowling parties for children 6 years and older. Party package includes a game of bowling, a burger and party packs from R90. Birthday cake optional. Contact Northcliff Corner: 011 782 7035, Brightwater Commons: 011 886 2116 or visit letsgobowling.co.za Little Kickers Football-related activities and games suitable for both boys and girls from preschool to 8 years old. Germiston.

Contact: 079 701 8529, germiston@ littlekickers.co.za or visit littlekickers.co.za PWC Cycle Park Get access to all the rides, a boma with a table and benches, and the services of an ER24 medic.

Party packs optional. Open daily from

8am−6pm. Bryanston. Contact: 083 725 2453, cyclepark@cyclelab.com or visit cyclepark.co.za Randburg Raceway Suitable for children from 1,1m. Enjoy a 10-minute go-kart race (20–25 laps) with optional catering and party packs. Exclusive use is possible at an additional cost. Randburg. Contact: 011 792 2260, info@randburgraceway. co.za or visit randburgraceway.co.za Runnin’ Rebels Soccer Parties A twohour soccer party run by coaches. For children 3–13 years old. Book at their venues or at a venue of your choice.

Contact: 084 444 2297, info@runninrebels. co.za or visit runninrebels.co.za Sports Advantage Cricket, soccer, T20 cricket matches, festivals, mini soccer World Cups and mini Olympics. Contact: 082 365 8218, guy@sportsadvantage. co.za or visit sportsadvantage.co.za StokeCity Wake Park A water sports park with a volleyball court, skate ramp, pool and a restaurant. Party packs are optional.

Midrand. Contact: 011 314 3589, info@ stokecity.co.za or visit stokecity.co.za The Ice Rink Bring your own catering and set up on the table they provide. Contact Northgate: 011 794 8706, Kempton Park: 011 394 6702 or visit theicerink.co.za Wonderwall Climbing Gym All-weather option with catering, self-catering and no catering. Kya Sands. Contact: 011 708 6467, info@wonderwall.co.za or visit wonderwall.co.za

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calendar

what’s on in may

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

24 sat

special events

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FUN for children

50

only for parents

54

bump, baby & tot in tow

56

how to help

57

SPECIAL EVENTS

FUN FOR CHILDREN

ONLY FOR PARENTS

bump, baby & tot in tow

how to help

Sound of Music This lavish production features a South African cast to tell the story of the singing Von Trapp family.

Masterpieces of French Music in Ballet The Crown of the Russian Ballet presents a repertoire of classical masterpieces and modern dance.

Hi Hopes A free support programme for families who have babies with hearing loss.

Resthaven Ministries A registered NPO that serves the needs of underprivileged babies, HIV-infected children and the elderly.

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PHOTOGRAPHS: shutterstock.com / G.R. Naidoo

DSJ Schulbasar The 107th annual schulbasar offers something for the entire family with a number of fun activities lined up.

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SPECIAL EVENTS

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2 friday Solar System Planet Walk A talk on the planets, followed by a planet walk that plots out the relative distances of the planets from the sun. This fun activity gets children involved with the use of glow sticks. The talk is in Afrikaans. Time: 6:30pm–9:30pm.

Venue: Eagles Fare within the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden, at the end of Malcolm Rd, Poortview, Roodepoort.

Cost: adults and children over 12 years old R140, children 6–12 years old R75.

Contact: 082 671 8382, 083 414 9843 or visit eaglesfare.co.za

4 sunday Checkmate A fun chess tournament takes place in the cinema court. For children 7–13 years old. Time: registration 9:30am; 10am–1pm. Venue: Killarney Mall, 60 Riviera Rd, Killarney. Cost: R50. Contact: 061 034 2885 or visit goforchessnow.com Dance with Joburg Ballet You can learn a few new steps, and get inside tips and advice from the talented dancers.

All experience levels welcome. Time: 11:30am–12:15pm. Venue: Killarney Mall, 60 Riviera Rd, Killarney. Cost: free. Contact: 011 646 4657 or visit killarneymall.co.za

8 thursday Dainfern College open day A wonderful, informal opportunity to see the school in action and find out what an education at Dainfern College is all about. Meet the principals, staff and pupils. For parents of children from Grade 0–12. Time: 9am–10am. Venue: Dainfern College, Broadacres Dr, Dainfern.

Cost: free. Contact: 011 469 0635 or visit dainferncollege.co.za

Potjie day and garage sale Bring your own meat and vegetables and compete in a potjie competition. There is a jumping castle, a garage sale and live entertainment by Judith Kea. Rice, salad and bread rolls are provided. Proceeds go towards Matt’s Foundation, a nonprofit organisation supporting charities in the Vaal Triangle. Time: fires start 11am, judging takes place 4pm. Venue: Maccauvlei on Vaal, Old Sasolburg Rd, Viljoensdrift, Vereeniging. Cost: R200 per team of four people, potjiekos R40 per plate. Contact: 016 420 2301/2245 or visit mattsfoundation.co.za

Cost: 5km walk R140, 10km run R170, 20km cycle R270, spectators R60. For more info visit energizerlightrace.co.za Cupcake Couture Moms and daughters design a pair of high heel cupcake shoes.

Booking essential. For children 8 years and older. Time: 9am–12pm. Venue: Robindale, Randburg. Cost: R200. Contact: 083 408 8802 or visit cookingupastorm.co.za Winter Sculpture Fair Meander through the landscaped park, seeing some of SA’s best contemporary sculptures. Visit the stalls that offer food and wine produced by Franschhoek’s top chefs and winemakers.

Also 11 May. Time: 10am–5pm. Venue: NIROX Sculpture Park, 24 Kromdraai Rd, Muldersdrift. Cost: R100, children under 12 free. Book through Webtickets: 0861 225 598 or visit wintersculpturefair.co.za

10 saturday Tour de Township You can run, walk or cycle through the streets of Soweto during the Energizer Light Race. There is a light show at 8:30pm, entertainment by Zulu drums and Pantsula dancers, and various food stalls selling African cuisine. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Time: 6pm–11pm. Venue: starts and ends at Mofolo Park, Mzilikazi St, Soweto.

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10 May – Winter Sculpture Fair

11 sunday 702 Mother’s Day Concert Treat moms to a celebration of family and music at this year’s concert at the zoo. Elvis Blue and Jamali, accompanied by The Chamber Orchestra of Johannesburg, take to the stage along with the a capella group, Complete. There is entertainment for the children in the supervised play area. Time: gates open at 8:30am, concert starts at 11:30am. Venue: Joburg Zoo, Jan Smuts Ave, Parkview. Cost: adults R75, pensioners and children under 12 years old R45. Book through Webtickets: 0861 225 598 or visit webtickets.co.za Castle Gorge Enjoy the autumn colours of the patchwork farms and grasslands.

This is an easy walk with a gentle ascent to the saddle for amazing views. Booking essential. For children 8 years and older.

Time: 7:45am–5pm. Venue: meet at Gateview House, Constantia Office Park, Hendrik Potgieter Rd, Constantia Kloof.

Cost: adults R40, children free. Contact: 010 590 1903 or visit jhbhiking.co.za Mother’s Day at the Maropeng Hotel Spoil Mom with a 15-minute head and neck massage in a Bedouin tent overlooking the Cradle of Humankind, and a threecourse meal. Time: 12pm–3pm. Venue: Maropeng Hotel, Cradle of Humankind.

Cost: adults R325, children R100, R50 for an additional head and neck massage.

Contact: mmathabom@maropeng.co.za or visit maropeng.co.za Mother’s Day concert in the gardens A fun-filled day of music and dancing. Lineup to be confirmed. Time: 1pm. Venue: Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden, at the end of Malcolm Rd, Poortview, Roodepoort. Cost: tbc. Contact: 086 100 1278 or visit sanbi.org Mother’s Day luncheon Treat Mom to a performance by Ruan du Plessis and Linda Killian over a delicious three-course lunch. Space is limited. Time: 12:30pm.

Venue: Garden World, Beyers Naudé Dr, Muldersdrift. Cost: R240, children 4–10 years old R170. Contact: 011 957 2545, 083 997 6142 or visit gardenworld.co.za Pendant workshop Create a beautiful pendant using millefiori beads and small ceramic, glass or metal inserts. Time: 10am–11am. Venue: Seedpod Studio, Broadacres Garden Centre, cnr Cedar Rd and Valley Rd, Fourways. Cost: R120, includes coffee and cake. Contact: 011 465 0375 or info@seedpodstudio.co.za Rainbow tie-dye fun Join in the fun and make your own rainbow T-shirt or silk scarf. Booking essential. For children 3–21 years old. Also 25 May. Time: 11am–4pm.

Venue: Dozi’s Back to the Roots, plot 136, Rietfontein, Hartbeespoort. Cost: R100 per T-shirt or silk scarf. Contact: 083 568 9150 or visit dyeandprints.co.za

11 and 25 May – Rainbow tie-dye fun

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15 thursday MamaMagic – The Baby Expo Everything you need, want and more for 0–6 year olds, all under one roof. Ends 18 May. Time: 9am–6pm; Barney show times: 10:30am and 3:30pm Thursday and Friday; and 10:30am, 1pm and 3:30pm Saturday and Sunday. Venue: Coca-Cola Dome, cnr Northumberland Rd and Olievenhout Ave, North Riding. Cost: R70, pensioners R60, children under 10 years old free. For more info: visit mamamagic.co.za

17 saturday Bryandale Pre-Primary fun day A day filled with entertainment, fun rides, interactive stalls, dancers, boerewors rolls, a tea garden, sky divers and more. All ages. Time: 8am–1pm. Venue: Bryandale Pre-primary School, Cumberland Ave, Bryanston. Cost: free entry. Contact: 082 874 8960 or maria.lourenco7@gmail.com Kairos School of Inquiry information talk Find out more about Kairos School during this information talk. For parents of children from Grade 0–7. Time: 9:30am–11am. Venue: 79 Rustenburg Rd, Melville. Cost: free. Contact: 011 646 6221 or visit kairosschool.co.za Neon Run An electric and glowing 5km night run, walk, skate, rollerblade and cycling event. Prepare to be wonderstruck as you glide through different glow zones that bring your neon to life. Time: 5pm–11pm. Venue: Wanderers Stadium,

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Illovo, Sandton. Cost: R220, children R90, which includes glow sticks. For more info: visit neonrun.co.za Open day at St Columba’s The oldest school in Benoni, established in 1909, is giving interested parents the opportunity to view the facilities and meet the teachers.

Time: 9am–1pm. Venue: St Columba’s, 107 Howard Ave, Benoni. Cost: free.

Contact: 011 421 3057/5027 or visit stcolumbas.co.za

21 wednesday Open day at Delta Park School Find out more about this primary and high school that caters to learners with specific learning difficulties. For children from Grade R–12.

Time: 8am–10am. Venue: Standard Dr, Blairgowrie. Cost: free. Contact: 011 888 7228 or visit deltapark.gp.school.za

23 friday Grand Designs Live An inspirational home and garden show packed full of innovative ideas, top-class speakers and celebrities, hot tips and a host of exhibitors.

Ends 25 May. Time: 10am–6pm. Venue: Coca-Cola Dome, cnr Northumberland Rd and Olievenhout Ave, North Riding. Cost: R85, children under 12 free. For more info: visit granddesignslive.co.za Open day for St Andrew’s School for Girls An opportunity for interested parents to tour the school, step into the classes and find out more about this school that caters to girls from preschool to Grade 12.

Time: preschool 9am–11am, junior school 9am–1pm, senior school 12pm–3pm.

Venue: preschool is on Johnson Rd; junior school on Milner Rd; and the senior school is on St Andrew’s Ave, Senderwood. Cost: free entry. Contact: 011 453 9408 or visit standrews.co.za

24 saturday

23 May – Grand Designs Live

DSJ Schulbasar The 107th annual schulbasar offers two entertainment areas, one with carousel rides, sandart, and a zipline for children under 12 years old.

The other has a climbing wall, parachute simulator, giant slide, bungy bounce and mechanical bull for older children. There is authentic German food, craft beer, a photo booth with Bavarian props, and live entertainment by the talented high school students, the Graham Watkins Project,

Crash Car Burn, the Illustrators and more.

Time: 10am–6pm. Venue: 5 Sans Souci Rd, Millpark. Cost: R100, presale R80, children under 12 free. Contact: 011 726 6220 or visit en.dsj.co.za Goldmine Adventure An easy roundtrip walk to Confidence Reef, where Joburg’s history as a city of gold began.

Includes some “gold miners’” food.

Booking essential. Time: 9am–12pm.

Venue: Kloofendal Nature Reserve, cnr Galena Ave and Veronica St, Kloofendal, Roodepoort. Cost: R80. Contact: 011 674 2980, 079 693 5608 or visit kloofendalfriends.org.za Kids FUNdamentals Skills Clinic This clinic aims at entrenching safety, bicycle control, and respect and appreciation for the bike they’re on. Booking essential.

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

Venue: Rosemary Hill, 257 Mooiplaats, N4 East Exit 18, Pretoria. Cost: R260; preentry only. Contact: 083 326 6721 or visit like2bike.co.za Kingsmead Book Fair At the third annual book fair, eager readers can listen to their favourite authors discuss and debate their books. This year, Deon Meyer, Justin Cartwright and Moeletsi Mbeki are just some of the authors in attendance. Authors also read books to the children. Time: 9am–8pm.

Venue: Kingsmead College, 134 Oxford Rd, Melrose (entrance in Tottenham Ave). Cost: R40 per session. Contact: 011 731 7300 or visit kingsmead.co.za

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25 sunday Benoni Art Route Twenty artists have joined together to form an art route that meanders past the lakes of Benoni on the last Sunday of every month. You can download the route from their website.

Time: 10am–4pm. Venue: varies across Benoni. Cost: free. Contact: 084 581 6340 or visit benoniartroute.co.za Kids’ cycle race Take your bicycle and helmet for a fun cycle race around a 1km track. Children are divided into age groups from 18 months–10 years old.

Time: 8am–12pm. Venue: Piazza, Melrose Arch, cnr Corlett Dr and the M1 highway,

Melrose. Cost: R100. Contact: 011 684 0000, lucianap@amdec.co.za or visit melrosearch.co.za Me-Nuts Like2Bike cycling series Children have the option of completing a 2,5 or a 12km cycle. This is the third cycling event in a series of six. The focus of the day is on children having fun on their bikes. For children 2–14 years old.

Time: 10am. Venue: Rosemary Hill, 257 Mooiplaats, N4 East Exit 18, Pretoria. Cost: R110 pre-entry, R120 on the day. Contact: 083 326 6721 or visit like2bike.co.za

World Play Day This year’s theme is the right to play. Cotlands is hosting a series of activities across the country to advocate for the right to play. You can be a part of this exciting event by donating towards their activities or by promoting this fundamental right with your child and at your workplace. Cost: donations are welcome. Contact: 011 683 7201 or visit cotlands.org

30 friday

24 May – Kingsmead Book Fair

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28 wednesday

Education Expo An all-encompassing education exhibition where you can chat face to face with your local schools and have all your questions answered. Ends 1 June. Time: during mall operating hours: 9am–9pm Friday, 9am–7pm Saturday, 9am–5pm Sunday. Venue: Piazza Court at Clearwater Mall, Christiaan De Wet Rd,

Cellar rats

sun

Taste some of South Africa’s best port, sherry, grappa, pot-still brandy, and dessert and red wines in a tranquil outdoor setting. Children can run and play on the jumping castles and enjoy the supervised entertainment arranged by Happy Acres, including sport activities, animal and plant displays and more. Time: 11am–3pm.

Venue: The Old Mill, Magaliesburg. Cost: adults R105, children R10, designated drivers free. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit winefestival.co.za

Roodepoort. Cost: free. Contact: 061 296 4141 or visit thelearningpoint.co.za MTN Bushfire Festival A three-day festival that promotes creative expression and social responsibility and donates 100% of its profits to charity. There are various acts including art, theatre, storytelling, poetry and music. There is a Kidzone with a variety of organised games, fun rides and farm animals. Ends 1 June. Venue: near

Mahlanya Market, Swaziland. Cost: full festival pass: adults R400, children R150, children under 5 free; day pass: adults R150–R200, children R50, children under 5 free. For more info: visit bush-fire.com Outdoor Eco Adventure and Travel Expo An outdoor enthusiast’s delight with loads of interesting things to see, do and buy.

Socialised dogs are welcome, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. There is a

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31 May – Groves and Vineyards Festival

dog parade on Sunday at 10:30am. Ends 1 June. Dads and children campout: 31 May. Time: 10am–5:30pm Friday, 9am–5:30pm Saturday, 9am–4:30pm Sunday; dads and children campout: 5pm–8am. Venue: Waterfall Polo Estate, Kyalami. Cost: adults R60, pensioners and students R30, children 7–16 years old R20, children under 7 free, secure parking R10 per car; campout: R120 per family. For more info: visit gauteng. outdoorexpo.co.za Tekkie Tax Buy your sticker, wear your tekkies to school or to work, and help raise funds for a large mix of carefully selected welfare organisations, schools and institutions. Cost: R10 donation for the sticker. Contact: 012 663 8181 or visit tekkietax.co.za

31 saturday De La Salle Pipe Band Gathering An annual Highland gathering with pipe bands, Highland dancing, a craft market, various activities for the children and a food court. Time: 9:30am–4pm. Venue: De La Salle Holy Cross College, 2–22 cnr Road No 3 and 3rd Ave, Linden. Cost: adults R25, children R15. Contact: 083 448 4046 or visit pbasa.co.za Groves and Vineyards Festival Visitors are spoilt for choice with a fantastic selection of fine wines and olives, craft beer, as well as artisanal wholefoods and irresistible sweet temptations. Ends 1 June. Time: 11am–5pm. Venue: Casalinga Ristorante Italiano, Rocky Ridge Rd, Muldersdrift (opposite Garden World Nursery). Cost: R80, children under 18 free. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com

Miniatures showcase Artisans showcase their work in the miniature world.

Miniatures, dollhouses, accessories and supplies are also available to purchase.

Time: 9am–1pm. Venue: Parkhurst Recreation Centre, cnr 13th St and 5th Ave, Parkhurst. Cost: free, but donations to cerebral palsy are welcome. Contact: 011 787 2340 or miniatures@telkomsa.net DStv Delicious Festival A food and music festival featuring three international headline artists: The Brand New Heavies, Soul II Soul and Incognito. Fill up on gourmet food at one of the restaurants hosted by BBC Lifestyle and Food Network, or find something at the artisan food market. There is a children’s entertainment area, which features Nickelodeon and Boomerang characters. Time: 11am.

Venue: Emmarentia Dam, off Beyers Naudé, Emmarentia. Cost: R450, early-bird tickets R350, children under 12 R100, children under 3 free. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit Computicket.co.za

FUN FOR CHILDREN art, culture and science Da Vinci – The Genius A thoughtprovoking, interactive exhibition featuring full-scale models of his inventions, a replica of the Mona Lisa and studies of his iconic art. Tickets can be purchased at the door. 2 April–22 June. Time: 9am–7pm, last admission is at 5:30pm. Venue: The Amazing Place, Woodmead, Sandton. Cost: R80–R140. Book through Webtickets: 0861 22 5598 or visit davinciexhibition.co.za Mary Sibande: The Purple Shall Govern An exhibition by Standard Bank Young Artist Award winner for 2013, Mary Sibande.

She uses the human form to explore the construction of identity in a postcolonial South African context and attempts to critique stereotypical depictions of women in our society. 23 April–7 June. Time: 8am–4:30pm Monday–Friday, 9am–1pm Saturday. Venue: Standard Bank Gallery, cnr Simmonds St and Frederick St, Joburg CBD, Cost: free. Contact: 011 631 4467 or visit standardbankarts.co.za Rise and Fall of Apartheid A comprehensive pictorial overview of

13 February–29 June – Rise and Fall of Apartheid

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apartheid, encompassing over 800 works by more than 70 photographers, artists and filmmakers. Free guided tours take place on Tuesday and Thursday; book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Ends 29 June. Time: 9am–5pm. Venue: Museum Africa, 121 Bree St, Newtown.

Cost: free entry. For more info: visit riseandfallofapartheid.org Survey An exhibition that features wellknown and emerging contemporary painters and sculptors. Through the act of looking and seeing, the artists each engage with their particular medium to “survey” and interpret their surroundings. 17–25 May. Time: 10am–3:30pm. Venue: Upstairs @ Bamboo, cnr 9th St and Rustenburg Rd, Melville. Cost: free entry. Contact: 011 486 0526

Cool creative ceramics This pottery studio offers a huge selection of ceramics and wooden blanks to appeal to everyone’s tastes. Children 6 years and under 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: R20 per hour, excluding materials.

Contact: 011 453 2721 or visit potteryjunxion.co.za

classes, talks and workshops Between Darkness and Light An exhibition of Jodi Bieber’s work, from her celebrated work to her rarely shown independent series. The exhibition includes close to 100 photographs and a multimedia installation.

The family talkabout involves a guided talk and fun activities for the whole family. 17 April–20 July; family talkabout for families with children 6–12 years old: 17 May. Time: 10am–4pm Wednesday–Sunday; family talkabout: 12pm–1pm. Venue: Wits Art Museum, cnr Jan Smuts Ave and Jorissen St, Braamfontein. Cost: free. Contact: 011 717 1368, info.wam@wits.ac.za or visit facebook.com/WitsArtMuseum Chess at Kinder Theatre Children can learn the rules and strategies of chess.

For children 5 years and older. Time: 4pm–5pm, every Wednesday. Venue: Kinderspiel, 39 Greenhill Rd, Emmarentia.

Cost: R50. Contact: 011 646 0870

Chess at Kinder Theatre

Comprehension and poetry workshop These workshops improve your child’s comprehension skills, and give your child the tools to approach poetry in the classroom with confidence. Comprehension for Grade 6–7 learners; poetry for Grade 5 learners. Comprehension workshop: 5 and 6 May; poetry workshop: 17 May. Time: 9am–11:30am. Venue: The Workshop Reading Centre, 9 Riley Close, Pineslopes.

Cost: comprehension workshop R800, poetry workshop R400. Contact: 011 467 2193 or visit the-workshop.co.za Little Cooks Club Morningside Fun and educational cooking classes for children and parents. Learn about food, where it comes from and what is good for you. For children 2–6 years old. 5 May–27 June. Time: 2:30pm–3:30pm. Venue: Little Cooks Club, 123 Ballyclare Dr, Morningside. Cost: R800 per term, once a week for 8 weeks. Contact: 083 985 8080, meganh@littlecooksclub. co.za or visit littlecooksclub.co.za magazine joburg

Mummy and me cupcake class Spend time with your child learning to create simple but beautiful cupcakes. For children 6–11 years old. 10 May. Time: 9:30am–11am or 3:30pm–5pm. Venue: Elegant Toppings, Junxion Centre, 3505 William Nicol Dr, Fourways ext 48. Cost: R500 for mom and one child, R200 for an additional child. Contact: 079 110 5617 or visit eleganttoppings.co.za National Children’s Theatre’s drama class In this class, children have fun playing drama games that foster creativity, self-expression and teamwork, which act as a foundation for future drama activities. For children 4–7 years old.

3 May–21 June. Time: 10am–11am, every Saturday. Venue: Blue Room, Wynnstay House, National Children’s Theatre, 3 Junction Ave, Parktown. Cost: R600 per term. Contact: 011 484 1584 or visit nationalchildrenstheatre.org.za

family outings CrazyKidz Farmyard Pack a picnic hamper of goodies and pop into the farmyard in the middle of the suburbs. There are farmyard animals, play equipment, a windmill, dam, and various art and crafts. Time: 9am–5pm, daily. Venue: 9 Daniel St, Daniel Brinkpark, Randburg. Cost: adults R10 (if picnicking), children R25. Contact: 082 389 9153 or visit crazykidzfarmyard.co.za

finding nature and outdoor play Melville Koppies group hike Introduce children to our indigenous flora on a guided tour. They also learn about the early Iron Age and Stone Age people who May 2014

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holiday programmes

31 May–1 June – Vintage, with love

once lived there. Guided tours are three hours long, so bring a snack and water. For children 6 years and older. 1, 4, 11, 18 and 25 May. Time: 1 May 8am, 4 and 18 May 2pm, 11 and 25 May 8:30am. Venue: park opposite the entrance at Marks Park Sports Club, Judith Rd, Emmarentia. Cost: adults R40–R50, children R10–R20. Contact: 011 482 4797 or visit mk.org.za Trees Eco Fun Park A fun, safe outdoor place where children can play, learn and get dirty. Time: 10am–6pm, daily. Venue: Totius Rd, Cloverdene, Benoni. Cost: R25, children under 2 free. Contact: 082 458 1504 or nicolette@words.co.za

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Advanced survival camp Learn to make a fire without using flint, matches or a lighter. Find food, filter and purify water, build shelters, make your own survival bracelet and much more. You need to have completed the previous levels to attend.

Booking essential. For children 6–14 years old. Level 3: 2–4 May; level 2: 16–18 May. Time: 4pm Friday–3pm Sunday. Venue: Kareekloof Farm, Lanseria. Cost: R850, including food. Contact: 076 429 6739 or cashanerangers@gmail.com Jump n Play holiday care Holiday care includes supervised play time, crafts and baking activities, story time and movie time.

For children from Grade 0–7. 16 April– 6 May. Time: 7:45am–6pm. Venue: Jump n Play, Northlands Corner Shopping Centre, 1st floor, cnr Witkoppen Rd and Newmarket St, Northriding. Cost: full day R150; twohour programme R90 per day. Contact: 076 042 3555 or visit jumpnplay.co.za

markets Country Market A weekly market held in the garden of tranquillity at the Sawasdee Exotic Nursery. Children can do sandart as you browse the stalls. Time: 9am–2pm, every Saturday. Venue: cnr Main Rd and Zinnia Rd, Kyalami. Cost: free entry.

Contact: 083 311 4768 Hyde Park Corner Antique Fair A monthly fair that features many wonderful items for you to collect, from silver and

art to glass and jewellery. 25 May. Time: 10am–4pm. Venue: Dion Wired Courtyard, Hyde Park Corner, cnr William Nicol Dr and Jan Smuts Ave, Sandton. Cost: free entry.

Contact: 082 883 4933 or visit ssaf.co.za Marketplace at The Zone A new market where you can grab fresh vegetables and organic chicken, or a meal from one of the chefs, and a handmade gift. 23 May and 29–31 May. Time: 10am–5pm. Venue: The Zone, Tyrwhitt Ave, Rosebank. Cost: free entry. Contact: 083 311 4768 or visit wholefoodmarketsa.com Vintage, with love A two-day sale of stylish, once-loved garments, including designer and high-street fashion. The money raised from the sale is donated towards improving literacy in South Africa. Donations of second-hand clothing welcome until 30 May. 31 May–1 June.

Time: 10am–4pm Saturday, 10am–1pm Sunday. Venue: The Forum Campus, Sloane St, Bryanston. Cost: R60. Tickets available at the door or book through Webtickets: 0861 225 598 or visit webtickets.co.za

on stage and screen Beauty and the Beast An imaginative production based on the classic tale, but with a fun twist. 10 and 17 May. Time: doors open at 12:30pm, show starts 2pm. Venue: 10 May: Barnyard Theatre Rivonia, Rivonia Crossing 2, cnr Witkoppen Rd and Achter Rd, Paulshof. 17 May: Barnyard Theatre, Shop L205, Cresta Mall,

Randburg. Cost: R90. Contact Rivonia: 011 234 2033, Cresta: 011 478 5300 or visit barnyardtheatre.co.za My son, Pinocchio Junior Filled with a mixture of magic, suspense, fun and excitement. The little wooden puppet

5

mon Shakespeare’s Othello With its central themes of love, envy and betrayal as relevant today as ever before, Othello continues to draw packed houses. 5–16 May. Time: school performances: 9am and 12pm Monday–Friday; public performance 7pm Tuesday.

Venue: University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park. Cost: R55–R80.

Contact: 033 343 4884, 084 556 0668 or visit thinktheatre.co.za

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must show that he is brave, honest and unselfish before he can become a real boy. 19 May–10 August. Time: during government school terms: 9am and 11am Monday–Friday; during government school holidays, Saturdays, public holidays and on certain Sundays: 10:30am and 2:30pm.

Venue: People’s Theatre, cnr Loveday St and Hoofd St, Joburg Theatre Complex, Braamfontein. Cost: Kid’s Club members R70, accompanying member R90, non-members R105. Contact: 011 403 1563/2340 or visit peoplestheatre.co.za Premiere of Steven Universe Steven is the proverbial “little brother” to a team of magical guardians of humanity, the Crystal Gems. Watch as he goes on magical adventures and saves the day. Premieres 5 May. Time: 4:15pm Monday–Friday, with repeats at 7am Saturday and Sunday, on Cartoon Network, channel 301 on DStv. For more info: visit cartoonnetwork.com Puppet show: An African Tale Take part in an interactive story by drumming with Machteld van Nieuwkerk. She will be telling the story of Maletsepa and her father who have a little vegetable garden.

When all the vegetables go missing, the jungle animals help to solve the mystery.

For children 4 years and older. 17 May. Puppet shows take place throughout the month on Tuesday and Saturday. Time: 10am. Venue: Kinder Theatre, 39 Greenhill Rd, Emmarentia. Cost: R50. Contact: 011 646 0870 or kinderspiel@telkomsa.net

The Sound of Music This lavish production features an all-star South African cast to tell the story of the singing Von Trapp family who flees over the Alps. 5 April– 8 June. Time: 8pm Tuesday–Saturday, 3pm Saturday, 2pm and 6pm Sunday. Venue: The Teatro at Montecasino, cnr William Nicol Dr and Witkoppen Rd, Fourways. Cost: R125–R425. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com

playtime and story time Bryanston Library’s story time Children can grab a spot on the carpet to enjoy the storybook reading at Bryanston Library. For children 4 years and older. Time: 2:30pm, every Wednesday. Venue: cnr New Rd and Payne St, Bryanston. Cost: free. Contact: 011 706 3518

5 April–8 June – The Sound of Music

Star Kidz Indoor Play Park An indoor play centre with a double-storey jungle gym, soft play structures, slides, a ball pit and a toddler play area. Children need to wear socks. For children 2–8 years old. Time: 9am–5pm, daily. Venue: Ruimsig Boulevard Shopping Centre, cnr Doreen Rd and Malcolm Rd, Ruimsig, Roodepoort. Cost: R35 per hour; drop-and-shop service accommodates children 3 years and older R45 per hour (maximum three hours). Contact: 083 312 0358 or visit starkidzplaypark.co.za Story time at Norwood Library Children 6–13 years old can enjoy a storybook reading in the library. Time: 10am–12pm, every Saturday. Venue: 94 Iris St, Norwood. Cost: free. Contact: 011 728 6207 Weltevreden Park Library’s story time Introduce your child to the wonderful world

of books with this interactive storybook reading. For children 3–6 years old.

Time: 3pm–4pm, every Thursday. Venue: Weltevreden Park Library, Fern St, Weltevreden Park. Cost: free. Contact: 011 679 3406

sport and physical activities Biodanza with children Through play and dance, children improve coordination and motor skills, and develop flexibility.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. For children 5–9 years old. 31 May. Time: 10am–12pm. Venue: St Francis of Assisi Church Hall, 46 Tyrone Ave, Parkview.

Cost: R60. Contact: 082 441 8862 or visit biodanza.co.za Capoeira classes Brazilian martial art sessions for adults and children of all ages. Capoeira combines rhythm, music, acrobatics and self-defence. Time: 6:45pm–8:30pm, every Monday and Wednesday. Venue: Norscot Manor Recreation Centre, 16B Penguin Dr, Fourways. Cost: R540 per month (two classes per week). Contact: 076 604 6811 Meditation for children May’s Dharma tool of the month is forgiveness. Children learn how to use forgiveness to release their anger. They hear a story, and create art and crafts. For children 3–13 years old. 4 May. Time: 9:30am–10:45am. Venue: Vajrapani Kadampa Buddhist Centre, 345 Jan Smuts Ave, Upper level of The Colony, Craighall Park. Cost: R15. Contact: 011 447 2746, 083 678 5956 or visit meditation.org.za

family marketplace

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calendar

17 May – Parenting course

Moms and tots yoga Master the cat stretch, the salute to the sun and other poses while bonding with your children under the large oak tree. For children 2–12 years old. Time: 2–4 year olds 3pm–3:30pm, 4 years and older 3:45pm–4pm. Venue: The Oak Leaf, 61 Rivonia Rd, Sandton.

Cost: tbc. Contact: 083 299 6555 or visit theoakleaf.co.za Rugbytots A programme for girls and boys, that teaches them rugby-specific skills, such as running with the ball, finding space, kicking, catching, scoring a try and more. Time: Modderfontein: 3,5–5 year olds: 8:15am–9am and 5–7 year olds: 9am–9:45am, every Saturday; Edenvale: 2–3,5 year olds: 4:30pm–5pm and 5–7 year olds: 5pm–5:45pm, every Tuesday; 3,5–5 year olds: 4:30pm–5:15pm, every Thursday. Venues: Modderfontein Sports Club, Casino Rd, Modderfontein; Edenvale Action Soccer Centre, JP Bezuidenhout Park, 17th Ave, Edenvale. Cost: registration R250, R75 per class (payable per term). Contact: 083 375 5632, clinton@rugbytots.co.za or visit rugbytots.co.za

only for parents classes, talks and workshops Activate your child’s genius A two-hour talk focused on equipping parents with an understanding of how to activate their child’s genius. 21 and 28 May. Time: 21 May: 9am–10:30am; 28 May: 6pm–7:30pm. Venue: Bellavida Centre, 268 Bryanston Dr, Bryanston.

Cost: R250 per talk. Contact: 011 463 4438, info@bellavidacentre.co.za or visit bellavidacentre.co.za Adult cardio tennis Improve your tennis while getting fit, losing weight, meeting new people and starting your day with a huge energy boost. Time: 5:30am–6:30am, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Venue: Parkhurst Tennis Club, 12th St, cnr 12th St and 5th Ave, Parkhurst. Cost: R100 per session. Contact: 083 271 3804 or annchapman@telkomsa.net Cupcake pro This is a fully comprehensive cupcake course, where you will learn a wide range of techniques to help you create beautiful cupcakes with a professional finish.

Booking essential. 5, 16 and 31 May. Time: 9am–3pm. Venue: Miele Professional, 63 Peter Place, Bryanston. Cost: R1 000 for individuals, R890 each for group bookings (two or more). Contact: 079 110 5617 or visit eleganttoppings.co.za

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Demystifying misbehaviour A half-day workshop that shows you why your children misbehave, what this behaviour really means, and how to win back your child’s natural compliance and stay calm in the process. Booking essential. 24 May. Time: 8:30am–12pm. Venue: Berario Recreation Centre, cnr Dolores St and Hoover St, Fairland. Cost: R250. Contact: 082 547 9224 or visit transformationalcoaching.co.za Developing resilient children Educational psychologist, Hennie Voster, offers guidance on how you as a parent can develop resilience in your child. 14 May. Time: 7pm–8pm. Venue: Bellavista School Hall, 35 Wingfield Ave, Birdhaven. Cost: R80. Contact: 011 788 5454 or admin@ bellavistaschool.co.za Educational workshops Practical workshops aimed at supporting and igniting a love of learning in children 4–9 years old. Aimed at parents, teachers, au pairs, grannies and nannies. Booking essential.

24 and 27 May. Time: 2pm–4pm Tuesday, 9am–1pm Saturday. Venue: 24 May: Edenvale Library; 27 May: Field and Study Centre, Parkmore. Cost: Tuesday: R150, Saturday: R350. Contact: 011 453 6799, 083 731 0897 or simpson@mailone.co.za Foundation drawing and oil painting This course is designed for adults and teenagers wanting to learn or improve the basic techniques of figure and object drawing using charcoal, pencil, ink or oil paint. For adults and teenagers 16 years and older. 10 May. Time: 9am–1:30pm. Venue: The Fine Arts Studio, Rivonia, Sandton.

Cost: R3 800 for nine classes. Contact: 082 904 3720 or visit thefineartsstudio.co.za Left-hand learning workshop Learn more about the challenges that lefties experience and how you can help them. Booking essential. 24 May. Time: 9am–11am. Venue: Constantia Kloof. Cost: R250. Contact: 083 417 3316 or visit lefthandlearning.co.za Mother’s Day glass blowing A handson activity for a crafty mom or for those wanting to make a personal rose or paperweight as a gift for their mom. Space is limited. 11 May. Time: 10am–12pm and 2pm–4pm. Venue: The Crucible, 37 8th Rd, Rynfield Agricultural Holdings, Benoni.

Cost: R400. Contact: 011 969 6105 or visit thecrucible.co.za Parenting course A parenting course based on the spiritual development of a child’s education and which underlies the physical, mental and emotional aspects.

17 May. Time: 12pm–1:15pm, every Saturday. Venue: St James Preparatory magazine joburg

School, 61 Berg St, Belgravia. Cost: R200 for a 9-week course, free for parents with children enrolled in St James. Contact: 011 618 4124/4101 or visit stjamesschool.co.za Play conference As part of Cotlands’ role to advocate for children’s right to play, they have organised a play conference that will result in an advocacy plan for play in Southern Africa. 12–16 May. Time: 8am–4pm. Venue: Randburg Towers, Republic Rd, Randburg.

Cost: R500 per day. Contact: 011 683 7201 or visit cotlands.org Redirecting Children’s Behaviour A parenting course that is taught in five three-hour sessions. Parents are given easyto-learn, positive parenting techniques that allow them to redirect their children’s behaviour through loving guidance and not through punishment and threats. Booking essential. 8 May. Time: 6:30pm–9:15pm.

Venue: Thabile Nursery School, 18 Olympic Rd, Blairgowrie. Cost: R1 400 per person, R2 200 per co-parenting couple. Contact: 082 525 7941 or visit nataleeholmes.com Sensory profiling for the classroom A workshop for teachers, classroom facilitators, school-based therapists and education support staff on dealing with diversity within the classroom. 27 May. Time: registration 1:15pm, workshop 2pm–5pm.

Venue: tbc. Cost: R450. Contact: 082 397 3606 or visit sensoryintelligence.co.za The Stork Talk Children who report having good conversations with their parents about sex are more likely to delay sexual activity, have fewer partners, and use condoms and other contraceptives when they do have sex. Find out when the right time to talk is, understand sexual exploration vs sexual acting out, and be able to talk with your child without fear. Booking essential. 28 May. Time: 9am–11am. Venue: Psychmatters Family Therapy Centre, 9 Park St, Bedfordview.

Cost: R400. Contact: 011 450 3576 or visit psychmatters.co.za

Classical lunchhour concert Talented musicians treat you to the works of Vivaldi, Saint-Saëns, Schubert and Dvorak during your lunch hour. Time: 1pm, every Friday. Venue: Auto and General Theatre on the Square, Nelson Mandela Square, cnr Maude and 5th St, Sandton. Cost: R40 (includes coffee and biscuits).

Contact: 011 883 8606 or visit theatreonthesquare.co.za

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9, 10, 23 and 31 May – Tinybite handson workshops

Tinybite workshops Learn how to decorate biscuits for themed parties or special occasions, work with fondant icing and make simple fondant decor, and bake and decorate cupcakes. Booking essential.

For adults and teenagers 16 years and older.

Biscuit workshop: 9 and 23 May, cupcake workshop: 10 May, cake decorating workshop: 31 May. Time: 9am–12:30pm.

Venue: Tinybite Kitchen, Dennis Rd, Athol, Sandton. Cost: biscuit and cupcake courses R350 each, cake decorating R450. Contact: 082 927 9763 or visit tinybite.co.za Weight-loss challenge A 12-week weightloss programme with group support, weekly weigh-ins, exercise, prizes and more. Starts 10 May. Time: 8am, every Saturday. Venue: Fairland Wellness Centre, 148 Market on 7th Ave, Fairland. Cost: R195. Contact: 011 431 3676 or c@absamail.co.za

10 May – Weight-loss challenge

on stage and screen History of India VIRitten Ashvin Gidwani’s History of India is a mixture of comedy, pride and laughter. 30 May– 1 June. Time: 8pm Friday and Saturday, 3pm Sunday. Venue: Joburg Theatre, 163 Civic Boulevard, Braamfontein. Cost: R200– R300. Book through the Joburg Theatre: 0861 670 670 or visit joburgtheatre.com Masterpieces of French Music in Ballet The Crown of the Russian Ballet presents a repertoire of classical masterpieces and modern dance staged by lead dancer and chief choreographer Anatoly Emelianov.

9–11 May. Time: 8pm Friday and Saturday, 3pm Saturday and Sunday. Venue: Theatre of Marcellus at Emperors Palace, 64 Jones Rd, Kempton Park. Cost: R150–R450. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com Monkey Nuts A cleverly crafted show starring Matthew Ribnick, which tells the story of an eccentric bank teller, Edgar Chambers, whose main hobby is monitoring the prices of grocery items in various stores. No children under 16 years old. 15 April–10 May. Time: 8:15pm Tuesday–Friday, 6pm and 8:30pm Saturday. Venue: Auto and General Theatre on the Square, Nelson May 2014

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calendar Mandela Square, cnr Maude St and 5th St, Sandton. Cost: R100–R120. Book through Strictly Tickets: 082 553 5901 or visit strictlytickets.com

out and about Breakfast with Diana Cooper Enjoy breakfast with Diana, and hear more about her experiences and spiritual insights. She received an angel visitation during a time of

personal crisis. 1 May. Time: 8:30am–11am.

Venue: Centre Court, The Wanderers Club, Illovo. Cost: R450. Contact: info@ dianacooper.co.za or visit dianacooper.co.za Ladies’ Hat Luncheon Don your best bonnet, dress in pink, lilac or purple in aid of the Diepsloot Preschools Project, a registered NPO. They are celebrating their 21st birthday and are raising funds for equipment and renovations for three

3 sat

preschools in Diepsloot. Booking essential.

15 May. Time: 12pm. Venue: Kyalami Country Club, Maple Rd, Midrand. Cost: R5 000 for eight guests, includes a threecourse meal. Contact: 082 557 9915 or visit diepslootpreschoolsproject.weebly.com Lunching Mothers Charity High Tea A fundraising get-together to celebrate motherhood. The event is in aid of Bontlebame’s Girls of Hope Programme – an intervention for pre-teen and teen girls at risk. 31 May. Time: 1:30pm–4:30pm. Venue: African Pride Melrose Arch Hotel, Birnam.

Cost: R290. Contact: 082 970 6035, kea@ bontlebame.com or visit bontlebame.com

support groups

Cuppa for Cansa Enjoy a high tea at Vulindlela Bistro and support a worthy cause. You must bring your own tea set and decor to stand to win a prize for the most creatively decorated table. Booking essential. 3 May. Time: 9:30am. Venue: Ngwenya Glass Village, off Beyers Naudé and the R114, Muldersdrift. Cost: R800 for a table of eight to 10 (includes tea/coffee, cakes and savouries). Contact: 082 418 5193 or lyn@bridalvillage.co.za

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Building Bonds programme The Family Life Centre offers a series of group programmes and support groups designed to enhance relationships between parents and their children. For children 2–19 years old. Venue: 1 Cardigan Rd, Parkwood. Cost: varies. Contact: 011 788 4784, counselling@familylife.co.za or visit familylife.co.za Mom Squad A support group for new or expectant moms to share the joys and challenges of motherhood under the guidance of a doctor and mother of two, Karin, and her mom, Liz. Time: 9am–11am, every Thursday. Venue: 4 Pafuri Rd, Emmarentia. Cost: R10 donation towards refreshments. Contact: 082 334 4029 or vandermerwekj@gmail.com

bump, baby & Tot in tow

classes, talks and workshops BabyGym A five-week course that helps you stimulate your baby. The course runs once a week for five weeks. For babies 2 weeks–1 year old. Starts 5 May or 28 May. Time: 9:30am–10:45am. Venue: The Children’s Therapy Centre, Petervale. Cost: R790. Contact: 083 303 1190 or visit babygym.co.za Fitmommy Time: prenatal classes 9:45am–10:30am, postnatal classes (with or without your baby) 10:30am–11:30am, fitmommy classes 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 Preggie Bellies A modified exercise programme that you can attend during each stage of your pregnancy. The classes are adapted to your individual needs.

Time: varies. Venue: classes in Bedfordview, Parkmore, Morningside, Illovo, Fourways, Benmore. Cost: R100–R116. Contact: 0860 723 559 or visit preggibellies.co.za Toptots term two Share in your child’s development and education while having fun and interacting with other moms. For babies 0–4 years old. 10 May–8 August.

Time: varies. Venue: Randpark Ridge/ Fairland. Cost: tbc. Contact Lydia: 079 980 7870 or visit toptots.co.za

magazine joburg

to profound hearing loss. They offer information, resources and support in the home environment and target communicating with your child. Venue: Wits University, Braamfontein. Contact: 011 717 3750 or visit hihopes.co.za

how to help

10 May–8 August –Toptots term two

playtime and story time Playdates at Bambanani A family restaurant where there is a covered, outdoor play area with a gym. Special activities take place every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 2:30pm. Suitable for children 6 months–12 years old. Time: 9am–8pm Tuesday and Friday; 8am–9pm Saturday, Sunday and public holidays. Venue: 85 4th Ave, Melville. Cost: entry free, minimum spend of R50 per person. Contact: 011 482 2900 or visit bambanani.biz

support groups Hi Hopes A free support programme for families who have babies with mild

magazine joburg

Barnyard Fundraiser There are eight animal charities benefiting from tonight’s performance, hosted by Santa Cause for Paws. Strictly No. 1’s features hit songs from 1953–2013. 31 May. Time: doors open at 6pm, show starts at 8pm. Venue: Barnyard Theatre Rivonia, Rivonia Crossing 2, cnr Witkoppen Rd and Achter Rd, Paulshof.

Cost: R160. Book through Santa Cause for Paws: 074 157 3466, info@santapaws. co.za or visit santapaws.co.za Choc Charity Shop They ask for donations of quality goods to sell in their charity shop and raise funds for Choc (Childhood Cancer Foundation SA). Donations can be dropped off at 219B Louis Botha Ave (cnr 11th St), Orange Grove; or at Choc Head Office, 152 Bram Fischer Dr, Randburg.

Contact: 011 485 3164, shop@choc.org.za or visit choc.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.

They would appreciate donations of

books, play equipment, educational charts, toys, a first aid kit, stationery for the office, groceries, nappies and toiletries.

Contact: 078 634 5941, 082 793 5803 or itstartwithme@gmail.com KIDS Blanket Drive The Kids in Dire Straits (K.I.D.S.) blanket drive encourages members of the community to donate a blanket to this worthy cause. There are a number of activities taking place, including a live music performance, live broadcast of Mix FM and the welcoming of the bikers at 10:30am. 18 May. Time: 10am–3pm. Venue: The Brightwater Commons, Republic Rd, Randburg. Cost: free. Contact: 011 789 5052, hello@phatic. co.za or visit brightwatercommons.co.za Resthaven Ministries A registered NPO that serves the needs of underprivileged babies, HIV-infected children, and the elderly in the south of Joburg by providing them with food, shelter and training. You can assist with donations of nappies (for babies and adults), Infacare 1 and 2 (baby formula), toiletries, fruit and vegetables, non-perishable food, and clothing for boys and girls. Venue: New Life Centre, 140

Blanket Drive

Albert St, Rosettenville. Contact: 011 435 2790 or visit resthavenministries.co.za The Sunflower Fund fundraiser Enjoy 60 years of billboard hits with the musical production, Strictly No. 1’s. 15 May. Time: doors open at 6:30pm, show starts at 8pm.

Venue: Barnyard Theatre Rivonia, Rivonia.

Cost: R180. Contact: 011 781 4200 or visit sunflowerfund.org.za

don’t miss out!

For a free listing, email your event to joburg@childmag.co.za or fax it to 011 234 4971. Information must be received by 2 May for the June 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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finishing touch

a time to party

i

t was my son’s birthday recently.

Naturally, that entailed a lot of planning, time and hard work for both his father and me: get the class list from school; design and send out the invitations; manage email correspondence; keep track of who’s coming; think of party activities; make party favours; design the world’s most amazing Spider-Man cake; and cater for about 30 children, their parents and our friends – enough to drive any parent slightly batty.

A birthday party for a young child is a big event in their lives and as parents you want it to be special. From the moment our son’s party ended last year, he was putting in requests about what his next party should include – something I’m sure most children do. Knowing exactly what he wanted, I thought that starting the preparations a few weeks in advance and leaving the food planning until the last couple of days would be fine. Yet, you forget how much time it takes to prepare food and bake and decorate a cake for so

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Cassandra and her son

many people. Every spare moment from Friday night until “party time” on Sunday was spent in the kitchen. Well, almost every moment…

The evening before the party, I surprised my husband with concert tickets to see his favourite band, Electric Light Orchestra (ELO), at an outdoor venue in Paarl. We both grew up listening to their music, and our son often requests and sings along to

their songs while we drive in the car. So, this surprise was a big one.

Once our kitchen shackles had been released, we left our son with a friend, a.k.a. the best baby-sitter in the world, and headed out to see the show. We were both really tired, but it was great to get out and have a bit of well-deserved “us time”. It was surreal being outside overlooking the Winelands while listening to the sounds of

ELO playing only a few rows ahead. It felt like we were children again as we giggled and sang along to every song. At one point we even walked down to the front of the stage and danced around like complete fools – something we used to do when we first started dating; and haven’t really done since parenthood started.

I realised at that moment the importance of two things: it’s great to focus your attention on your child – plan and create a special, over-the-top day for them that they’ll hopefully remember or look back on fondly forever, but it’s also extremely important to let loose once in a while and to create time for your own little “party”.

That’s what this night was for – a party for us to relax, appreciate how far we’ve come in life and to celebrate, in our own way, the little boy that we brought into this world, all of our hard work and how much we are grateful for.

Both Cassandra and her son had a wonderful “party” and, true to form, her son is already putting in his requests for next year’s do.

magazine joburg

PHOTOGRAPH: MENKE BONNEMA

You can’t let your children have all the fun. CASSANDRA SHAW describes the best way to plan a party.

books

a good read for toddlers

for preschoolers One Fine Day Love Came to Visit

By Rus Nerwich and Amanda Bayda

Rover

By Michael Rosen and Neal Layton

Black Dog

By Levi Pinfold

(Published by Bloomsbury Publishing Group, R135) This is a tender and funny book about the adventures of a small dog and his pet girl. Meet Rover; no, not the dog, the little girl. She is the four-legged narrator’s pet human.

Today they are going to play in the giant sandpit. The trouble starts when Rover wanders off while her parents are taking a nap on the beach. Pet human’s mom and dad get a bright idea: they let the dog sniff the little girl’s toy rabbit and send him off to help find her. This book, with its refreshing humour, will delight children up to the age of five, as well as parents.

(Published by Templar, R206) A black dog appears outside the Hope family’s home. As each member of the household sees it and hides, the dog grows bigger and bigger. Only Small, the youngest Hope, has the courage to face Black Dog. When it chases her she shows no fear, so it grows smaller and smaller. Back to the size of a normal hound, he is welcomed into the Hope household as their newest addition. This title was the winner of the Cilip Kate Greenaway Medal 2013, and the “What’s The Story” category for the favourite book for children aged 4–7 years old in the Coventry Inspiration Book Awards.

for early graders Dogtective William and the Poachers

By Elizabeth Wasserman and Chris Venter (Published by NB Publishers, R120) This is the third book in the Dogtective William series.

In this edition Alex and his extraordinary dog, William, find themselves packed off to Aunt Ada’s game farm. Trouble brews right from the start of their bushveld holiday – poachers are on the trail of the rhino on the farm, and have already wounded a large bull. The scoundrels are now using a helicopter to trace their prey. Can a boy and a dog get the better of these fearsome hunters? William’s training as a dogtective has not prepared him for the dangers of the African bush and, for once, Alex might be the one to save the famous dog’s skin.

(Published by Tones of Note Publishing, R200) Love is explained through an interactive audio book. But this is much more than the simple story of love explained. After writing it, the author, who is an internationally acclaimed jazz musician, developed an interactive app, creating the possibility to interact with the illustrations and make musical compositions. It provides a platform for children to practise reading and experiment with sounds. Charming illustrations are brought to life by a warm, engaging narrative. Children can interact with the original score by Nerwich with the musical soundboards. There are fun audio VO and SFX hotspots to discover. Other features include “Record myself”; “Play my voice” and more. To get the app or book, watch a short film or listen to the original score, visit lovecametovisit.com

for preteens and teens

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Hard Luck

By Jeff Kinney

Later Years at Malory Towers

By Enid Blyton

(Published by Penguin Books, R113) This is Jeff Kinney’s eighth book in this hilarious and highly successful series, and Greg Heffley and his friends now have a whole new set of adventures. Greg is on a losing streak. His best friend, Rowley Jefferson, has ditched him, and finding new friends in middle school is proving to be a tough task. To change his fortunes, Greg decides to take a leap of faith and turn his decisions over to chance. Will a roll of the dice turn things around, or is Greg’s life destined to be just another hardluck story? The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series has again been nominated for the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards 2014 for Favourite Book.

(Published by Egmont Children’s Books, R167) Malory Towers is a boarding school for girls in Cornwall. Enid Blyton wrote six books for this series between 1946 and 1951. The heroine is Darrell Rivers, who enters the school in the first form and becomes head girl when she is in the sixth. But of course it’s not all plain sailing for Darrell and her friends. In this fantastic bumper volume of classic stories from the much-loved author, Darrell and her friends grow together as they share their school days. There are new students to induct, sporting matches to be won, tempers to control and tricks to play on teachers.

Readers from the age of eight can join Darrell in mischief, mayhem and midnight feasts. These timeless stories of the famous girls’ school are in Blyton’s hugely popular and successful style and the book includes three popular tales.

for us The Lost Art of Having Fun: 286 Games to Enjoy with Family and Friends

By Gyles and Saethryd Brandreth (Published by Hodder and Stoughton, R402) This book picks out over 250 games, guaranteed to make even the grumpiest child or adult laugh. With all kinds of interesting stories and lovely illustrations, it shows you clearly, and very entertainingly, how to play them. Nine chapters cover pretty much every eventuality: “Rainy Day Games”, “Car Journey”, “Analogue Fun in a Digital World”, “Music and Drama”, “Word Games and Brainteasers”, “Racing Games”, “Party Games” (split between children’s birthday parties and dinner parties), “Weekend-away Games” and “Seasonal Games: Christmas, New Year and Easter”. With this book, you don’t need consoles or board games.

parenting book Mummy and Me Craft: Make and Learn Together Editor Jo Casey (Published by Dorling Kindersley, R177) Introduce your child to the wonderful world of crafting with this colourful and inspiring book of 20 fun craft projects for the whole family. From felt creatures and paper jewellery to origami and paint projects. It is packed with things to make and do. Plus, little ones can learn about the materials they’re working with.

Painting, drawing, cutting and pasting, and using a range of crafting materials such as scissors and glue sticks help children develop hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.