Child Magazine | Joburg November 2012

J O B U R G ’ S

b e s t

gu i d e

f o r

p a r e n t s

let’s talk

toddlers &

teenagers beastie boys

when those hormones kick in

from teen to tyrant understanding the power shift

www.childmag.co.za

November 2012

free

24 neighbourhood gems

motherhood

stay at home or back to work?

worth exploring this month

health

education

entertainment

As a mom of a 10 and almost 18 year old, I know that the welfare of my children is indelibly linked to my own and that my choices can be life changing for them.

For many moms the dilemma of “to work or not” is one of those choices. When I was a single mom, working wasn’t so much a choice as a necessity. Launching Child magazine 10 years ago was an exciting venture for me, but it was also one of the most thought-through decisions I’ve ever made, because I knew it would have a dynamic impact on my girls.

I know I’m not alone. I receive so many emails from moms either wanting to get back into the workplace or desperate to get out of it; to work from home or not at all. No one seems quite sure how to achieve balance and fulfilment. If you’re facing this dilemma, you’ll find Helena Kingwill’s “modern mom’s dilemma” (page 18) essential reading. “Choosing between work and parenting all comes down to being open and honest with yourself and your partner about your needs and priorities,” writes Helena.

Having the choice to work or not is a luxury and a decision that needs to be made responsibly. Our choice has to be right for our children, our family unit and ourselves. I love my work and couldn’t ask for a more fulfilling career, but parenting, and doing it well, is my ultimate motivation and destination.

I’m sure you’ll find lots in our Toddlers & Teenagers issue to inspire you to nurture your child through these exciting growth phases… and still enable you to hang onto your sanity and sense of humour.

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

Hunter House P U B L I S H IN G

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

Editorial Managing Editor Marina Zietsman • marina@childmag.co.za Features Editor Anél Lewis • features@childmag.co.za Resource Editor Simone Jeffery • joburg@childmag.co.za

monthly circulation Joburg’s Child magazineTM Cape Town’s Child magazineTM Durban’s Child magazineTM Pretoria’s Child magazineTM

52 45 40 40

924 844 399 445

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

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

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

PUBLISHER’S PHOTOGRAPH: Brooke Fasani

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

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

Subscriptions and Circulation Helen Xavier • subs@childmag.co.za

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

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All our magazines are printed on recycled paper.

Free requested Jul 12 – Sep 12

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

November 2012

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contents

november 2012

37

upfront 3

a note from lisa

6 over to you readers respond 14 reader’s blog

we should all do our bit for the less privileged, says Khadija Lockhat

21 dad’s blog

Marc de Chazal takes a trip down memory lane remembering his favourite toys as a child 46 swipe type learn

features

13 baby on board

amlyn Vincent gives practical tips for T travelling moms-to-be

18 the modern mom’s dilemma

stay-at-home mom or back to work? Helena Kingwill looks for answers to a question that has many mothers stumped

health 10 milk it

Lucille Kemp looks at the importance of milk in your child’s diet

regulars

22 from boys to men

t echnology is changing the dynamics of our classrooms. Anél Lewis and Marc de Chazal put things into perspective

t estosterone is the catalyst that turns your little boy into an energetic young man. Kate Douglas explains

24 operation: date night

rekindle the flame between you and your partner. Jennifer Stastny shares a few experiences 26 a matter of attitude Gary Koen gives advice on how to deal with the temperamental teenager 30 it’s not complicated

food blogger Alida Ryder aims to inspire you to become an enthusiastic chef with her new book, Simple & Delicious

8 wins 11 upfront with paul

hen does your child’s relationship w with a teacher become inappropriate?

Paul Kerton looks at the warning signs

12 best for baby – bottoms up

a nappy rash should not turn your life upside down, says Anél Lewis

16 dealing with difference

insulin resistance can be reversed and prevented. By Marc de Chazal

50 resource – take a “sho’t left”

34 loosen those apron strings

Lisa Lazarus looks at the complex mother-son relationship

56 a good read

37 learn to understand

very child should be given the e opportunity to learn in their mother tongue. By Karena du Plessis

40 split the difference

ora Reed looks at how to teach our N children to embrace diversity

Simone Jeffery rounds up activities for toddlers and teenagers that are right under your nose

new books for the whole family

62 what’s on in november 78 finishing touch

nél Lewis can’t open things or work A with gadgets. She’s made peace with that, and so should everyone else

44 first-class gifts

classified ads

73 family marketplace

hristina Castle offers useful tips on C what to get your child’s teacher come year end

74 let’s party

this month’s cover images are supplied by: Joburg

Cape Town

Lili Gaufrette Lili Gaufrette Photograph: Alcide Rioche Photograph: Alcide Rioche Jelli Children’s Boutique Jelli Children’s Boutique

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November 2012

Durban

Pretoria

Tasha Seccombe Photography tashaseccombe.com

Photograph: Chrissy Bruwer artifex.co.za

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magazine joburg

November 2012

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letters

mother nature is free I’m a single mom struggling to make ends meet and I have a three-year-old daughter, Elle. I’ve realised that she enjoys a visit to the botanical garden for a picnic more than going to a mall. I would like to encourage all mothers, who like me cannot afford expensive entertainment, to familiarise your children with the great outdoors; it’s more fun and costs less.

Nobuhle

the seriousness of allergies In response to Tanya Page’s letter (“we need allergy-free crèches”, October 2012); I can understand her frustration. Both my children have a peanut allergy, and for the older one, it is life-threatening. When it was time to put her into school, I was extremely frustrated with the lack of knowledge on such a severe allergy. Even now in Grade 4, she encounters problems within the school environment. I feel more awareness needs to be created about these allergies or something more drastic needs to be done to either get schools to have a no-peanut zone or for better measures to be put in place to accommodate children with these allergies.

Alicia

thank you, Child magazine I collected my Zoob prize (“giveaways”, August 2012), and was completely blown away by how many pieces of Zoob I had won. I can’t believe the generosity of Child magazine and the prize sponsor. My children are so happy that they can’t put the set down. Thank you very much.

Lorraine Doke

over to you get the right equipment In response to Samantha Wilson’s letter (August 2012) about the importance of parents learning CPR. It’s every parent’s worst nightmare; your child is on the rugby field, or playing netball, when an injury sends them hurtling to the ground. They’re struggling to breathe and need resuscitation. An automated external defibrillator (AED) is an important piece of equipment that could mean the difference between life and death. While it is vital for everyone to be competent in performing effective CPR, we must also remember the importance of the AED, an automatic device that will analyse the heart rhythm and deliver a lifesaving shock to the heart should this be required. It is completely safe and can be used by anyone following the audio prompts. The stark reality is that if there is a disorganised heart rhythm, CPR alone without a shock from a defibrillator, cannot bring the person back to life.

Disorganised electrical activity in the heart can occur after a heart attack, when a blood vessel feeding the heart muscle itself becomes blocked, or it may tragically follow a blow to the chest in a young, fit and otherwise healthy person. This is alarming as most people are unaware of the potential for this catastrophe, called commotio cordis, where the heart’s electrical cycle is disrupted due to blunt force to the chest from a cricket ball; an elbow or a sharp kick; a baseball bat, hockey stick or puck or a body collision.

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November 2012

I would like to thank you for the hard work that you put into Child magazine. It is a very helpful and informative magazine, as well as exciting. I have a three-month-old boy and hardly have time to search the internet, and would love to subscribe to your magazine.

How do I do this? Got to go... baby is waking up…

Tracey Samuels Childmag says For subscriptions, email subs@childmag.co.za I would like to extend my thanks for a great job done on Child magazine. I found your August 2012 issue extremely informative and educational. As a working mother, life is hectic, and it’s difficult to find the time to research for parenting tips on how to raise our children. Thank you very much for the time spent and effort put into producing this magazine, and for enlightening us with interesting information.

Mamello Thank you very much for your donation to Lukhanyo Orphanage and Educare. The donation of food, clothes, blankets and school materials will be put to good use.

Audrey Sullivan, on behalf of Ester Dini, Sokhene, Nana, Shaundry, Sabelo, Xhanti, Joyful, Imithandazo, Inathi, and Kuhle I just wanted to say thank you for this prize, a getaway to Jock Safari Lodge (“giveaways”, September 2012). We didn’t have money for a honeymoon; we spent a few nights in very cheap B&Bs on our way home from Durban to Joburg. Our daughter was conceived during this trip. This time, we’ll be able to have a proper “honeymoon” with her. Thank you so much for this amazing, once-in-a-lifetime event for our little family.

Stacey Meyer

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.

However, if there is a defibrillator available on the scene right away, in most cases there need not be a sad ending. We need to advocate for AEDs in our schools and there should be no sporting activity allowed unless there is an AED immediately available with a team of emergency-care providers who are competent in providing good quality CPR. Remember your ABCC: if the person is not Awake, not Breathing normally or only gasping, Call for help – 112 on a cellphone or 10177 on a landline – and Compress the chest.

Martin Botha, part-time lecturer in emergency medicine at Wits University

the evil of TV I am a Grade 1 teacher at a small private school dealing with children who have various barriers to learning, ranging from high-functioning autism to severe ADHD, as well as language delays and anxiety disorders. I am really shocked at the lack of informed parenting coming from home and a major concern of mine is the fact that 60 percent of my class go to bed at night watching TV in their rooms. They are unfortunately also the children who are behind academically. Parents need to realise the negative impact TV has both on the child’s academic performance well as on the quality of sleep.

This habit also impacts on the quality of child and parent interaction. How much more precious would it be to share a bedtime story?

Louise

pressure on the sports field I was horrified at how coaches handle children on the sports field at my daughter’s school. I was at the school when a group of Grade 4 pupils were “being punished”, according to the coach, “for not listening”. The children were made to run around the sports field five times before I intervened. At that point, most of them were holding their sides, close to tears, while the coach yelled, “I had better not see you walking”. They were simply too afraid to say something. None of the children were wearing hats at noon on a hot day. None of them had water bottles, although the coaches did. When will coaches listen? Exercise should be fun. It’s sport, not the army.

Jacqueline

handy website I visited family in Joburg recently and was introduced to your magazine. I was really impressed and was so relieved to see you are also online. I’m returning to the Southern Cape knowing I can access the same information with the click of a button.

Liezel, George

erratum In the article “a world of difference” (October, 2012) Barkly House, Molteno Road was named as the school Matt attends. It is in fact, Barkly House, Harfield Road.

Child magazine regrets the error.

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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magazine joburg

November 2012

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wins

giveaways in november play and learn Table Mountain Toys specialises in quality toys and educational products for children. One of their ranges is Brio Wooden Toys, durable, fun toys that will grow with your child, giving them lasting enjoyment. For more info: visit tablemountaintoys.co.za Four readers stand a chance to each win a R500 Brio shopping voucher for online purchases at Table Mountain Toys. Simply enter via childmag. co.za/wins-jhb and use the code “Brio JHB”. Your details will be made available to Table Mountain Toys.

keeping it fresh Diversicor brings moms great ranges of BPA-free plastic ware. The Sistema storage range clips, seals and stacks for convenient and easy use; the funky Cool Gear range keeps drinks and snacks cooler and fresher for longer. For more info: visit diversicor.co.za Two readers stand a chance to each win a hamper of either Cool Gear products or a hamper of Sistema products, both valued at R1 000. Simply enter via childmag. co.za/wins-jhb and use the code “Diversicor JHB”. Your details will be made available to Diversicor.

make lasting memories

herbal health Buchulife is a range of family-friendly, all-natural products manufactured by Cape Kingdom Nutraceuticals in South Africa. This innovative and unique brand harnesses the healing and restorative power of the indigenous herb, buchu, to alleviate pain associated with inflammation and infection. For more info: visit buchulife.com Five readers stand a chance to each win a Buchulife hamper, including Buchulife First Aid Gel, Joint Health Capsules, UTI Relief Capsules and the full range of Buchulife Herbal Sparkling Waters, valued at R400. Simply enter via childmag.co.za/ wins-jhb and use the code “Buchulife JHB”. Your details will be made available to Cape Kingdom Nutraceuticals.

to enter simply visit childmag.co.za

The Timeless Family Food Journal is an interactive recipe book, created by founder of Little Cooks Club, Christine Phillips. Full of delicious recipes, nutritional information and tips, there is also space for you to stick your own photos and recipes, and include special family traditions. Contact: headoffice@littlecooksclub.co.za or visit tffj.co.za Four readers stand a chance to each win a Timeless Family Food Journal, valued at R375. Simply enter via childmag.co.za/wins-jhb and use the code “Little Cooks JHB”. Your details will be made available to Little Cooks Club.

congratulations to our September winners Stacey Meyer who wins a two-night stay for two people sharing at Jock Safari Lodge courtesy of the Shamwari Group; Ursula Nassif, Sandipa Seeparsad and Natalie Newman who each win a consultation, a body analysis and a colour analysis from Personal Styling Matters

or post your entry to PO Box 12002, Mill Street, 8010. Entries close 30 November 2012. Only one entry per reader.

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

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November 2012

and Andries Meyer who wins six months’ worth of vouchers for Fry’s Vegetarian products.

magazine joburg

magazine joburg

November 2012

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health

available, which one should you be drinking? LUCILLE KEMP finds out.

hat glass of milk before you go to sleep at night might be doing more than just helping you relax.

Medical research suggests that calcium, found in dairy products, may help lower high blood pressure, and reduce the risk of stroke and obesity. The Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa recommends the consumption of low-fat milk products, which contain less saturated fats, as the healthiest choice.

be guided The Nutritional Information Centre at the University of Stellenbosch (Nicus), an independent voice on nutrition, puts milk at the top of the list for good eating in children as it is an important source of energy, essential fatty acids, proteins, calcium and vitamins. In most cases full-cream cow’s milk may be introduced when your child is one year old. They don’t need more than 600ml a day as they should be getting nutrients from other food as well. If their primary source of nutrition is milk, which is a poor source of minerals such as iron, they may be deficient.

Pretoria-based paediatric dietician Cecile van Niekerk says the everyday milk that is widely accessible – low-fat and full-cream – is fine. “Lactose, or milk sugar, is healthy for blood-glucose and body-weight control so even if the amount of lactose is slightly increased, as is found in lowfat milk, it remains healthy. Milk is good for growth and development, and is a nutrient-rich snack alternative to

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cold drinks, fruit juices and milk drinks with added sugar, which contain empty calories.” Van Niekerk recommends that your child has a tub of yoghurt, a glass of milk and a serving of low-fat cheese every day. Nicus goes on to say that if your child needs to be on a kilojoule-restricted diet, “low-fat and fat-free milk can still give them most of the vitamins and all of the minerals with considerably less fat”.

Also, the difference in the lactose content of full-cream and low-fat milk is insignificant and will not affect the total sugar content in their diet. Cape Town-based nutritional therapist Sara Bilbe believes we should not be consuming low-fat products. “The fat content in food helps slow down the digestion or release of sugar from food, that’s why low-fat milk having less fat to slow down the absorption of lactose, has a higher GI than full-cream milk.”

other options If your child is allergic to cow milk protein, give them soy milk, says Van Niekerk. If they’re allergic to both, introduce calcium-rich foods into their diet. Be aware that rice milk does not have any nutritional value for children. If your child is not allergic to all animal milk, Bilbe recommends whole, raw goat’s milk as the best alternative. Full-fat soy milk and goat’s milk can be introduced after 12 months.

If your child does suffer from food allergies, your best bet is to consult your paediatrician and a registered dietitian for advice.

what’s in that glass?

full-cream milk

fat: 3,5% or 3,5g per 100ml; energy: 260kJ/100ml; calcium: 120mg; suitable: for one to two year olds

low-fat milk fat: 2% or 2g per 100ml; energy: 208kJ/100ml; calcium: 122mg; suitable: can be introduced at the age of two, if your child is overweight, but preferably only from age five

fat-free milk fat: 0,18g per 100ml; energy: 146kJ/100ml;

calcium:

123mg

(slightly more than other types as nutrients are concentrated after the removal of fat); suitable: preferably only after the age of five Source: rediscoverdairy.co.za

magazine joburg

PHOTOGRAPH: shutterstock.com

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milk it

Dairy is an important part of a balanced diet, but with so many types of milk

upfront with paul

dangerous liaisons While a close relationship between your child and their teacher is encouraged, watch out for any inappropriate behaviour, says PAUL KERTON.

PHOTOGRAPH: MARIETTE BARKHUIZEN

a

s I write this, there are reports of a 15-year-old British girl who “eloped” with her 30-year-old teacher to France, without a kiss or a goodbye to her parents. Quite apart from the fact that she is under the age of consent, or that the teacher is married, or that while they are cavorting around the Continent she is missing vital lessons and exams; eloping – in every respect – is a dumb move for both of them, and exposes the very slippery side of teacher-pupil relationships.

Okay, we can consider for a nanosecond the intense fairy-tale “romance” of being so much in love, something the French authorities did when they refused to search for the couple or arrest them, as they could see “nothing wrong”. But you know, and I know, that when the teacher’s small, ecofriendly saloon runs out of petrol, it will all end in tears.

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Hands up anyone who hasn’t had a crush on a teacher? Thought so. This is a universal trend for pupils of a certain age. You can even see it as early as nursery school, where children fall in love with their loving, warm and cuddly carers.

It’s innocent enough. The danger zone is when children reach prepuberty and their hormones start bombarding them with thoughts of all things amorous. I remember being smitten by my Parisian French teacher, Mademoiselle Maygrit.

She was young, which gave the mistaken impression that she might possibly be attainable; she was sassy and stylish; she spoke with that very husky, sexy French accent, and wafted about the crusty school corridors like a splash of Chanel No. 5. Predictably, there was never any liaison dangereuse. But if a crush is bad for boys, it is far worse for girls who,

we’re constantly reminded, mature earlier.

While boys are still swapping football stickers, girls are looking to older men for experience, money, cars and all the trappings of real life. This is when the alarm bells ring.

Judging by the morning papers, they should be ringing. As a result of the front page eloping story, the press has been awash with an epidemic of lurid eyepopping follow-up tales and confessions involving every permutation of illicit teacher-pupil goings on. The process is made all the more easier because of the much-maligned social media. But remember, social media is not the problem; it is just the delivery system.

The illusion is that classrooms globally have become hotbeds of teacher-pupil speed dating, which we know not to be true since the vast majority of teachers and

Saskia, Paul and Sabina

pupils maintain a respectable position on either side of the unbroken line of trust: in loco parentis. Yes, it is fantastic that your children love their teacher and the teacher loves them, and you cannot underestimate the sheer joy a teacher gets from teaching a pupil who actually wants to learn, but there are limits to the closeness of this bond.

And this is something we, as parents, need to discreetly police.

I would suggest that a teacher who is seen by his colleagues holding the hand of his girl pupil on a plane, on the way back from a school trip to a foreign land, may have been an early warning sign that the line had been crossed, before they took it a step further and eloped.

Follow Paul on Twitter: @fabdad1

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best for baby

bottoms up Although nappy rash is fairly common, affecting most babies at some time, it helps to know how it can be treated. By ANÉL LEWIS

what’s that rash?

In standard irritant nappy dermatitis, the baby will have red, moist and sometimes scaly patches on the genital and

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finding relief Essack recommends leaving the nappy off as much as possible, to allow the skin to dry. Make sure your child is changed frequently, and as soon as possible after a bowel movement, especially if you use cloth nappies.

Barrier ointments, such as zinc oxide pastes, petroleum jelly and other unmedicated barrier preparations, are the “mainstays” of treatment, and should be applied after every nappy change.

However, Essack emphasises that baby powder on the nappy area offers no antibacterial benefit. Gentle cleansing, not rubbing, with water or a non-perfumed cleanser, will help to soothe the area. A topical anticandidal cream can be used if there is a thrush infection.

Kapnias says creams with irritants such as ammonia, sodium lauryl sulphates or parabens could irritate your baby’s sensitive skin. Cortisone treatments should only be used as a short-term solution. Topical creams with probiotics will help prevent and soothe nappy rash, he says. The good news, adds Essack, is that even the most severe nappy rash will sort itself out when your child is potty trained, and you can ditch the nappy for good.

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PHOTOGRAPH: shutterSTOCK.COM

t

hat telltale red mark on your baby’s bottom usually means she has nappy rash, one of the most common dermatological conditions to occur in infants and young children. Dr Irshad Essack, a Joburg-based dermatologist, says there are several causes of nappy dermatitis, but the initiating factor is usually a prolonged and increased wetness of the skin. This causes frictional damage, which reduces the skin’s barrier function, making it more susceptible to irritants such as urine and faeces. Cape Town general practitioner Dr Costa Kapnias says the extended use of antibiotics, which may cause a secondary thrush infection, could also contribute to nappy rash. Washing powders that are harsh on the skin, as well as some synthetic materials in nappies, may exacerbate the problem.

bottom areas. The second most common type of nappy rash is candida diaper dermatitis, caused by the thrush fungus. Your baby may have signs of thrush in her mouth too. Essack says thrush from the intestine will contaminate any type of nappy rash that is present for more than three days. Milaria rubra will show as a fine red rash in places where the plastic parts of a nappy can block the ducts of the sweat glands.

Nappy rash may also appear for reasons other than a wet nappy or an infection. Essack says seborrhoeic dermatitis is easily identified by red eruptions with a waxy, yellow scale. Your baby’s scalp may also be affected, with cradle cap, as well as the eyebrows, underarms, behind the ears and the nappy area. Atopic dermatitis occurs in children with an allergic condition, such as asthma or allergic rhinitis. In babies, the rash is concentrated on the scalp, face, behind the knees and elbows and in the nappy area. Other conditions include psoriasis, an inflammatory disorder; bullous impetigo, a blistering form of a bacterial skin infection; scabies, which is a highly contagious itchy rash with small bumps; and herpes simplex infection, which causes painful ulcers to appear in the genital area.

health

baby on board Travelling when you’re pregnant can be stressful. Here are some tips to ensure that it’s plain sailing all the way. By TAMLYN VINCENT

h

opping on a plane to backpack around Europe isn’t the best idea when you’re expecting, but that doesn’t mean you can’t travel at all. Pregnant women should just exercise common sense, says Dr Cheryl Kay from The Travel Doctor, and plan ahead.

ILLUSTRATIONS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

en route • There are time limits to travelling when pregnant, says Kay. Travel in the second trimester if possible. You’ll be busy getting scans and checkups in the first trimester and in the last four weeks you could go into labour.

• If you’re flying, check with the airline about their pregnancy restrictions. Most airlines will not allow you to fly if you are more than 36 weeks pregnant. Book an aisle seat, preferably with extra leg room, so you can get out easily to walk around, stretch or use the toilet. Note that airlines won’t allow you to sit next to the emergency exits.

• If you’re flying a long distance, take two shorter flights rather than one long one. When driving long distances, stop often for rests and stretches.

• Get plenty of fluid says Kay, and keep some snacks on you in case of nausea.

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• When driving, don’t place the seatbelt across your belly. The lower strap should go under your belly and the upper strap should cross over your shoulder and above your belly.

• If you want to go on a cruise, you’ll need to clear it with the cruise company and Kay recommends checking if there is a medical doctor on board.

• Take necessary documents including a recent scan, your vaccination records, travel insurance, your blood group in case you need a transfusion, and medication scripts if needed. Make a note of your doctor’s number, the number of a doctor where you’re going and a nearby hospital’s number.

• Keep any medication, vitamins or other essentials on you or in your hand luggage.

medical matters • Before going away, get the all-clear from your gynaecologist, advises Kay. • If you have pregnancy complications, a chronic disorder such as asthma or hypertension, or you’re carrying twins, you shouldn’t travel unnecessarily.

• Pregnant women are also more prone to urinary tract infections, so Kay recommends drinking plenty of water. If you won’t have easy access to a doctor, think about taking a dipstick test and a course of safe antibiotics.

• Don’t travel to malaria areas as most anti-malaria medication is unsafe. If you have to, speak to your doctor about when to go and what medication to take.

Pregnant women also shouldn’t take any live vaccine, such as for yellow fever.

destination do’s and don’ts • Give adventure holidays a miss while you’re pregnant. However, Kay says you can still enjoy walking, easy-going hiking or swimming, which are all good activities for moms-to-be.

• When in the sun use stronger sunscreen.

• Wear comfortable, loose clothing and non-slip, supportive shoes.

• Don’t start doing new activities and avoid doing anything that could cause you to fall, such as riding a horse.

• Avoid using saunas and hot tubs, and check if spa treatments are safe.

• Make sure you are well-prepared for your holiday. Take a hand sanitiser with you and check out restaurants before booking a table.

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reader’s blog

it’s the small things any talented children in South Africa go through their day starving; lacking necessities such as clean water and medical care. Education is more of a luxury and so regrettably, these children are never given the opportunity to celebrate their talents or achieve success using the gifts they have. Those of us who have access to clean water, medical care and quality education take these things for granted. Yet, by offering to help in some small way, we could contribute to the transformation of someone’s life. By simply adding one more sandwich to your lunch-making routine, for example, you could provide the only meal a child eats in a day; one that could help him concentrate a bit better at school.

While we all hope for an end to this cycle of poverty, we get caught up in the “there’s no time” trap of modern life. Focused on feeding, providing shelter and meeting the high cost of a good education, parents will say that life is too “hectic” to help. However, I’m inspired by my own experience, and the motto of my son’s school: “from small beginnings better fortunes flow”. We have it within us to start small and achieve greatness. We can start by creating educational opportunities because, as Nelson Mandela said, “education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world”.

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So, why not try the following to enhance the educational opportunities of others: identify an adult or child close to your home or your workplace. It could be a co-worker, a friend, the beggar on the corner, your gardener, domestic worker or your neighbour. Make sure you can communicate easily with the person, otherwise it will difficult to follow through on the initiative. Start the conversation – ask them about themselves, their schooling, training and their ambitions. You will find that everyone has a dream, and a story to share. Find out

how you can help them realize their educational goals.

You could help identify and direct their talents. You could offer to help them fill in forms and find a suitable institution for further study. Offer a lift to the bus stop – the money saved could go towards their child’s fare to school. Help raise funds for school fees, give guidance on homework, donate books and magazines, contribute financially or buy school uniform items and stationery.

The list of ways in which you can help is endless.

Remember to reuse and recycle what you already have. Monitor their progress and your contribution as their needs change. Always encourage them to be self-sufficient. I hope that this initiative will help many South Africans free themselves from poverty, despair and crime, which prevents us from fully celebrating our country’s potential. To find out more or to share experiences, contact khatija@lockhat.com or visit kidenuf.wordpress.com.

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

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By giving a few minutes of your time, you could help improve someone’s quality of life, says KHADIJA LOCKHAT.

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dealing with difference

take a weight off It sounds ominous but syndrome X, or insulin resistance, can be reversed with a healthy diet and regular exercise, says MARC DE CHAZAL.

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one in 10 the number of adults who have diabetes

unaware of it. There are an estimated 300 million people with diabetes worldwide and this figure is predicted to climb to 500 million by 2030. Local statistics from government are unreliable, but estimates suggest that one in 10 adults in South Africa has diabetes. It is causally linked to the global and national obesity epidemic, which has not spared children. More and more children are becoming obese and with it we are seeing a rise in insulin resistance and even type 2 diabetes, previously seen only in adults.

Children with high calorie, high carb and high fat diets, who don’t do any meaningful exercise, are being diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. It’s a lifestyle disease that has its origins in our modern-day food choices, portions and anti-exercise pastimes. The progression from this to diabetes and other lifethreatening diseases is a growing problem.

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hen nine-year-old Melissa* started to gain weight around her waist and was always tired, her mom, Amy*, thought her daughter may have developed diabetes.

Their family doctor tested Melissa’s blood sugar and found the levels to be higher than they ought to be. A clinical dietician then tested her for impaired glucose tolerance. Melissa didn’t have diabetes, but she was diagnosed with insulin resistance syndrome, otherwise known as metabolic syndrome or syndrome X, which puts people at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. This syndrome is also associated with obesity, cardiovascular disease and related health problems.

Insulin resistance is the primary catalyst for the development of type 2 diabetes which, according to Diabetes SA, is the most common form of diabetes in the world. Type 2 diabetes has a more gradual onset than type 1 diabetes and for this reason is harder to detect. The disease works silently, wreaking internal damage as high blood sugars accumulate, which may lead to heart disease, blindness, kidney failure, impotence and amputations.

Keegan Hall of Diabetes SA, who lives with type 1 diabetes, estimates that 50 percent of South Africans who have diabetes are

2 diabetes. The challenge for parents who have children in this risk group is rather simple: make the necessary lifestyle changes in your family and you will lower the risk of your child developing type 2 diabetes.

what is insulin resistance?

Imagine you have just eaten a delicious meal.

The food gets digested in your stomach and the result is a spike in your blood glucose level. Your pancreas jumps into action and releases insulin, a hormone which helps the cells in your body take in glucose and put it to good use. If your body is insulin resistant, your muscle, fat and liver cells don’t respond properly to insulin. The result is that your pancreas releases more insulin to get the job done. Eventually the pancreas fails to keep up with the body’s demand for more insulin and the glucose that should have been converted into energy builds up in your bloodstream.

amount of rubbish food children consume is a real problem and I’m convinced this is a big reason for the development of diabetes and heart problems later on in life,” she says. “I advocate a low-GI diet for children with insulin resistance, which is essentially a type 2 diabetic diet that helps to lower the amount of insulin released in the blood.” Low-GI foods are absorbed very slowly into the bloodstream and tend to keep blood glucose values more stable for longer periods than intermediate- and high-GI foods.

Hume estimates that 65 percent of the solution is exercise. “I’m not talking about a slow walk around the park, but a very active lifestyle. If children in this risk group shed their excess weight by eating properly and getting enough physical activity, we can prevent the incidence of insulin resistance or reverse it if it has already developed,” she says. Exercise alone is a poor tool for bringing about weight loss, but is

The simplest test is to put your child on a scale.

Dr David Segal, a paediatric endocrine and diabetes specialist in Joburg, points out that insulin resistance doesn’t usually present noticeable symptoms. “People may have insulin resistance and/or prediabetes for several years without noticing any related health problems,” he says.

“Elevated insulin levels, a precursor of diabetes, can be suspected if someone has dark patches of skin, most often on the back of the neck, called acanthosis nigricans.” Dr Segal doesn’t advise that parents rush their children off to a doctor for blood tests to measure insulin levels, which seems to be a popular trend. “The simplest test is to put your child on a scale,” he says.

move it Clinical dietician Tabitha Hume believes one of the main contributing factors in insulin resistance is too much of the wrong fat in our diet and bodies. Hume does not advocate restricting the intake of food, but rather choosing the right food. “The

fabulous for preventing diabetes and improving cardiovascular health. Children such as Melissa, who are diagnosed with insulin resistance, are often treated with metformin, a drug commonly used to manage type 2 diabetes. But Segal says “scientific studies have found that metformin is half as effective as diet and exercise in preventing the progression to diabetes”.

It is estimated that 90 percent of type 2 diabetes cases can be prevented by changing to a healthier diet and increasing physical activity. Another prudent reason to reverse the trend of sedentary lifestyles and obesity-related insulin resistance is the psychological impact on our children.

Amy admits that her daughter needed professional counselling after children teased her at school for being overweight.

Melissa is now 11 years old and has shown a remarkable improvement since her mother made changes to the family’s diet and enrolled her for regular swimming classes. *Names have been changed.

risk factors for insulin resistance and diabetes • • • • •

a family history of a first-degree relative with type 2 diabetes; being overweight or obese; having been born to a mother who had diabetes or gestational diabetes; being born small or large for gestational age; or coming from an at-risk ethnic group, such as South African Indian.

valuable contacts National office: 011 886 3765, national@diabetessa.co.za or visit diabetessa.co.za Western Cape: 021 425 4440 or capewc@diabetessa.co.za Durban: 0861 222 717 or durban@diabetessa.co.za Pretoria: 083 574 0959 or pretoriadiabetes@hotmail.com

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relationships

the modern mom’s dilemma Stay at home with your children or balance working and mothering?

hen Cape Town freelance photographer Charline Hope, 41, fell pregnant, she proudly announced the news. To her surprise, her main client “dropped her like a hot coal”. She continued to work, but as time wore on, she became more and more distracted by her new important role as a mother.

When her baby was seven months old she hired a fulltime nanny to help her cope with balancing motherhood and her career. Charline found that when she was not physically out on a shoot, she struggled to find time to do the admin necessary to maintain the work flow. “It was hard to keep the mind-set,” she explains. When the phone rings, it’s not that easy to sound professional with a baby in your arms. “I felt like a failure at being a mom and doing my job.” Charline remembers, “I couldn’t give 100 percent to either. I began to feel so guilty, rushed and haggard. It was useless.”

By the time she had her third child, she surrendered to being mostly a mom, but she still hopes to return to

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her photography career one day. “I worry about losing my contacts and keeping up with the industry,” says Charline.

“It’s important to keep a foot in the door.” In the meantime she has invested in a retail business, which allows her to work half-days while being fully present with her children in the afternoons.

half in, half out Making a living while simultaneously being available to one’s children is a challenge, which seems to be intensifying as the cost of living rises. It all boils down to time or money. Do you choose to spend the money on paying someone else to look after your children so that you can work to make more money? Or do you decide to forfeit your career and spend the time doing the job of caring for your children as you want to harvest the benefits of having spent that formative time together? How will not having the income affect the outcome for the whole family? It’s a tough decision.

“We put too much pressure on ourselves to be supermoms,” says Charline. “The key is not to fight it, but to be in it,” she advises. “Enjoy being a mother, and enjoy being with your children while they are small. By the time they reach the age of four, they can go to play group and have playdates. Ideally, parents should financially plan for time off so that mothers can play this sacred role for a few years,” she says.

changing world For many women in South Africa, there is no choice but to juggle work and parenting. According to Statistics SA only one-third (33,5 percent) of children live with both parents.

Social security is minimal and single parents have to find a way to make ends meet.

Single mom Camilla Walker, 40, from Durban says that the challenge of being a single mom is compounded by the fact that she feels she has to compensate for her son’s father not being around.

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HELENA KINGWILL urges you to plan for whatever decision you make.

“I resent the time I have to spend away from Dylan when I have to work overtime or on weekends. It breaks my heart but I have no choice. Besides, I need the stimulation and to keep that side of my life alive and dynamic. It is good for Dylan too, that his mom has a life outside of the home,” she explains.

As the saying goes, “It takes a village to raise a child,” but worldwide, demographics have shifted to urban environments where extended families and tribal structures no longer play a part in raising the children.

Now, countless women, like Camilla, find themselves having to do it all alone.

The consequences of this breakdown in society were addressed recently at a United Nations conference dealing with the matter of balancing work and family. “Out of choice and necessity, women enter the paid labour force in growing numbers, where they are often discriminated against in access to employment and benefits. At the same time, both women and girls continue to bear most of the responsibilities for the household. In all regions, women spend at least twice as much time as men on unpaid domestic work,” said Professor O’Brien, codirector of the Centre for Research on the Child and Family at the University of East Anglia in the UK. O’Brien said that some research showed that, “Stable parental care for infants is of utmost importance and

recommended. Optimally, young children should not be left in poor quality, non-parental care arrangements.”

International research indicates, “Maternity leave provisions have been associated with a reduction in mortality and morbidity and higher rates of breast-feeding.

Paternal leave-taking often results in fathers’ practical and emotional investment in infant care and has been linked to a higher level of father involvement in family responsibilities later on.”

With statements like this being made at an international level, perhaps there is hope of new policies being implemented in South Africa. Beyond maternity and paternity leave, wouldn’t it be great if childcare was a taxdeductible expense? It is, after all, a necessity for self-employed parents working from home. Unfortunately, the trend is to fall for the remote control option as illustrated by cartoonist Nate Beeler in answer to the controversial Time magazine cover photo “Attachment Parenting”. It showed a picture of a four-year-old boy standing while being breast-fed by his mother. Beeler’s cartoon shows an obese child with remote control in hand sucking on a takeaway milkshake straw for a breast, while staring up at the TV-screen head of a mother figure composed of fast-food and gadgets. Of course, it doesn’t have to be like that. It all depends on your choices.

We put too much pressure on ourselves to be supermoms. The key is not to fight it, but to be in it.

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relationships

what works for you?

a plan in place

Life is not a bed of roses for the married stay-at-home mother either. Annie Finch, 44, of Randburg discloses that being financially dependent on her husband makes her feel like a child. “I don’t feel like I have much clout when my husband and I have to make decisions, because I am not putting any money on the table. And that comes from my low self-esteem as a result of not working, and not from him,” she says. Being dependent makes her feel vulnerable. “What if anything were to happen to him? I need to study further in order to be able to start earning properly again,” she explains.

Another reason Annie wants to get back to work is because she feels it’s unhealthy beyond preschool level for mothers to be eternally available and at the service of their children. “Except perhaps when they are ill, so a flexible job would be ideal,” she ponders. She makes the point that, “As a role model for your child, it is important to show them that you have a life beyond just being a caregiver.

What’s more, the child needs to learn from your example that she does not have to be available to everyone who needs her attention.”

Role models have a great influence on the big career versus parenting decision. Most women whose parents played traditional family roles, where their mother stayed home and their father worked, feel more comfortable playing the same roles in their own families. Looking ahead, your career choices may indirectly affect your children’s choices, not to mention your relationship with your partner over money. Think back to your own parents.

How open were they with each other about money? Was it a bone of contention?

Although we have come a long way, much of the feminine psyche still falls down the slippery slope of fairy-tale fantasy. Oh to be swept off by that handsome prince...

Now that I have grown up, I wonder if the princess would be given an allowance for her personal needs, or paid a salary for all her royal duties. Would it be agreed upon before the wedding? Or would she have to awkwardly raise the subject when she ran out of sanitary pads?

Relationship counsellor, leadership and life coach Mary Ovenstone points out that research has proven that women have a hard-wired biological need to be cared for and protected, especially while caring for babies. She argues that even in the 21st century, a woman should not feel guilty about not working when she is doing the important job of mothering nor should she have to surrender control or her dignity, because of money, while she cares for her baby. “It’s not okay for a woman to lose her power, her choices or her responsibility for the family finances because of not being able to earn,” Mary points out. She strongly urges couples to plan ahead and have open discussions about money.

Mary has developed what she calls the “Yours, Mine and Ours” budget model, which includes a separate allowance for each partner and a communal pot. Each partner contributes to the pot proportionally to his or her earnings. “As a result, neither is the archetypal ‘child’ or ‘slave’ without any say in the financial equation. When they move in together they should establish this pattern,” she recommends.

Choosing between work and parenting all comes down to being open and honest with yourself and your partner about your needs and priorities. Sit down and do your accounting and look at where you are spending your

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energy and where you would rather spend it. This may help you find an even keel in battling the stormy ocean of economic survival versus the demands of children.

And if you are a new mother facing the reality of the dilemma, remember, there is no right or wrong answer. My only advice is to listen to your heart, trust your instincts and remember that no matter what: being a parent is the most important job you will ever do. Although it is unpaid, the rewards are priceless.

helpful family budgeting websites • frugality-for-today.com/family-budget.html • budgetworksheets.org • Microsoft Excel – download a Monthly Family Budget Workbook • oldmutual.co.za

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dad’s blog

playtime It’s often the simpler toys, or even household items, that will unlock your child’s imagination, says MARC DE CHAZAL.

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id you have a favourite toy when you were a child? I remember being especially attached to an action figure, which I played with for hours on end. His military garb eventually fell apart or was lost, leaving him buttnaked. Inspired by my comic book heroes, I got hold of red nail polish and painted on Superman-style underwear.

This gave him an Aquaman vibe, so he spent a lot of time in the pool with me or in the imaginary underwater world that was my bedroom. I may have also been influenced by a TV show called The Man from Atlantis, about a dude from the legendary sunken city who could swim like a dolphin and preferred a glass of water to beer. I recall trying to stay under water in our swimming pool for as long as I could before actually drowning – it’s

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not advisable. The action figure didn’t have the same breathing issues, so I lived vicariously through him on many an adventure. Who knows what happened to this toy or when I stopped playing with it, but he was a steadfast prop in my childhood imagination.

My daughter doesn’t remember what her favourite toy was, but I have video evidence of me pushing her around the lounge in a red bucket. She loved that more than anything. It wasn’t really a toy, but it’s a great example of a common trend – children can derive as much, if not more, joy from playing with everyday things, such as a plastic bucket used to carry laundry. I wouldn’t deny a child some of the really cool toys available today, but I’m all for unstructured play that sparks the imagination.

what’s your child’s favourite toy?

“My six year-old son Damian’s favourite toys are Lego and superhero action figures.” – Natasha Muller, Joburg “My three-year-old daughter is obsessed with sticky tape. She makes ‘sculptures’ with her toys, crayons and anything else she can find by sticking them all together and expecting me to hang them up all over the place. I can usually distract her with play dough or her dress-up box, but just long enough for me to try and untangle all her ‘artwork’, which is no mean feat.” – Michelle Walton, Cape Town “My boy is six years and 10 months and his favourite toys are his cars and his train set. We can’t afford to buy big expensive toys so he is used to looking for things inside the house to create his own. Many of his favourite toys are his own creations.” – Kobie Nortjé, Cape Town “Sipho’s favourite toys are Superman or Batman.” – Zak Khajee, Cape Town

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

November 2012

21

health

from boys

to men

Testosterone may be to blame for your son’s transformation into an energetic and boisterous young man. KATE DOUGLAS finds out more.

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estosterone is a hormone with quite a reputation.

It’s often associated with aggressive behaviour, masculinity or steroid-using bodybuilders with bulging pectorals and squeaky voices. Cape Town fertility specialist Dr Sascha Edelstein says, “Testosterone is a steroid hormone that is required for male reproductive health. It is produced in small amounts by the adrenal glands and in large amounts by the testes. Both males and females have the same sex hormones, just in different amounts.”

Testosterone is responsible for male puberty with surging levels promoting the growth of facial and pubic hair, the growth of the reproductive tract, development of the prostate and scrotum, and increases in the length and diameter of the penis. It maintains adult sexual behaviour and is required for sperm production, says Edelstein. It also causes anabolic changes such as growth spurts, an increase in strength and muscle bulk, thickening of the vocal chords and the development of sexual libido.

failure or steroid hormone pathway defects.” Examples of hypothalamic or pituitary defects include Kallmann syndrome; cryptorchidism, which is the failure of the testes to move into the scrotum, and microphallus, an unusually small penis. “Failure of pubertal development can also be due to disorders of sexual differentiation that were not diagnosed during infancy or childhood.”

But most often, low levels of testosterone simply means they’re slow developers. “Once hormonal or other causes of delayed puberty have been excluded, reassurance is really important as both parents and adolescents find it very stressful,” says Kelly. Puberty will occur, even if a bit later than desired. Care should also be taken to recognise and support the adolescent in terms of any psychological distress experienced about feeling different, being teased or being excluded from social or sporting activities.”

testing Testosterone testing is easy, with a health professional requiring a simple blood sample. However, according to Edelstein, an evaluation of delayed puberty requires a thorough family and medical history, physical exam and biochemical evaluation. “Management depends on the specific case, but may include testosterone replacement therapy to induce puberty.”

boys behaving badly

normal testosterone levels Before puberty, a boy’s testosterone level generally ranges from undetectable to 20 nanograms per decilitre (ng/dL) of blood. Some studies suggest that immediately after birth and again at around the age of four, a boy may have slightly elevated levels of testosterone, but this typically drops to normal after six months to a year. However, when a boy hits puberty, his testosterone levels skyrocket and can rise to nearly 1 000ng/dL. “Puberty is the time when we are first able to reproduce,” says Edelstein. “It is marked by the maturation of the genital organs, development of secondary sex characteristics and acceleration in growth as well as behavioural changes.”

Puberty is driven by two separate physiological processes: adrenarche and gonadarche. “Adrenarche is the maturation of the adrenal glands, with the release of adrenal hormones (androgens) that leads to the growth

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testosterone in girls The first sign of puberty in girls is the development

The timing of puberty, and its hormonal changes, has a strong genetic component. of sexual hair (pubic and facial hair),” says Edelstein.

“Gonadarche comprises growth and maturation of the testes, with the associated increase in secretion of testosterone and sperm production.”

While girls may start to develop secondary sex characteristics from the age of eight, boys usually only start puberty from nine and a half years of age.

“The timing of puberty, and its hormonal changes, has a strong genetic component,” says Joburg-based child psychiatrist Dr Linda Kelly. “If a child’s parents are ‘late developers’ then it’s more likely that the child will be too.”

too much or too little High testosterone levels in a boy younger than 10 usually means early or precocious puberty, but it could also be a sign of a tumour in the testicles or an abnormal adrenal gland.

If a pubescent boy has low levels of testosterone, it could be a sign of a problem with the testicles, caused by an injury or slow development. Edelstein says, “A delay in the onset of puberty can be due to a disorder of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland, testicular

of breasts, and this should not occur before the age of eight, says Dr David Segal, a Joburg-based paediatric endocrine and diabetes specialist. Ten percent of girls may develop pubic hair before breasts in puberty. Pubic hair, body odour or axillary hair development in isolation is caused by the activation of the adrenal gland and, with it, the production of weak testosterone. “These should also not be present before the age of eight, in either sex,” says Segal. Although girls are showing signs of breast development at a younger age, the age of the first period, at about 12 years, has not changed.

Segal says you should look out for signs of breast budding before the age of six and pubic hair or body odour before the age of eight. He recommends taking your child to see a specialist if you suspect early puberty. The growth acceleration brought on by the early onset of puberty hormones may result in a short stature later in life, as this leads to premature growth plate closure in the bones. Environmental factors, such as exposure to bisphenol-A products and hormones in milk and meat, as well as obesity, could bring on early puberty.

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The level of testosterone is controlled by the pituitary gland, and it plays a role in human behaviour. The brain has testosterone receptors where the hormone interacts and binds with neurons, communicating to them messages for action. These messages are generalised as aggressive or masculine. Boys are socialised towards masculine behaviour from the moment the doctor announces, “It’s a boy”. They are given action figures rather than Barbies and they’re taught to play rough contact sports, such as rugby. Socialisation teaches them that aggression is a masculine trait.

However, when it comes to physical development, the role testosterone plays is clear. Boys often only start getting taller later than girls, but they grow faster because of their higher testosterone levels. These levels also increase the amount of haemoglobin or oxygen-carrying proteins in the red blood cells. This means that more oxygen can be delivered to the muscles, making it easier for teenage boys to become fitter and stronger.

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23

relationships

operation:

date night Beg your relatives, call in favours, pay good money if you have to: just make sure you and your partner spend some quality (child-free) time together, writes JENNIFER STASTNY.

perk #1 You get to doll yourself up.

My body, once a plaything, is now a tool for the maintenance of my offspring. And you don’t dress up a spanner, do you? Date Night is the fallen fashionista’s opportunity to reclaim her (or his) dress sense. Don’t let it slip past. “Even though I’m often tired, I always make an effort with my appearance on Date Night,” says Roxanne van Eck,

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30, mother to 11-month-old Mia. “I love showing my husband that I can still shine like a new penny.”

perk #2 You get to talk about something other than your offspring.

Of course, you’ll end up doing that too, but eventually you’ll find that you’ve recounted all the munchkin anecdotes you can think of and the conversation will turn to other things. “Once we’re finished talking about Maddie and work, we almost always get to talking about our dreams and things that we need to discuss about ‘us’,” says 30-year-old Candy Preston, mother to oneyear-old Madison. “We don’t get around to that depth of conversation when we’re busy with the mundane tasks of life.”

For Candy’s husband, Brad, 30, the thing that makes Date Night special is the laughing together. “When Maddie’s around she’s our number-one entertainer, but it’s good to laugh at each other the way we did when we were dating,” he says.

Don’t worry if your chitchat doesn’t quite skip out of the child loop. The important thing is that you create the space for conversation. “Ultimately, time spent talking directly to each other, looking into each other’s eyes, is an investment in your relationship, no matter what you’re talking about,” says Candy.

perk #3 You get to spoil your partner.

It’s not unusual for parents to focus all their attention on their children, leaving little or magazine joburg

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’m considering asking the president to declare 6 January a public holiday in honour of my first date with my husband after our baby was born. Since then, our monthly adults-only outing has been a fortress of sanity in the hurricane that is my life. Not only does it give me the opportunity to wear clothes that don’t have food ground into the seams, I get to eat a whole meal without little fingers snatching the food away and I get to have a conversation. Oh, the pleasure of being able to talk in a grown-up voice! What a tweat.

I knew it was time to start dating my husband again when, instead of kissing him goodbye one morning, I lifted his shirt and zorbited his tummy. I soon discovered that the once simple task of going out for a meal now required bullish determination, military planning and adamantine courage.

Those guys who throw themselves off Table Mountain in squirrel suits have nothing on the new parents who look their baby in the tear-sprung eye and go out for dinner anyway. So why do it, when the emotional cost seems so high? Because of the perks, of course.

no energy for each other. This is doubly true for the parents of twins. “My life revolves around Ella and Connor. By the time they’ve gone to bed, I’m exhausted.

Sometimes I don’t even have the energy to ask my husband how his day went,” says Joanne Seymour, 40, mother to 11-monthold twins. She and her husband, Hilary, 49, make a point of going out every second week and take turns organising surprise dates for each other. Once Joanne packed a bag for Hilary and they went dancing; once he took her to a swanky restaurant for dinner. “The sun was setting and the restaurant staff opened the doors so that we could smell the sea,” says Hilary. “It was the perfect weather for it. We had a truly memorable and romantic evening.”

Date Night is the antidote for inevitable spousal neglect. Dad gets to remember what Mom was like before children – an intelligent, sexy woman capable of making his mind race and his eyes pop – and Dad gets to show Mom that he is still her “hunka-hunka burning love”. Marcelle Morgan, 40-year-old mother to Nathan, four, and one-year-old Nina, says “When we go out, I try to get into the headspace I was in when my husband and I were first dating. I charm and flirt and make him feel super. The rewards over the next month, when he makes me feel good after an exhausting day, make it worth it.”

perk #4 Your relationship grows.

If a relationship is like a garden that needs constant tending to grow, children are like

the moles that dig everything up, but are just too darn cute to get rid of. When those moles move out – as all moles eventually do – the question of whether your garden needs just a little compost or whether it needs to be landscaped from scratch depends largely on how much time the two of you spent nurturing your bond with each other in the growing years. “Before you realise it you’ll be in your sixties and the children will be out of the house,” says Roxanne’s husband, Jack, 38. “It’s important that you go on date nights now so that you can have a solid marriage when that day comes.”

perk #5 You will love your little one more.

Of course you love your children all the time. But when you’ve spent the better part of the day trying to convince them that big boys use a potty, that avocado is not evil snot food and that it is not okay to hang their younger sister upside down from the swing (even if said sibling is crowing with laughter), love sometimes loses ground to frustration and fatigue. On the other hand, a scrumptious meal enjoyed at leisure with a caring partner… well, that’s like sun to a Cape daisy. It opens one up, gives one energy and warms the heart so that one can really feel the love again.

And that’s the best thing about Date Night for me: after it has worked its magic and I feel in synch with my spouse again, I get to go home and plant a kiss on the cheek of the most wonderful little moppet a mother could want.

dating for dummies mummies Get out of the nest with these tips from parents who have been there.

Don’t wait too long “There’s no reason to wait until your child is older before going out. You can start as soon as he or she is in a comfortable routine and you have a reliable babysitter.

It will help get your first-date-without-baby nervousness out of the way so that you can start having fun.” Joanne Seymour, mother to twins, 11 months Turn Date Night into Date Day “Going out at night may be the last thing on your mind if your child is a bad sleeper or prone to nightmares, so go out during the day instead. Children are often open to being looked after by a babysitter during the day, plus you’ll be less likely to fall asleep mid-date if you go out earlier.” Marcelle Morgan, 40, mother to Nathan, four, and Nina, one Preparation is key “Make sure there’s extra of everything when you drop your baby off with the babysitter: food, clothes, even bedding in case there’s an accident. Also pack their favourite toy for comfort – anything to help make the babysitter’s job easier.”

Roxanne van Eck, mother to Mia, 11 months Swap sleepovers with a friend “Trading sleepovers with your child’s school friends becomes an option after the age of eight or so, although this differs for each child. The key to a successful sleepover, particularly on a school night, is making sure you trade with like-minded parents when it comes to things like homework before play- and bedtime. And if your child has slept over at a friend’s, remember to return the favour soon to keep the goodwill flowing.” Susan Perry, 50, mother to Amelie, nine

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straight talk

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hile not all parents are going to have major problems with their teenagers getting involved with drugs or alcohol and with other serious disciplinary issues, most will have trouble with their teenager’s new attitude. In some respects, having to deal with the transformation your child goes through when they become a teenager is similar to the shock of becoming a parent for the first time.

Just when you thought you were getting the hang of this parent thing, and that you were actually gaining control of your life, they go and become teenagers and those familiar feelings of bewilderment and confusion return. The next thing you know, you’re on the back foot again; doubting yourself, stressing and wondering if you are ever going to get your life back. It’s like starting all over again, although fortunately this time there are no nappies involved.

Unfortunately though, there are also very few of those angelic smiles to look forward to. Instead,

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you have negotiations, discussions, demands, criticism, disappointment, noise, moods and, of course, attitude to contend with. The new demands will sometimes be physically as exhausting, and equally unrewarding, as looking after a baby. The arrangements will be complex and unexpected, the hours they keep will sometimes be as tiring as when you woke up to feed them as a baby and the demands will be repetitive, unceasing and, at times, quite irrational.

At least when they were little you could hug them and snuggle up with them. Now you may find that the hugs are less forthcoming and more awkward, and you can more or less forget about snuggling up with your teenager.

from a distance Also, when they were small their main mission was to try and stay as close and connected to you as possible. Now they are mostly interested in getting as far away from you as they can. A school camp

magazine joburg

PHOTOGRAPHS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

a matter of attitude

Raising a teenager can be a lot like dealing with a newborn – the sleepless nights, their indecipherable moods and your feelings of helplessness. GARY KOEN offers advice.

spent with mates and their host parents will be described as “the most fun” your son has ever had in his whole life.

You will have to hear, in lurid detail, all that is wrong with everything that you do and say.

All that you represent comes under microscopic scrutiny, as your flaws are quickly noted, remembered and exposed. Judgments are made easily, words will be put into your mouth, and accusations of you being hurtful, uncaring, indifferent and unhelpful will abound. So, while it might not be the birth of a new baby that you have to deal with, this birth of a new attitude will prove as challenging and confusing.

the power shift It heralds the beginning of your teenager’s newfound power, which is to be able to do and say things that can directly affect your life. When they were younger, their actions and their effect on your life were largely circumstantial and often quite easy to deal with. You may have had to race them to hospital at 3am when they were sick, they may have gone missing in a shopping

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mall or they might have been involved in some or other skirmish at school that required a meeting with teachers.

While stressful, in most cases these issues were quite easily resolved. This is not the case when they become teenagers. Now they can steal your car, they can fall pregnant, they’re able to sneak out at night and hitchhike into town, lie their way into an over-18’s nightclub and then get arrested. They can take drugs, vandalise a building or assault another person. Or they may simply refuse to speak to you.

There comes a time when you can’t make your son or daughter do something. They have the power to either include you in their lives or shut you out. If for some or other reason they decide that they are not going to talk to you, there’s not much you can do. You can’t, despite the urge, reach over and choke a response from them.

Instead, your only course of action is to let them know, in no uncertain terms, that you have noticed what is going on and although you might not know why they are doing it, or what you can do about it, the one thing you are not going to do is be quiet about it.

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straight talk

maintain control It is difficult to ignore the moody recluse behind the locked door. Their inarticulate grunts and surly indifference is very noticeable. Your teenager can also be hurtful, hateful, callous, critical and rude.

At the same time, you will feel increasingly uncomfortable as you become aware of how limited your power is at this point.

You cannot leap into your child’s heart and wring a different attitude out of him. You cannot command her to “be” something different; you cannot “make” him feel something else. It may start to feel as though you really are losing complete control of the situation.

However, it is important that parents do not panic at moments like these. You need to remember the old mantra that comes with being the parent of a teenager: “Your role is to be anxious; not helpless”. You must not lose your voice in these situations, because the power that you still have is to be able to tell your teenager what is going on with you. The only way in which you retain your own power and identity as a parent is by being able to express your frustration and anxiety about what they are doing. In this way, you give them the message that they might be able to choose how they are going to relate to you, but they still need to understand that their behaviour is going to have consequences for you and for them.

Basically, if they are going to be skulking around the house all morose, their mood is going to have an effect on yours as well. If they are going to be secretive

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and avoidant, or if they are going to be deliberately outrageous and out of control, or if they are going to be visibly upset and not want to tell you what’s going on, it is going to affect the way you see them and the way you are going to relate to them.

Slowly it should dawn on them that there are actually two of you in the relationship, and that they have to live with you too.

Only once this realisation sinks in is there a chance of working out what to do next. In this regard, part of the responsibility for the relationship is entrusted to them. This is part of the transition taking place from an adult-child relationship towards an adultadult relationship. Your teenager needs to know that they have the power to affect your life. And the only way in which you retain your ability to affect your teenager’s life is by remaining the parent.

Here is a practical example.

Your 15-year-old son might ask to go camping one weekend with some friends. The weekend involves paying for accommodation and there may be some equipment involved. It’s not a simple “Yes, of course” answer. He begs and pleads and appears delighted when, after some consideration, you agree to let him go.

You don’t hear much from him when he is away, and when you pick him up on Sunday afternoon, he is curt and barely greets you, lapsing into empty silence on the way home. Now he may simply be exhausted as he may have hardly slept or he may have had a fight with his friends and be upset and disappointed. He may have been drinking and smoking dope magazine joburg

and be suffering both the guilt and the physical effects of his indulgence. It could be all of these things or it could be none of them – the point is that you don’t know what’s going on. You can’t necessarily make him tell you about the weekend, but you can tell him what it is that you feel, and that you don’t like what you see.

You don’t appreciate what appears to be his ingratitude and, quite frankly, you are worried about the state that he is in.

Now at this point he may simply grunt and say, “Chill Mom, I had a great time.

I’m exhausted and can’t really talk about it right now,” which is all that you really wanted to know.

It could also be a boy thing – most don’t really know how to tell a story, while girls understand that the only way to properly tell a story is to include every single detail. However, what you don’t want is to be shut out or dismissed in any way. Naturally there are times to back off

of continuing to play a meaningful role in their teenager’s life.

Another thing parents have to realise is that they cannot feel overly responsible for their teenager’s moods. Many make the mistake of trying to keep their teenager “happy”. This is not actually your responsibility, and some fall into the trap of being kept hostage by their teenager’s moods. Obviously, you must be concerned if they are deeply and consistently unhappy, but don’t make their every mood your responsibility.

What you will discover is that in many cases their unhappiness is as fleeting as their happiness. Just because they do not like something, does not mean that they are unhappy. The best that you can do is provide enough space, stability and opportunity for them to find themselves.

Their happiness is of paramount importance to you, but your children have to find ways to make themselves happy.

There is often a tendency among parents to be too cautious around their children so as to avoid alienating their teenager. and leave them alone, but if you decide to do that you must say, “I will back off and leave you alone right now, but later on I need to know what is going on.” The important thing to remember here is that you really just need to hear something that will alleviate your anxiety and reassure you that everything is still okay.

you are still the parent There is often a tendency among parents to be too cautious around their children so as to avoid alienating their teenager.

Parents, uncertain as to how to handle their moody and temperamental teenager, tend to tiptoe around them for fear of upsetting them. However, by doing this they inadvertently make the teenager more powerful than they really are, and they still end up being alienated. The parent has to remain the parent to ensure any chance

let them go This can be very hard for those of us who are striving to avoid making the same mistakes that our own parents made. A sure sign that we are doing the right thing is when they are not that interested in how we are feeling. This is not to say that they don’t care – it is just that it’s not their responsibility to notice how we feel. This is particularly the case when they appear to be so happy without us. They mustn’t notice our sense of loss, as they are now getting on with their own lives. It is our responsibility to provide both the platform and the gateway. The fact that they want to take advantage of the opportunities that we have offered them must not be seen as ingratitude or harmful. If you allow them the trust and confidence to go their own way, there’s no reason why they won’t want to return.

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 teenage-related topics. These include all the general aspects of normal adolescent development. He created 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

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book extract

it’s not complicated Go slowly and taste your ingredients, says ALIDA RYDER, who hopes that her love of experimentation in the kitchen

uesadillas are the best thing to make when you’re in the mood for something with that “yum” factor, but you have only scraps and leftovers in your fridge and you don’t want to be in the kitchen forever. Think of it as a different take on a toasted cheese sandwich.

The combinations of fillings are endless and really anything goes, as long as there’s cheese involved to keep everything

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together. The tortilla will go lovely and crisp, which makes it a good dipping vessel for spicy salsa or creamy guacamole (you can serve just one or both).

The best thing about quesadillas for me is that my children adore them. I can stuff them with vegetables or just serve them plain with cheese and they will always gobble them up. They’re also great as a party snack, with salsa or guacamole, or both.

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PHOTOGRAPH: Alida Ryder

q

will rub off on her children.

quesadillas with cheese, corn and kidney beans serves 2–4 • 4 large tortillas or wraps • 2 cups grated mature Cheddar • 1 cup corn kernels • 1 cup tinned beans, rinsed and drained tomato and chilli salsa • 2 large tomatoes, finely chopped • 1 red onion, finely chopped • ½ garlic clove, crushed • 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped • red chilli, finely chopped (use as much you can handle) • juice of ½ lemon • salt to taste guacamole • 2 avocados • juice of 1 lemon • salt and pepper to taste

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about the book

1 Heat a large frying pan.

2 Place one of the tortillas in the dry

Alida

pan and sprinkle a quarter of the cheese on top.

3 A dd half of the corn and beans and sprinkle another quarter of the cheese over the top. Now place another tortilla on top.

4 Allow the bottom tortilla to go crisp and the cheese to melt.

5 C arefully flip the quesadilla over and allow to cook for another 3 to 4 minutes on the other side.

6 R emove from the pan and set aside.

Repeat with the rest of the tortillas.

7 To make the salsa, simply combine all the ingredients. (Likewise with the guacamole: blend together the avocado flesh with the lemon juice, salt and pepper until smooth.)

8 Serve the quesadillas warm with the salsa or guacamole.

cope with the exhausting routine

Ryder

started

her

blog,

simply-delicious.co.za, in 2009, to of raising her twins. She soon had a loyal following who loved her honest, uncomplicated approach to good food. This recipe book, Simple & Delicious – Recipes from the Heart (Penguin Books), is based on her successful blog and, as with her blog posts, Alida’s infectious enthusiasm for food is apparent on every page. Beautifully illustrated with her own photographs, it offers ideas for light meals, pasta, chicken, meat, seafood, vegetarian dishes, desserts and baked treats. Alida also opens the door to her pantry by listing the staple ingredients you should have on hand to whip up a quick supper, a lavish lunch or a tasty, child-friendly snack. The book is available at all good book stores at a recommended retail price of R190.

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loosen those apron strings Will your emotional attachment to your son turn him into a mommy’s boy? LISA LAZARUS delves into the

ommy’s boy – the notion of the weak male, forever tied to his mother’s apron strings.

Years ago, in the old South Africa, there were cold showers, canings and conscription to “turn” such boys into men; to shift their perceived weakness into so-called strength. Yet, labels aside, can a boy’s attachment to his mother become a problem, and what brings about the psychological dynamic of the proverbial “mommy’s boy”?

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says who?

Justine Evans, a Cape Town-based clinical psychologist, says that when deciding whether mother and son are overly attached, you need to ask who is saying that this relationship is a problem. “There are instances when boys are labelled mommy’s boys by people who are uncomfortable with them displaying sensitivity, neediness and cautiousness, or when somebody doesn’t like the fact that the boy is seeking out his mother for comfort and

magazine joburg

PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

m

complexities of the mother-son relationship.

safety. This can be a prejudice rather than a true reflection of a difficulty in a boy’s relationship with his mother.”

Cathy Rundle is a manager of a small company and mother to Jade, eight and Niall, 14. Although now remarried, she was a single mother for most of her son’s early years.

“I think a mommy’s boy is a son like mine,” she says. “I run after him often; I just can’t help myself. And his stepdad, my husband, agrees that, at times, this is the case. In our household he is often referred to as the ‘little prince’.” For Cathy, her relationship with her son is not a problem. She sees a mommy’s boy as a child who is just very close to his mother. But she admits that she raises him differently from her daughter. “With her I have more boundaries and perhaps less patience. I am possibly stricter with my daughter.”

the moment of separation What are the signs that a child is overly attached to his mother? Evans points out that an enmeshed motherchild relationship often presents with a child struggling to function adequately in the mother’s absence. “Most young children become upset at the moment of separation from their moms, but they can be distracted and quickly settled into activities and interactions with their peers and auxiliary caregivers, such as teachers and baby-sitters.”

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However, for a child who is overly dependent on his mother, the time apart and even the prospect of being apart, can cause anxiety. These children tend to have fewer friendships and engage in more limited activities than their peers. They may also experience more symptoms of feeling physically unwell and may sleep poorly. “Importantly, these children are often exquisitely sensitive and attuned to their

There are instances when boys are labelled mommy’s boys by people who are uncomfortable with them displaying sensitivity, neediness and cautiousness. mother’s feelings and, therefore, partly unable to separate from her because of that concern,” says Evans.

Carron Cale teaches Grade R at Bishops, an independent single-sex school for boys, and has also taught at a number of coeducational schools. An overprotective mother can take away her son’s sense of self-belief and security, she says. In an educational setting, such a child may find it hard to work

independently, try out new skills and take risks. Like Evans, Cale also mentions the struggle these boys might have in establishing a network of friends. The “physicality” of a boisterous boys’ school environment could feel overwhelming.

Of course, it’s all a matter of developmental appropriateness. Evans explains that, at certain stages, it is normal and necessary for children, both boys and girls, to be dependent on whoever is mainly caring for them.

This is certainly true in infancy and can last until preschool, depending on the child’s temperament. Despite all we know about the dangers of gender stereotyping, the attitude that boys need to “tough it out” prevails, even when boys are still babies, or are intrinsically shy and sensitive.

Paradoxically, “these attitudes can contribute towards creating an anxious attachment between mother and son,” says Evans. A mother may withhold closeness to prevent a dependency on her and subsequent “softening” of her son, which in turn may make it more difficult for him to feel safe enough to venture away from her. Cale warns against pushing a boy too hard to struggle through tasks that leave him feeling out of his depth, without the reassurance of a loving mothering presence. This can leave him feeling “on edge and a little out of control”. He may go overboard to prove himself, by relying on excessive force to get his own way or showing off to get attention.

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possible causes Evans explains that over-attachment between parent and child could indicate a difficulty in the parental relationship, where closeness with a child compensates for distance and a “cooling” with the adult partner. Alternatively, in instances of trauma or family crisis, over-attachment may be a temporary, but healthy, response to threatened security. But a very common cause of this kind of dynamic comes about when the mom communicates, knowingly or not, anxiety about separation and her son’s ability to be safe without her. “For these mothers,” says Evans, “their personal wellbeing is very finely interwoven with their child’s wellbeing, and the need to be at hand to protect him from any adversity.”

In the educational setting, Cale notes that mothers who allow their sons to experience negative feelings such as failure or sadness, even among their peers, without immediately coming to their rescue, demonstrate a confidence in their child’s ability to go it alone. She notes that this is not specifically a gender issue, but can happen with daughters as well. It has more to do with the mother’s feelings of vulnerability evoked by a young child’s helplessness and dependency on her, and how much the mother trusts herself with these feelings. “Children need to gain confidence in both their own ability to manage increasingly without their parents’ constant presence and their parents’ ability to manage their own wellbeing.”

Letting a young one loose in the world is, without doubt, difficult. To watch your child experience adversity can be very painful, but perhaps one of the arts of parenthood is knowing when to help and when to step back.

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parenting tip Carron Cale advises that you spend time with your young son in the company of his friends to observe their play.

“Play is highly purposeful,” she says. “Boys reveal so much about themselves in these interactions.” You’ll be able to see how your child is feeling about himself, how he communicates with others and what interests him. If the situation demands it, you need to step in and take charge. This will teach your son how to stick to his own moral code if he sees you voicing your concerns, whatever the circumstances.

raising boys Evans advises the following at different developmental stages: Infancy Baby boys – and girls – need to be held, hugged, touched, kissed, spoken to, rocked, comforted and gazed at by their mothers. Moms, or their equivalent, are absolutely central to a baby, as he learns about trusting himself through a trusting relationship.

Toddlers and young boys Jade Paterson, a Joburg-based counselling psychologist, says that if your little boy wants to be close to you, allow it. Conversely, when he wants to explore the world, remember that he is not rejecting you. It merely means that he has been able to get what he needs from you to be able to separate. He will, however, need to come back for “refuelling”. Allow him to move between closeness and separation without hampering his confidence, making him feel guilty or dismissing his need for closeness.

Age six to 14 Mom needs to adjust to her new status of second fiddle to dad or a close male role model.

As her son begins to explore the complex terrain of male identity, she needs to assess when to be more or less available.

Adolescence to early adulthood Dad and mom are now both relegated to second fiddle, as peers and male role models outside of the family become more popular. However, both parents need to be a united force, helping to create safe boundaries within which their adolescent son can explore the world.

magazine joburg

education

learn to understand Mother tongue learning and reading is every child’s right. Unfortunately, thousands of South African children are denied their language and culture at school. By KARENA DU PLESSIS

f PHOTOGRAPHs: shutterSTOCK.COM

or most children, learning to read is a wildly liberating experience.

Suddenly things make sense – they can read road signs, labels on their favourite foods and the magical world of books lies waiting to be discovered.

However, due to the language barrier that exists among South Africans, reading for many children remains an undiscovered joy and it is, rather, a stumbling block to future learning.

Our family has first-hand experience with this. Lutho, a child whose school fees we sponsor, had a dismal introduction to learning like far too many children in South Africa. He is a isiXhosa speaker who

magazine joburg

was initially placed in an English medium school where he was taught by Afrikaans teachers. The result was a mute child, with little grasp of any language.

jumping the gun Although the South African government has adopted a language policy that stipulates three years of mother tongue learning with the switch to English in the fourth year, many language activists feel this is not adequate and that it should be extended to six years. Sadly, this cannot be implemented as many children don’t have access to functioning schools that teach in their mother tongue.

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education

Schools in the townships are often beset with problems, so parents look for a better teaching environment for their children and, for a few, this means placing them into established English or Afrikaans schools. Because English is regarded as the de facto language of commerce and international advancement, many Africanlanguage speaking children are sent to English-speaking schools in the hopes that

Language Project, Project for the Study of Alternative Education in SA (PRAESA) an independent research and development unit at the University of Cape Town, First Words in Print and Biblionef South Africa.

Carole Bloch, an expert in early childhood literacy development and director of PRAESA says “The principles of early childhood learning are to build on what children already know.”

The aim is for the child to develop two strong working languages for life, which is empowering and removes the disadvantage of dependence on one language. their grasp of the language will be fasttracked. Parents often don’t realise that this may hamper children’s overall ability to learn as they are thrown into the deep end and simply don’t understand the language that they are being taught in.

real advancement The situation is bleak, but there are a number of excellent organisations committed to promoting mother tongue language learning and reading. These include The Home

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Jean Williams, executive director of Biblionef explains, “Your mother tongue is the language your mother used while she nursed you and it forms an important part of your cultural identity.” She highlights how from the ages of one to seven years there is so much potential for brain development, but the environment for this needs to be created. Bloch elaborates, “Children have the capacity to learn more than one language fully. If we adopt a mother tongue and English attitude, what

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most parents want for their children, rather than an either/or approach, we will be giving African-language children what they require to learn in a multilingual society.”

The trick, Williams notes, is to keep the mother tongue alive and enriched at home.

Professor Jim Cummins, at the University of Toronto, says that children with a solid foundation in their mother tongue develop stronger literacy abilities in the school language. “When parents and other caregivers are able to spend time with their children and tell stories or discuss issues with them in a way that develops their mother tongue vocabulary and concepts, children come to school well prepared to learn the school language and succeed educationally. Children’s knowledge and skills transfer across languages from the mother tongue they have learnt in the home to the school language.”

Margie Owen-Smith of the HomeLanguage Project in Joburg agrees fully.

“Implementation of mother-tongue based learning is more complex in Gauteng where it’s common to have eight or more languages in a single classroom.” She goes on to say that if children are taught to read effectively in their home language

magazine joburg

and English, the first language will help with the second.” The aim, she says, is for the child to develop two strong working languages for life, which is empowering and removes the disadvantage of dependence on one language.

Lisa Vosters is a Grade 1 teacher at Parkview Junior School in Joburg and has hands-on experience with teaching in English in a multilingual classroom. She is also a mom to two children who learn in a language that is not their mother tongue.

“The language issue is close to my heart,” Lisa explains. “We wanted to give our children some of their heritage and the gift of another language so they started in a German language programme when they were four years old. Total immersion has made it easier for the girls to acquire the language and to be fluent in it. It has been hard work, but was made easier and successful by excellent teachers that teach in their mother tongue.”

And Lutho? Gone is the mute boy; today he is in an English-medium school and has a tutor to help make up for lost time in the various subjects. Now, thankfully, instead of two chatterboxes filling the house with noise, there are three.

breaking the barrier to learning These organisations show children from a young age how to learn effectively using both their mother tongue and their school language: • B iblionef South Africa A book donation agency providing new books to schools and libraries throughout South Africa with an emphasis on organisations in townships, informal settlements and in remote rural areas.

Visit biblionefsa.org.za • First Words in Print A pioneering project of the Centre for the Book, which aims to ensure that very young South African children have access to the stimulation of picture books and story books in their own languages. Visit nlsa.ac.za • Nal’ibali, isiXhosa for “here’s the story”, is a national reading-for-enjoyment initiative to get children and adults in South Africa passionate about telling and reading stories. For enquiries about reading club and network membership, join@nalibali.org or visit nalibali.org • Project for the Study of Alternative Education in SA (PRAESA) A project for the study of alternative education in South Africa. Visit praesa.org.za • The Bookery As part of Equal Education’s Campaign for School Libraries, The Bookery is a depot where books suitable for either primary or secondary school learners can be donated. Since its inception in 2010, they have established 13 libraries. Visit equaleducation.org.za/bookery • The Home Language Project A Joburg-based project that promotes a multilingual school system in which the home languages of all learners can be effectively developed and used for teaching and learning alongside English.

Visit hlp.org.za For language and reading centres in your city, visit childmag.co.za/resources/extramurals and click on the “academics and languages” tab.

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parenting

split the difference By teaching your children to embrace diversity and accept people’s differences, you will

i

don’t remember many things about being eight years old, but one memory that sticks is that of Skeletor, a skull-faced villainous humanoid from the Masters of The Universe TV series. It was also the nickname a group of us eight-year-old girls gave to the skinniest boy at aftercare.

Every day we watched him swinging and we giggled and sniggered about how skinny he was. If someone mentioned the word Skeletor, we would glance at him and roll with laughter. He had nothing at all in common with the evil Skeletor, except our juvenile word association between skinny and skeleton. We never called him Skeletor to his face, but we made it quite clear that he was worth laughing at. I can’t even remember his real name, so he will forever be Skeletor to me. Fortunately, he seemed oblivious to our cruelty so the joke became old and we moved on. I was raised in an accepting family and I know my parents would have tanned my hide had they known I was sniggering at another child just for being different. As karma

would have it, I developed a major crush on Skeletor’s best friend, who ended up sniggering at me a few years later.

According to Simona Maraschin, a Joburg-based educational psychologist, children start noticing differences in their peers as early as three years old. “They start to notice the difference between boys and girls. When they

Log onto YouTube and you can watch acclaimed actress Julianne Moore chatting about her childhood as a redhead with freckles. By the age of seven, she had been nicknamed Freckleface Strawberry by her peers, after a popular powdered drink. She describes her humiliation and how today as an adult, given the choice, she would still do away with her now-famous freckles. Julianne went on to write a popular children’s book, titled after her humiliating nickname. She believes that children don’t want to be perceived as being different in any way and she wrote her book to encourage children to embrace their strengths and not be conscious of their differences.

Although children begin noticing differences early on, they may not view these differences negatively. They only begin to connect feelings with these differences by watching how adults react to them.

Psychologists agree that parental influence is the single key factor shaping the way children view the

We learn from experience, and children who have been singled out because of a difference may be more empathetic and accepting of others in return.

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start school, they also start to notice that children look, talk and act differently from each other. Between the ages of five and 11, family traditions, cultures and religion become entrenched and they start to question these differences,” she says. “Economic differences also become apparent as they compare their toys and possessions.”

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PHOTOGRAPHS: shutterstock.com / Kirsty De vere-plommer

help them reject stereotypes and discrimination as adults, says NORA REED.

world and other people within it. The behaviour and habits we model as parents are the ones our children are most likely to learn from. Our personal values are second nature, not something we are conscious of daily. We just get on with life, engaging in social situations, applying our values and habits to everyday situations, most of the time unaware that our children are watching closely and learning by example. Children mirror the values and attitudes set out for them by their role models: parents and families first, educators and peers second. TV, movies and books play a role in reinforcing the values and stereotypes that parents set up. Parents who demonstrate tolerance and acceptance of diversity will teach those values by default.

Many parents may not have had much exposure to diversity themselves and may be uncomfortable embracing people outside of their own race, religion and sexual orientation, or even those with different mental and physical capabilities.

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South Africa has a bad rap when it comes to prejudice and discrimination. Although we have turned a major corner in our history, the bigger differences in society, such as race, religion, language and social class, are still stumbling blocks for many adults when it comes to bias and stereotypes. But we are the “Rainbow Nation� and our heritage, traditions and talents are as diverse as our physical appearances and food preferences, and this diversity enriches our culture. Our children are exposed to a much greater diversity in the classroom than we experienced, making it more important than ever to teach them to accept and embrace differences.

So what does a parent do if they struggle to walk the walk and model all-embracing ethics?

talk it out By pointing out stereotypes and discussing them, we can help teach the value systems we would like our children to adopt. Nicola Grace, a Durban-based counselling

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parenting

Stereotypes are damaging because they focus on a single, usually negative, element without taking the whole three-dimensional person into account.

This provides a skewed reality… psychologist and mother of two, says, “Unfortunately some parents want to retain their social stereotypes, but if you feel you can be honest about your own biases and prejudices and your conversation is age appropriate, talk to your children about it. It is more destructive to say one thing and model another, so discussing your feelings about why you behave a certain way may be helpful, especially if you would like to change.” Show a willingness to bridge the gap and reach out to people you would not naturally accept.

acknowledge their uniqueness Acknowledge and appreciate how unique your children are without focusing too heavily on their differences. If your daughter has a really freckled face, it may not be wise to mention every day how cute her freckles are, as this will only draw

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extra attention to them. If she mentions them, let her know you love them because they make her unique and special, but if she really hates them, don’t play it down.

Rather use it as a talking point to explain that we are all different and that we need to be more accepting of each other. We learn from experience, and children who have been singled out because of a difference may be more empathetic and accepting of others in return.

accept Acceptance is very important to children.

So important that they may not accept someone else in order to be accepted themselves. Simona agrees that children who tease are often acting out of their own lack of self-esteem. “Children with a strong self-esteem are more able to make their own decisions and not worry about magazine joburg

what others will say about it. Teasers and bullies are sometimes acting out of their own fears and insecurities and often it is a call for help. However, children with low self-esteem can also end up being the ones who are teased.” Children do not always have the maturity to advocate for others when it may cost them a vote in popularity. Parents who challenge intolerance and stereotypes may have an easier job in raising children who advocate for the underdog.

take action We may even find ourselves advocating for our own children and taking measures to help them blend in with the crowd.

Janine, a Durban high school teacher and mother of two, decided to have her son’s ears pinned back when he was in Grade R. “We have big ears in our family and unfortunately Aidan inherited them. His uncle and two of his cousins had already had their ears pinned back for the same reasons so there was a bit of family pressure, but I just felt it would be best for him in the long run.

As a teacher, I have seen how cruel children can be to one another and I felt the operation could save him from years of potential heartache and teasing.

There were no medical grounds for the operation; it was purely cosmetic. The surgeon had a wall full of photographs of children who had undergone the exact same surgery for the same reasons.”

Growing up isn’t easy and differences, which seem small to parents, can be huge for children. “A blemish in the wrong place can really affect a child’s self-esteem.

Parents tend to trivialise things like pimples, clothing choices and hairstyles, but for teenagers this can be the difference between them being accepted or teased by their friends.”

reach out Some differences cannot be as easily remedied and children who suffer from physical and mental disabilities often have a difficult time feeling accepted. In my son’s Grade R year, his class went on an outing to a neighbouring school for mentally and physically challenged children. He came home quite unsettled and shared with me that he had felt very uncomfortable at the school. I had to be honest with myself and say that I would have felt the same in that situation, since my lifestyle does not require me to engage with handicapped people very often, and my children could easily mistake my self-conscious, unsure behaviour for discrimination.

I realise how important it is to make sure my children regularly mix with a wide variety of friends. As diverse as we are, we tend to socialise in groups of people who are very similar to ourselves, so encouraging playdates with children who are dissimilar to your own children is vitally important.

sidestep stereotypes Nicola says, “Stereotypes are damaging because they focus on a single, usually negative, element without taking the whole three-dimensional person into account. This provides a skewed reality, which becomes easily entrenched. To counter this, parents need to be inclusive, broad-minded and tolerant in their approaches and attitudes.”

She believes parents can easily challenge negative attitudes in their children, encouraging them to look for other qualities, by saying something like “Yes, he does have red hair, but he is also very smart and kind”.

I have heard it said that we are not raising children; we are in fact raising adults. Their future success and happiness may very well depend on their ability to easily embrace diversity in their families, communities and workplaces.

10 ways to encourage your children to embrace diversity:

1 Have a meal at an ethnic restaurant and discuss the culture and traditions from 2 3 4 5

that country.

Teach them to say a few words in a new language (or learn them together).

Spend an hour at a home for mentally or physically handicapped people.

Challenge them to spend a day saying only nice things about other people.

Set up a playdate with a new friend or invite a new family around for a social get-together.

6 Take a minute to chat to your car guard and find out their name and where they are from.

7 Visit a homeless or refugee shelter.

8 Discuss same-sex marriages and parenting (if they are old enough).

9 Tell them your Skeletor story or a memory from your childhood where

you

felt different.

10 Ask

your children to name five friends who are different from them and

encourage them to reach out and learn something new about them.

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ideas ideas

first-class gifts You don’t have to break the bank to give your child’s teacher a token of appreciation for their

y

ou would think I’d have it taped by now. I’ve had children in all sorts of schools for the past 12 years and in all this time I have still not discovered that perfect end-of-year gift for my children’s teachers. Don’t get me wrong; my intentions are always good. My timing however, is not. Needless to say, many of the gifts have been bought on the fly, en route to fetch the children on their last day at school, at shops that I know will always gift wrap and charge like wounded bulls. Inevitably I forget to buy for at least one teacher and just spend way too much money – not that the teachers aren’t worth it, but, you know, we’re all on a budget. This year I am going to plan ahead and get it right.

step 1: write a list This is where I always come short. It’s pointless standing in a shop and trying to count on your fingers just who

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needs to be bought a present. How many subjects does Alex have again – maths, social science, natural science, English, Afrikaans, Xhosa, art… ? And who teaches what?

Is the music teacher a man or a woman? Before you know it you’ll be using your fingers on both hands. I can’t remember exactly what teacher matches what subject so I figure I will just pull out the boys’ latest report cards and work it out that way.

card instead, to check out the percentages, and decide that if my child gets 80 percent for English, then I will spend R80 on the English teacher. It looks like the natural science teacher is going to luck out big time. He’s getting a gift for less than 50 bucks. No, that’s not fair, I think. It’s not his fault Alex keeps forgetting to study for his tests. So I work out what I am prepared to spend in total and divide it out from there. And it seems as if all teachers are getting gifts for under 50 bucks this year.

step 2: work out a budget Now that you have at least half a dozen teachers to buy for, and let’s not forget the headmaster, the ladies in the office and the piano teacher, you realise this list has just doubled and the budget has not. Are all teachers treated equal?

My children certainly have their favourites so I consider consulting them. Then I think about consulting the report

step 3: go beyond soap on a rope, scented candles and chocolate My mother was an English teacher at a girls’ school. As a child, I loved it when she came home on the last day of term. She had a basket loaded with gifts and my sister and I would spend the afternoon unwrapping soap, soap

magazine joburg

PHOTOGRAPH: Christie Lee Mann

hard work. Just plan ahead and give from the heart, says CHRISTINA CASTLE.

step 5: write a card

and... more soap. Scented candles were not big back then, but today I hear they have taken on soap status as the preferred gift to give teachers and anyone else you are unsure of what to get. Then there was the chocolate which never lasted long in our house, but was much appreciated.

Today, a luxurious Swiss chocolate brand is making a killing out of the parents and is possibly the reason why the admin staff appear a little larger each year.

step 4: make it home-made and from the heart This year, fresh is my theme for end-of-year gifts. I certainly don’t have green fingers, nor am I a notable cook, but, to get around the R50 limit issue, I’m going to get smart and make it myself. Actually, I’m not. The boys are. These are their teachers and they need to step up to the task. On the list of things to make is red onion

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marmalade, butter biscuits and salted almonds. Package them simply in a few glass jars – you’ll be super stylish and saving the planet at the same time, all for less than R50 a teacher. I am also planning to pull a few herbs from the garden, repot them and serve them with a pair of herb scissors. It’s a different form of “regifting”. It’s novel and nice, and darn useful if you ask me. I am having a Martha Stewart moment here.

No amount of red onion marmalade, butter biscuits and salted almonds quite measure up to the simple words, “thank you”. Take time out to write a meaningful message to each of the teachers. I remember the letters my mother received from appreciative parents and students at the end of each year. Some were pages long, others just a few lines, but they would bring tears to her eys. She is retired now, but they still live in a box on top of her cupboard.

Whether I actually pull this off is another thing. Trying to find that spare afternoon to bake, stir, package and pot in the hectic final weeks before school closes on yet another busy year, is virtually impossible. But I will set aside a few quiet moments to write each teacher a message. With report cards in hand, I won’t leave anyone out – I hope.

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education

c

November 2012

learn

Technology is transforming our classrooms into interactive, multisensory learning environments. By ANÉL LEWIS and MARC DE CHAZAL

lassrooms have changed significantly since I was at school in the eighties. Gone is the earsplitting squeak of chalk on blackboard. Instead, a teacher projects an enlarged image of her computer tablet screen, as pupils swipe, type and interact with their own handheld computer devices. Technology is changing the way our classrooms operate, the way our teachers impart knowledge and the way in which our children understand and process information. But, in a country where thousands

46

type of pupils don’t even have access to basic textbooks, is it realistic to envision a future where computer technology will revolutionise education?

the way of the future Arthur Goldstuck, managing director of World Wide Worx, an independent South African technology market research organisation, is confident that by 2015 the various tablets and programmes in place now will no longer be

experimental, but be part of the way education is carried out. “Case studies, success stories and cautionary tales will combine into a proven set of guidelines and ideal practices and approaches that school and educational authorities can adopt,” he says. But he is quick to point out that the tablet market is only 30 months old. “It is impossible, based on an evolution that began only twoand-a-half years ago, to predict how it will pan out 10 years from now, but there is no question that digital textbooks

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PHOTOGRAPHS: shutterstock.com / Parklands College

swipe

will become the norm, and that educational applications (apps) will be integrated with teaching to enhance the experience of both teachers and students. The platform on which this happens, however, may not be a computer, tablet or phone as we know them today. A new technology platform may well have emerged by then, but it is equally possible that all teaching will be conducted on tablets.”

Vodacom Information Communication Technologies (ICT) resource centres being set up in all nine provinces, will go a long way to bringing computer skills into classrooms. He adds, “It is important to note that the role of ICTs in schools cannot be driven by a specific technology, but rather by the support technology will provide for learning and teaching.”

doing it for themselves to support, not replace, teaching Arthur Preston, headmaster of Elkanah House Senior Primary in Cape Town, cautions that some schools may rush to embrace the computer tablet without thoroughly examining how it will improve teaching in their classroom.

“A bad teacher remains a bad teacher when a (computer tablet) is put into their hands. Technology is not the key for a bad teacher – accountability and ongoing training is the first step.” While some have said that tablets will revolutionise education in SA, he believes the education system is in need of much more basic intervention than adding iPads to the mix. Technology is not a panacea for poor teaching.

But, despite its bad rap recently, with the Limpopo textbook saga and reports of poorly-skilled teachers, the Department of Education has made a commitment in its White Paper on e-Education to provide technology for learning and teaching. However, the department’s spokesperson, Panyeza Lesufi, says that given the “magnitude of the task”, to ensure that all schools have access to technology, government needs the help of the private sector and other resources. Initiatives, such as the

magazine joburg

Parklands College in Cape Town is blazing the trail when it comes to the use of tablets in the classroom. The school launched its Apple One2One project in 2010 and all pupils,

We need to keep our children interested in learning and engage them on a digital level. from Grade R to Grade 12, have access to an iPad or MacBook during the day. The pre-primary classes have two iPads in each classroom, while the Grade 1 to 4 pupils each have access to a device for their lessons, and the older pupils use MacBooks. At least 80 percent of all pupils own their devices. Richard Knaggs, the school’s director of technology, says, “We are competing with Xboxes, PlayStations, powerful home computers and smartphones.

We need to keep our children interested in learning and engage them on a digital level.” The school provides a WiFi network, access to the internet and storage facilities for the

devices. Teachers are trained to use the computer tablets, and appropriate applications. They can create their own content, or use free or bought applications. Information, such as homework, memory sentences and images for projects, is sent via email to pupils. They engage by creating projects or solving problems using multiple sources of information. They also use digital textbooks, including the Department of Education’s CAPS-aligned e-books for maths, science, history and life sciences. Their goal is for teachers to develop customised content for their lessons.

Next year, the school will replace its paper dictionaries and atlases with digital versions.

Kragveld Primary near Middelburg in Mpumalanga, prides itself on being the only school in the country to use computer tablets as a teaching tool in all the classrooms, for the entire school day. The teachers bought their own iPads, which they use to project content onto large boards for the whole class to see. Doxa Deo East College in Pretoria introduced an Android-enabled tablet into the Grade 10 classroom in January this year, as part of their blended learning policy. There are plans to roll it out to other grades. One of the parents involved in the project says there has already been a marked improvement. “My son’s reading Shakespeare for the first time, and he’s developing skills that will be useful at university.”

benefits for pupils Wendy Hindle has almost 20 years’ teaching experience. Now a Grade 4 teacher and ICT integrator at Parklands College, she says, “My classroom has been transformed. A good

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education

teacher teaches to children’s strengths, which the iPad allows.” Interestingly, she adds that it is often the academically weak pupils who are technologically above average. Tablets allow pupils to process information comfortably and to learn by doing. She says her class is attentive and on task for the entire lesson.

Knaggs says technology enables pupils to work at their own pace, which allows the weaker pupils to consolidate the fundamentals, while the faster pupils move onto new tasks, thus promoting a stimulating learning environment. The work being done is more original and indicative of a pupil’s particular learning style.

Assignments can incorporate sound, video and images; not just written text. Hindle says the use of educational apps leads

strengths of pupils. After all, not everyone is good behind a camera; not everyone is good in front of a camera; not everyone is artistic, and not everyone is a good writer.

But put a group of people together and play to their strengths, and we get a result which is greater than the sum of the parts.”

teachers give it full marks too Bianca Edworthy, a Grade 3 teacher at Parklands College, says the use of educational applications has made an enormous difference in her classroom and to other teachers. “We look at the curriculum in a new light.” Knaggs says teachers have rediscovered an excitement for their subjects and the way in which they teach. They can use tablet applications to transfer classwork, tests and homework to

It is no longer a matter of whether to use technology, but how well you can integrate mobile technology into your educational institute. to incidental learning, where pupils pick up additional skills while doing a particular assignment. Pupils complete tasks digitally, sometimes without even being asked. They create study notes on their devices and many use them to make documentaries or videos of their holidays. They can revise their work at home, independently or with their parents’ help.

Alan Goldberg, education director of Digicape, which has helped train teachers to use the devices effectively, says, “With the advent of the iPad, we are entering an age where learners can work collaboratively, some writing the text, some generating the images or video and creating collaborative documents which, as well as mirroring real life practice where roles and job descriptions are well defined, also plays to the individual

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their pupil’s devices. Edworthy adds that technology has changed the class dynamic.

Instead of the teacher being the sole source of knowledge, pupils and teachers get to learn from each other. Teachers undergo extensive and continuous training, and there are regular meetings to discuss and decide on new applications and approaches.

Michelle Lissoos, managing director of Think Ahead Education Solutions, the education arm of the Core Group that distributes Apple products to schools, says a key benefit is that teachers can create content themselves and communicate tasks to pupils in a visual way. Goldberg says media-rich digital textbooks allow pupils to make notes in the margins, cross-reference the information online and interact with the content. magazine joburg

more screen time While parents are generally open to the educational benefits of tablet devices, there is concern that children will remain glued to yet another electronic screen for hours on end. Melanie Hartgill, a Durbanbased educational psychologist, says technology is moving at such a rapid pace, that it is becoming increasingly difficult to avoid its effects. The general rule, and one advocated by the American Academy of Pediatrics, is no screens – and this includes computers and smartphones – before the age of two and limited time thereafter.

Hartgill says research further suggests that children should not have access to electronic devices until, at the very earliest, the age of five, as these are the crucial years for development. Exposure to media may discourage imaginative play and family interaction, which are crucial for your child’s development. However, if your children are looking at screens, Hartgill says optometrists recommend the 20/20/20 rule. For every 20 minutes of screen time, your child should look away for 20 seconds, at a point in the distance about 20 feet or six metres away.

Hindle says pupils are seldom allowed to play on their devices during the day. The tablet is for classwork and research. It also has not replaced the pencil, as they still do tasks in their books. “In fact, we have noticed an improvement in (the work) in pupils’ books.” Parklands College has strict controls for the sites and content that can be accessed, as do other schools.

no one-size-fits-all There are, of course, various devices from which to choose, and a multitude

of educational applications depending on what platform they use. Think Ahead has published two Education App Guides for primary and high schools, listing a selection of Apple applications that will support classroom study. Many schools are already using Department of Education-approved CAPS e-books for maths, science, history and life sciences.

There are various computer tablet devices, operating systems and apps available to schools. Maramedia Publishing produces CAPS-compliant school manuals, which can be downloaded on Android and Appleenabled tablets. Classpad, a tablet for interactive learning, offers 7 000 education applications, from preschool to Grade 12. MobiPads have interactive apps for spelling, reading and maths and you can download CAPS-aligned textbooks.

LeapFrog’s LeapPad learning tablets come with a host of educational apps.

and the classroom of 2022?

Knaggs says it’s difficult to project where technology will be in three years’ time, let alone a decade, but he says education will be enabled with the use of mobile devices and their respective applications will give pupils a personalised and dynamic learning programme. “They will have access to the best resources, best teachers and peers – virtual or real – for any given subject at any time, and from any place.”

Lissoos says there are publishers and app developers who are producing more educational content for the South African market. “It is no longer a matter of whether to use technology, but how well you can integrate mobile technology into your educational institute.”

recommended educational apps android-enabled apps

for younger children

• Visit my.kindertown.com

• Match it up 1, 2 and 3 • Families 1 and 2

apple-enabled apps

• Build-it-up

• Book Creator – create books with

• DotToDot numbers and letters

sound, images and video; useful for

• Learn Shapes

languages and literacy.

• Bonsai

• Popplet – mind mapping, which includes

text

and

images

and

Geronimo

by

Jean

Weinstein (Domino Digital Design

for

Company) with a downloadable app

summarising and making study

that helps with numeracy and literacy

notes. Can also be used for planning and story writing.

grades 1 to 4

• iMovie – allows for digital expression through

text,

images,

videos

and audio.

• Notability

• Drawing Pad • PopMath 4 • TeachMe

–

mini

interactive

• The Monster at the End of this Book

whiteboard, which allows pupils to record themselves performing tasks.

• Puppet Pals – to create digital

grades 4 to 7 • Keynote

puppet shows for creative writing

• Explain Everything

and vocabulary.

• Barefoot World Atlas

• iBooks – provides pupils with their own personal digital bookcase.

magazine joburg

• Bobo Explores Light Source: Parklands College, Core Group

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resource

take a “sho’t left” You don’t need to drive for hours to find outdoor fun and adventure for your toddler or teenager. SIMONE JEFFERY rounds up some activities that are just around the corner.

toddlers Aroma Café, Fourways Aroma Café is a safe and secure play area for toddlers with a well-equipped playground that includes a permanent jumping castle, trampoline, multiple jungle gyms, a Wendy house, sandpit and scooter track. The spacious shady garden is great for toddlers and parents. The menu is freshly prepared from seasonal ingredients and offers children’s favourites. Let them get creative with something food-related, such as icing a gingerbread man.

Contact: 011 465 4326, info@aroma-cafe. co.za or visit aroma-cafe.co.za

also order picnic baskets to enjoy under the trees.

Contact Greg or Siân: 073 410 2712, camdeboofarm@gmail.com or visit camdeboofarm.co.za

formal cooking classes that occasionally take place. The café has an indoor area where the children can play when it rains.

Contact: 011 447 8001, info@feastt.co.za or visit feastt.co.za

Drakes Party Farmyard, Linbro Park

Grannies Garden, Blairgowrie

Open days at this relaxing farmyard on the corner of Reid and Beacon Avenue offer young children numerous outdoor activities and friendly farmyard animals to meet and feed. Your toddler can learn respect for animals by visiting the sheep, chickens and bunnies and going on pony rides. There is a sandpit, a large jungle gym, a soccer field, tractors and swings to get your children running and playing outside. The covered lapa offers shelter from sudden summer rains.

Contact Bev: 084 941 8219, info@drakes. co.za or visit drakes.co.za

At this indoor and outdoor venue your toddler can take part in supervised play that involves dressing up in fantasy costumes and creating imaginative crafts in the themed rooms. They can also swing, slide and run around in the garden while you sip cappuccinos. There are weekly craft and baking activities.

Contact: 011 326 4265, claire@clairem. co.za or visit granniesgarden.co.za

Grannies Garden, Blairgowrie

Aroma Café, Fourways

Children can pay a visit to a working farm where they can pick peaches and mulberries off the trees in the orchard from late October to early December, harvest organic vegetables grown in the four greenhouse tunnels and various vegetable gardens, and meet the resident sheep and geese. The restaurant, the Peach Café, has a wide selection of tasty treats; from their popular wood-fired pizza to tapas. You can

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Feastt Café, Parktown North

Feastt Café, Parktown North This eatery boasts a sculptured jungle gym that encircles the dining area, allowing you to keep an eye on your little ones as they clamber up, down and through the structure. There are also childminders available. Children can get involved in the

Bambanani, Melville This is a refreshing take on family-friendly dining, with trustworthy childcare in a relaxed environment. An extensive fusion menu caters for the nutritional needs of children and there is an outdoor play area with a four-storey jungle gym and toys galore. There is also a dress-up and art area, and for the older children a PlayStation and Wii room. The entrances and exits are strictly monitored to ensure that parents can relax, knowing that their little ones are taken care of.

Contact: 011 482 2900 or info@bambanani.biz

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PHOTOGRAPH: shutterSTOCK.COM

Camdeboo Farm Experience, off Witkoppen Road, Fourways

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resource

of large willow and oak trees. You can challenge your child to a fun game of putt-putt on the nine-hole course or help them climb onto a pony or tractor cart for a gentle ride. Don’t forget to bring your mountain bikes and walking shoes so that you can explore the farm’s many nooks and crannies. The tea garden, Lady Marmalade, offers light meals while snacks and refreshments can be bought from the tuck shop.

Contact: 011 024 1512, info@rietvleifarm. co.za or visit rietvleilifestylecentre.co.za Montecasino Bird Gardens, Fourways

Montecasino Bird Gardens, Fourways This surprisingly tranquil bird sanctuary in the heart of Fourways offers visitors a close encounter with lorikeets and parrots, pelicans and guinea fowl. You can also visit Café Flamingo, a tea garden situated next to a wooden jungle gym, and view daily “Flight of Fancy” bird shows as well as frog and reptile rooms.

Contact: 011 511 1864 or visit montecasino.co.za

Musical Fountains, Brightwater Commons

The Brenthurst Gardens, Parktown Make an appointment and take your toddler on a peaceful tour around this magnificent and established garden that is taken care of by 50 gardeners. Rated as one of the finest gardens in South Africa, it has been in the custody of Strilli Oppenheimer since 2001. She has made a point of using the principles of natural gardening and steers away from fertilisers, chemicals, and the weeding or cutting of dead flowers. The manicured lawns, sculptures, rose garden and fountains make for a beautiful outing.

Contact: 011 646 4122, thegarden@ brenthurstgardens.co.za or visit brenthurstgardens.co.za

Multicoloured spouts of water form patterns as they spray, sway and dance magically to the music. Stake your spot on the lush lawns in front of the fountains that can shoot up to 30 metres high at Brightwater Commons or visit the synchronised displays at the piazza in Montecasino.

Contact Brightwater Commons: 011 789 5052 or visit brightwatercommons. co.za; Montecasino: 011 510 7000 or visit montecasino.co.za

The Bunny Park, Benoni

The Bunny Park, Benoni

Rietvlei Zoo Farm, Swartkoppies Road

Rietvlei Zoo Farm, Swartkoppies Road The natural wetlands and beautiful gardens inspire you to spread out your blankets and picnic hampers in the shade

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This rustic park is home to numerous bunnies, donkeys, chickens, turtles and goats. Children are able to buy a bag of carrots and bird seeds from the shop to feed the animals that are fairly tame and accustomed to the attention. There are pony rides on offer, a jungle gym, swings and a slide to play on.

Contact: 011 741 6160, 011 741 6460, 011 899 4157, 011 422 3651 or 072 793 3332

Train ride at Walter Sisulu, Roodepoort The beautifully manicured lawns and gardens of Walter Sisulu National Botanical magazine joburg

Garden have always been a favourite with families for picnics and relaxed strolls.

With the addition of a wooden jungle gym, situated close to the Eagle’s Fare Restaurant, and the leisurely train rides, toddlers now have a bit more to keep them entertained.

Contact: 086 100 1278, sisulugarden@ sanbi.org.za or visit sanbi.org.za

teenagers Acrobranch, Melrose High in the trees, harnessed and secured to the cables that run from branch to branch, are three courses and a 200-metre zip line. The courses are great for brave three year olds as well as youngat-heart adults. Children get to exercise and increase their muscle strength while simultaneously having a blast. The cub course is for children from three to seven years old, the cheetah course is for seven year olds and older, while the lion course is for adults and fit, older children.

Contact: 078 438 7463, bookings@ acrobranch.co.za or visit acrobranch.co.za Adventure Golf, Stoneridge Centre

Adventure Golf, Stoneridge Centre

Acrobranch, Melrose

The rose gardens and lush tropical plants make one feel as though you are in an exotic location. There are three courses, each made up of nine holes.

Balls disappear down tubes and reappear on completely different greens for you to rebound off rocks and line up for the final winning putt. There is a cafĂŠ with various takeaway foods, a pool table and foosball.

Contact: 011 022 3707 or visit adventuregolf.co.za

Boogaloos Skate Park, Brightwater Commons This vibrant skate park is a popular and safe spot for impressionable teenagers.

Being a strictly drug-, alcohol- and smoke-free environment, children of all ages can have fun while learning and practising new tricks on their rollerblades, BMX bikes and skateboards under adult supervision. The park has a half pipe, empty swimming pool and other ramps and rails. For children too young to take part there is a carousel and elephant-train rides nearby and parents can keep a close watch from the lawn or nearby restaurants. Skateboards and helmets are available to hire.

Contact: 011 781 3600 or visit boogaloos.com

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and snowboarding for anyone who already has some experience. Bumboarding and tubing take place daily.

Contact: 011 467 2426 or visit avalanche.co.za

Orlando Towers, Soweto At Joburg’s iconic cooling towers you can build up the nerve to take part in a wide range of adrenaline-pumping activities, such as the 100m bungee, power swing, a climb to the viewing platform suitable for all ages, and paintball. The latest addition, the SCAD Freefall, requires an extra shot of courage. It is the only system in the world that allows unattached, controlled free fall. There is a weight requirement of 35kg to 110kg. The shisa nyama-style restaurant will make sure you don’t jump on an empty stomach.

Contact: 071 674 4343 or orlandotowers.co.za

Jozi X, Bryanston

Avalanche, Fourways

Avalanche, Fourways This is a ski and snowboarding slope, centrally situated in the Cedar Square shopping centre. On Tuesday and Thursday nights they offer unlimited skiing

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An inflatable action world where children and adults can fly through the air on the trapeze, climb an inflatable wall, or knock off opponents on the gladiator inflatable.

Children, from the age of five, are taught the correct way to use each adventure station while under constant adult supervision.

The latest addition, the slackline park, is a different take on tightrope walking. Being close to the ground it allows children who are scared of heights to still get in on the action. You are welcome to bring your own snacks and picnics, but alcohol is strictly forbidden.

Contact: 082 456 2358, info@jozix.co.za or visit jozix.co.za

Paintball City, Germiston Get a group of friends together and compete in teams or individually to eliminate your opponents by tagging them

magazine joburg

with the nontoxic paintballs. Games take place in outdoor fields with either natural terrain, or artificial and inflatable obstacles.

Players are required to wear protective masks at all times. There is a snack shop available for refreshments, and braai fires can be arranged on request. For children 10 years and older.

Contact: 011 828 7583, info@paintballcity. co.za or visit paintballcity.co.za

track with adult supervision. The pump track near the lapa is great for toddlers on scooters and push bikes. You can bring a picnic or visit the snack shop for basics.

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

Randburg Outdoor Adventure Centre, Kya Sands A couple of laps on the off-road go-karting track and a tactical game of paintball provides hours of competitive fun for children 10 years and older, while toddlers can climb and slide on the jungle gym.

The café serves light meals and braais can be arranged on request. You are advised to wear closed shoes when riding on the carts. Safety helmets are provided.

Contact Gavin: 076 167 5484, gavin@ xtracks.co.za or visit xtracks.co.za

PWC Cycle Park, Bryanston

PWC Cycle Park, Bryanston This is a great park for children and novices to get the hang of mountain biking and build up strength and stamina. Teenagers can ride on the BMX track when there are no competitions, and on the green

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Rockfit, Sandton Rock climbing is a great activity to build your child’s self-confidence, trust and motivation plus increase levels of fitness and teamwork.

Children learn to cope with fear and stress, and are encouraged to be self-reliant and responsible, with skilled staff making sure

they do so safely. You can try and master the sport yourself, or arrange for a structured class. For children from the age of five.

Contact: 011 262 4292, management@ rockfit.co.za or visit rockfit.co.za

StokeCity WakePark, Midrand This cable-water park is designed for wakeboarding, water-skiing, knee boarding, or wake skating. There are picnic spots and braai facilities, a swimming pool and a beach volleyball court to keep everyone entertained. There are picnic spots and braai facilities, as well as a fully-stocked café. They are closed on Mondays.

Contact Chantal: chantal@stokecity.co.za

The Ski Deck, Ferndale Summer may be here, but winter sports can still be enjoyed at the Ski Deck.

Children from seven years can learn to ski or snowboard on the revolving carpet, or come through on a Tuesday and Thursday for a bit of bumboarding or slope surfing.

Younger children are able to spend time in the playground on the jungle gym, zip line, rolling log and trampoline.

Contact: 011 781 6528 or visit ski.co.za

Rockfit, Sandton

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books

a good read for toddlers

The Really, Really, Really Big Dinosaur

By Richard Byrne (Published by Oxford University Press, R127) When a big show-off dinosaur learns to share, he discovers two really good new friends. And you’ll never guess where he finds one of them. Once children spot the cleverly hidden character in the illustrations, they’ll want to go back and read the story again and again. There are a few lessons to be learnt as well: don’t be a show-off, as you might be outdone soon; don’t be a bully just because you are bigger than someone; and friendship is about sharing. This is a side-splitting funny picture book that’s destined to be a storytime favourite.

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The Yoga Ogre

By Peter Bently and Simon Rickerty (Published by Simon and Schuster Children’s Books, R143) Ogden the Ogre was worried one night. His jim-jams had grown far too short and too tight. The people suggested that an overweight ogre should take up a sport. But, as everyone will soon find out, finding the perfect sport for a big, bumbling ogre isn’t as easy as it seems. This is a really funny picture book from the winner of the Roald Dahl Funny Prize in 2011. Told in clever rhyme, we join Ogden as he first tries basketball, with disastrous consequences; then causes havoc while playing soccer. When he tries his hand at hockey, the people take shelter and as a jockey, the horses run away. Golf doesn’t work out, as there is now a huge hole where the course used to be. How can Ogden get active?

Zoe and Beans – Pants on the Moon!

By Chloë and Mick Inkpen (Published by Macmillan Children’s Books, R117) Zoe is hanging her pants out to dry one day, when, “whoosh!”, a big gust of wind blows her and Beans up, up, up into space – along with the washing line full of pants. When they finally land on the moon, there’s evera lot of exciting exploring to do. But how on earth are popular zoe and they going to get home again? In this fourth title in the beans popular picture book series for children from the age of three, the ingenious Zoe comes up with a brilliant plan. Parents will also love the story, because they know that there is an American flag on the moon, and why that is important.

Funny Faces on the Farm – Pop-up Masks!

By Jannie Ho (Published by Campbell Books, R94) Cluck like a chicken, squeak like a mouse and let your imagination run wild with this fantastic new play mask book. Each book in the series has die-cut eye holes, easyto-grip handles and, best of all, a fantastic pop-up feature on each spread that really brings the characters to life. Simple, sturdy and very funny, these books are guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Other books in the series include Funny Faces in the Jungle, Funny Faces Monsters and Funny Faces Dressing Up.

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for toddlers

for preschoolers

Florentine and Pig have a Very Lovely Picnic

By Eva Katzler and Jess Mikhail (Published by Bloomsbury Publishing, R103) Join Florentine and Pig on their adventures as they discover the glorious world of friendship, food and a frolic. Florentine and Pig are going to celebrate a lovely sunny day by having a picnic. She puts on her thinking cap and comes up with a delicious menu, including treats such as apple and carrot muffins, only to realise that Pig ate the last of the apples. Pig knows what he has to do when he spots three perfect apples at the top of the tree in the garden.

Pig is intrepid and Pig is brave, but how good a climber is he? A disaster is averted, and Florentine and Pig get to work making a very lovely picnic indeed. Families can join in the cooking fun by following the recipes at the back of the book.

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Flip-O-Storic

By Sara Ball

Lazy Lion

By Mwenye Hadithi and Adrienne Kennaway (Published by Hodder Children’s Books, R85) Lazy Lion orders the animals to build him a house on the African plain. The Weaver Birds build him a house of nest grasses and palm leaves, but Lazy Lion is too heavy to reach the door. The Ant Bears build him a house with many rooms and caverns, but it is so dark Lion can’t see anything. The White Ants build him a palace of towers and turrets, but Lazy Lion is too big to get in and refuses to live underground.

The animals do their best to make Lion happy, but he is very difficult to please. Will he ever find a home?

This is the story of how Lazy Lion found his home on the great African plain.

(Published by Abbeville Kids, R157) This interactive board book lets you mix and match the heads, bodies and tails of 10 real prehistoric animals – such as the sabre-toothed tiger, woolly mammoth, and the Macrauchenia – to create almost a thousand different imaginary ones. The flaps include interesting facts about each animal part, so you can learn how your FlipO-Storic creature would behave. There’s also a handy chart that shows the actual size of the 10 real animals that make up the “parts” of your Flip-O-Storic, and gives the meaning and pronunciation of their names. Flip-O-Storic will captivate the imagination of anyone fascinated by these impressive and now extinct species.

My First Car was Red

By Peter Schössow

ing someth y reall special

(Published by Gecko Press, R114) Your first car is always the best. And your first trip is unforgettable – even when it doesn’t go exactly to plan. This is an exciting and hilarious picture book about brothers and cars and one crazy car ride. The illustrations are vivid and detailed and there are quirky road signs throughout to emphasise the brothers’ adventurous ride. The storyline is funny and entertaining: “Grandpa brought me a surprise.

‘For you,’ he said. It was rusty. Really rusty. But you could tell what it was – a little car! Exactly my size. ‘Diesel or gas?’ I asked. ‘Sweat,’ he said.” Young boys especially will absolutely love this treasure.

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books

for preschoolers First Experiences with Biff, Chip & Kipper – Starting School

By Roderick Hunt and Alex Brychta (Published by Oxford University Press, R39) Introduce your child to new situations with these entertaining and sensitively written stories, which are perfect for reading together. Each story is packed with facts and humour to familiarise your child with what to expect from a first experience. First Experiences with Biff, Chip & Kipper have been carefully created to help parents explore the world with their child, talk about shared feelings and emotions, and build vocabulary through the fun activities included in every book. There are also practical tips and ideas for you to use when reading together. Alex Brychta’s humorous and detailed illustrations bring the stories alive, and are known and loved by millions of young readers worldwide.

for early graders

Guinea Pigs Online

By Jennifer Gray and Amanda Swift (Published by Quercus, R58) Fuzzy and Coco are guinea pigs who live with their kindly owners, Ben and Henrietta Bliss. Coco likes to spend her days pampering herself and listening to harp concertos. Fuzzy is much more down to earth. He is a passionate cook who wants nothing more than to learn to make delicious meals for Ben and Henrietta. So when Fuzzy spots an advertisement run by glamorous local chef Scarlet Cleaver stating “Guinea Pigs Wanted”, he is over the moon. Coco warns him that all is not what he thinks, but he won’t listen. Fuzzy sneaks off to find the restaurant. Now Coco must set off on a rescue mission to prevent Fuzzy from ending up as main course on The Meat Cleaver’s menu.

Bink & Gollie – Two for One

By Kate DiCamillo, Alison McGhee and Tony Fucile (Published by Candlewick Press, R158) Your favourite marvellous companions are back. Meet them at the fair in this delightfully droll sequel to the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award-winning Bink & Gollie.

The state fair is in town, and now Bink and Gollie, utter opposites and best friends, must use teamwork and their grey matter to navigate its many wonders. Will the energetic Bink win the world’s largest doughnut in the Whack-a-Duck game?

Will the artistic Gollie wow the crowd in the talent show? As the undaunted duo steps into the mysterious tent of fortune-teller Madame Prunely, one prediction is crystal clear: this unlikely pair will always be the closest of pals.

The Magical World of Milligan

By Spike Milligan, edited by Norma Farnes

for keep ’s sake

(Published by Virgin Books, R202) The Magical World of Milligan is a sparkly children’s compendium that gathers a grand selection of Milligan favourites, including such delightful poems and stories as On the Ning Nang Nong, The Terrible Monster Jelly and The Gingerbread Boy. In full colour, and complete with Milligan’s drawings and sketches, the book also includes poems from Silly Verse for Kids to commemorate the 50th anniversary of its publication. This wonderful book will appeal to the legion of Milligan fans and open the door to new ones; young and old alike.

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for early graders Tony Robinson’s Weird World of Wonders – Romans

By Tony Robinson (Published by Macmillan’s Children’s Books, R85) Children from the age of nine can join Tony Robinson and the Curiosity Crew as they gallop headlong through time, pointing out all the most important, funny, strange, amazing, smelly and disgusting bits of history. Children can find out everything they need to know about the Roman Empire in this action-packed book. It answers questions such as: why should you never ignore an omen; how to defeat an elephantriding army; how to keep the gods happy and how to spot a barbarian. Del Thorpe did the interactive illustrations and children can play the Weird World of Wonders game online at weirdworldofwonders.com

for preteens and teens

The Magnificent 12 – The Trap

By Michael Grant

Bliss

By Kathryn Littlewood

(Published by HarperCollins Children’s Books, R59) In the thrilling second book of the Magnificent 12 series, Mack MacAvoy is challenged by his spectral mentor, Grimluk, who only appears in the shiny chrome pipes of bathrooms. Mack must find the ancient ones; the great forgotten forces. He must learn the ways of Vargran, assemble the 12, go to the nine dragons of Daidu and to the Egge rocks, and most of all, beware of the trap. Time is short.

The wicked Pale Queen’s 3 000-year banishment ends in 35 days, and she will be free to destroy the world. It’s up to Mack to stop her return. But what do all of Grimluk’s clues mean? Can Mack achieve everything he has to without getting killed by the evil Risky, and escape the trap?

(Published by HarperCollins Children’s Books, R86) Rosemary Bliss’s family has a secret: it’s the Bliss Cookery Booke, an ancient, leatherbound volume of enchanted recipes such as Stone Sleep Snickerdoodles and Singing Gingersnaps. Rose and her siblings are supposed to keep the cookery book under lock and whisk-shaped key while their parents are out of town, but then a mysterious stranger shows up. “Aunt” Lily rides a motorcycle, wears purple sequins, and whips up exotic, but delicious dishes for dinner. Soon boring, non-magical recipes feel like life before Aunt Lily – a lot less fun.

So Rose and her siblings experiment with just a couple of recipes from the forbidden Bliss Cookery Booke. A few Love Muffins and a few dozen Cookies of Truth couldn’t cause too much trouble, could they?

The Third Day, the Frost

By John Marsden (Published by Quercus, R86) This is the third novel in the bestselling The Tomorrow series. Ellie and her friends have achieved a lot as unarmed amateur teenage fighters. But, the war rages on, their families are in captivity and their country is on its knees. Hiding back in Hell, the friends face a big question: what to do next? The gang has another success when they manage to rescue Kevin. He returns to them equipped with new knowledge of explosives, and they know what to do – launch an attack on the enemy target of Cobbler’s Bay. The Third Day, The Frost draws the reader into the struggle of these ordinary teenagers attempting to survive in extraordinary times. magazine joburg

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books

for preteens and teens

for us

The Poodle Problem

By Anna Wilson (Published by Macmillan Children’s Books, R83) Nine-year-old Pippa Peppercorn loves helping out at the only beauty salon in the quiet town of Crumbly-Under-Edge. A cosy joint run by the cuddly Mrs Semolina Ribena Fudge, customers and their pets stop by as much for the tea and sympathy as for a trim. But when rival beautician Trinity Meddler comes to town and sets up shop, Mrs Fudge is in danger of losing her customers.

What’s more, Trinity has a sinister plan up her sleeve, involving oodles of poodles. Luckily Dash, the talking dachshund, with a nose for sniffing out a good mystery, is on hand to save the day, with Pippa as his number one assistant.

Down the Rabbit Hole

By Peter Abrahams

for mystery lovers

(Published by Walker Books, R99) This is the first in a compelling detective series from Stephen King’s “favourite American suspense novelist”. When Ingrid accidentally leaves her football sneakers at a murder scene, she is sucked into a mysterious case. It’s all her fault that the police are on the wrong track, so Ingrid swears to hunt down Cracked-Up Katie’s killer herself. But Ingrid’s life is full of distractions: Joey, the son of the local police chief; portraying Alice in the Prescott Players’ new production; not failing maths... When the clues lead her to the new member of the theatre group, Vincent, she doesn’t realise the danger until it’s too late, and suddenly she’s battling for her life, about to be pushed over the edge of Echo Falls.

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Zoo

By James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge (Published by Random House Struik, R215) Animals are rising up against humans and may want to destroy us forever. All over the world, brutal attacks are crippling entire cities. Jackson Oz, a young biologist, watches the escalating events with an increasing sense of dread. When he witnesses a coordinated lion ambush in Africa, the enormity of the violence to come is terrifyingly clear. With the help of ecologist Chloe Tousignant, Oz races to warn world leaders before it’s too late. The attacks are growing in ferocity, cunning, and planning, and soon there will be no place left for humans to hide. With wildly inventive imagination and white-knuckle suspense, James Patterson’s Zoo is an epic, nonstop thriller.

The J.M. Barrie Ladies’ Swimming Society

By Barbara J. Zitwer (Published by Short Books, R101) Joey Rubin is a dyed-in-the-wool New Yorker. When her architectural firm sends her to the English countryside to oversee the renovation of an ancient stately home, it’s a dream come true. Stanway House is where J.M. Barrie wrote Peter Pan, Joey’s favourite book. Faced with strong opposition from the local residents to her plans for the building, Joey feels that she can do nothing right, until she comes upon a hidden lake. There, shrieking with laughter in the icy water, she finds the feisty members of the “J.M. Barrie Ladies’ Swimming Society”. Octogenarians one and all, they dare Joey to come for a swim in their outdoor Neverland. For Joey, meeting Aggie, Gala, Lilia and the rest is a life-changing experience.

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parenting books Timeless Family Food Journal

By Christine Phillips (Published by Christine Phillips, R350 + R50 delivery) Christine Phillips, founder of the Little Cooks Club, is a qualified chef and a member of the South African Chefs Association. She created this book because she is passionate about healthy eating habits, traditions and spending quality time with her family. This interactive journal is filled with delicious recipes, nutritional information, clever tips and tricks, as well as ideas on how to enjoy quality time together. It gives you the opportunity to record your special family traditions and precious memories in one place, ensuring that they get passed on and remembered. Make this journal unique to your family; there is space to write down your own recipes, stick photographs, and document secret ingredients for recipes that you want to pass on. To order, visit tffj.co.za

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road to success

Raising Talent

By Tim Goodenough with Michael Cooper (Published by Penguin SA, R198) This book aims to inform and empower parents, coaches and athletes about high performance. The authors want you to trust your judgment so that you do what you feel is right, based on some of the ideas, stories, techniques and principles taught here. They provide a quality self-coaching programme and a solid foundation of high performance theory so that performers can begin to fast-track their development without having to use a mental coach. With this powerful self-coaching programme the determined and hard-working individual can achieve more.

Great Kids

By Carol Surya (Published by Surya Creations Publishing, R175,44 excluding VAT and postage) This book is about recognising, acknowledging and learning to boost your child’s natural potential. Peppered with practical examples, parents learn simple, highly effective tools for respectful disciplining, establishing security and building your child’s self-esteem. The ability to help children redirect their excess energy, and express and manage their emotions appropriately changes everything. This book offers new and practical ways of approaching and appreciating children. It begins with an understanding of their world and explores the issue of respect and the importance of choice, responsibility and democratic discipline for today’s generation. The author is a psychologist who has extensive experience helping troubled children and empowering parents. Order the book from greatkids-book.com

The Expectant Father

By Armin A. Brott and Jennifer Ash (Published by Abbeville Press, R168) The third edition of this bestselling, ground-breaking, informationpacked guide for dads-to-be is now updated, revised and expanded.

This book explores the emotional, financial, and physical changes the father-to-be may experience during his partner’s pregnancy.

Written in an easy-to-absorb format and filled with sound advice and practical tips for men on such topics as how to make sense of your conflicting emotions, how pregnancy affects your sex life, and how to start a college fund, this volume reassures, commiserates, informs and entertains. It also incorporates the wisdom of top experts in the field, from obstetricians and birth-class instructors to psychologists and sociologists. This new edition features the latest research on many topics from preconception issues, overcoming infertility and information addressing assisted reproductive technologies to prenatal communication and education.

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calendar

what’s on in november

You can also access the calendar online at

childmag.co.za

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

9 fri

special events

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FUN for children

66

only for parents

70

bump, baby & tot in tow

73

how to help

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SPECIAL EVENTS

FUN FOR CHILDREN

ONLY FOR PARENTS

bump, baby & tot in tow

how to help

Potted Potter Make the most of all seven Harry Potter books compressed into an hilarious 70 minutes.

Cito does Latin A Latin-themed four-course meal with the lead vocalist from SA rock band, Wonderboom.

Little Kickers open day Introduce your child to soccer skills through exciting group play activities.

National Children’s Day Help raise awareness for children with disabilities by taking part in a fun nappy run.

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PHOTOGRAPHS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Look and Feel Good Expo Revitalise your life, stimulate your mind, rejuvenate your body and nourish your soul.

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calendar

SPECIAL EVENTS 2 friday Walkhaven Halloween Dress up your pooch for some spooky Halloween fun and test your brain during the quiz. Proceeds from the evening go towards HAWS (Hartbeespoort Animal Welfare Society).

Those who don’t want to drive home are welcome to camp. Space is limited. Time: 5pm. Venue: Walkhaven Dog Park, plot 77, Zwartkop. Cost: R90, includes dinner, a cocktail and entry into the quiz; campover and breakfast R45. Contact Ashleigh: 071 212 9955, info@walkhaven.co.za or visit walkhaven.co.za

2 November – Walkhaven Halloween

3 saturday Artists Under the Sun Pop along to Zoo Lake where artists display their masterpieces in the open expanse of the park. Also

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3 and 4 November – Artists Under the Sun

4 November. Time: 9am–4:30pm. Venue: Zoo Lake, cnr Jan Smuts Ave and Westwold Way, Saxonwold. Cost: free. Contact Val: 083 470 1998, artists.aus@mweb.co.za or visit artistsunderthesun.co.za Family Advent Fair Experience a fair that takes you into the spirit of the festive season with Christmas goodies, home-made food and crafts, creative activities and live music. Time: 9:30am–4:30pm. Venue: The Christian Community, 46 Dover St, Ferndale, Randburg. Cost: free entry. Contact Karyn or John-Peter: 011 789 3083, 083 604 0366, joburg@thechristiancommunity.org.za or visit adventfair.co.za Get pampered for charity Spoil yourself with a hand, foot and head massage and raise funds for organisations specialising in the sterilisation of animals in underprivileged areas and the rescue, rehabilitation and re-homing of needy

animals. Space is limited. Time: 9am–3pm.

Venue: 15 Komari Rd, Paulshof. Cost: adults R200, children R100. Contact Jacqueline: 082 461 1606 or bookings@lifestyle-onlocation.co.za National Children’s Day Help raise awareness for children with disabilities by taking part in a fun nappy run. All runners or walkers must wear a nappy, whichever way you choose; as a head scarf or bandana. Time: 9am. Venue: Johannesburg Zoo, Jan Smuts Ave, Parkview. Cost: adults R58, children R36 (entrance to the zoo); donation of a pack of nappies. Contact: 011 452 2774 or visit nappyrun.org.za

7 wednesday

4 sunday

9 friday

Nelson Mandela Square Antique Fair Hunt for antiques, collectibles and memorabilia at this monthly fair that attracts local and international enthusiasts.

Time: 9am–4pm. Venue: Nelson Mandela Square, cnr Rivonia Rd and 5th St, Sandton Central. Cost: free. Contact: 011 217 6000 or visit nelsonmandelasquare.co.za Serena vs Venus Williams The amazing Williams sisters are taking part in an exhibition tennis match titled “Breaking the Mould”, to recognise women who have achieved greatness and to encourage and inspire the youth. Time: 1pm.

Venue: Ellis Park Indoor Arena, 44 Staib St, Doornfontein. Cost: R350–R750. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com

Look and Feel Good Expo Take part in a laughter workshop to reduce your stress, find out more about holistic therapies or enjoy the organic food on sale. Children can visit the supervised fun zone, The Art of Play for a storytelling session and a bit of yoga. Ends 11 November. Time: 11am–6pm, Friday; 9am–6pm, Saturday; 9am–5pm, Sunday. Venue: Coca-Cola Dome, cnr Northumberland Rd and Olievenhout Ave, Northriding. Cost: adults R70, pensioners and children R50, children under 12 free. Contact: 0861 115 318 or visit ifeelgood.co.za

Rowlin National Night Race All members of the family are welcome to take part in a fun night race around the Benoni Northerns Sports Grounds.

The race takes place along the road, and there are marshals along the way, but the road isn’t closed off so be sure to keep an eye on your young ones. Wear reflective clothing so you are clearly visible.

Time: 7pm–9pm. Venue: Benoni Northerns Sports Club, Albert Bekker Park, Brodigan St, Northmead, Benoni. Cost: R36 for 15km, R26 for 10km, R16 for 5km. Contact: 076 839 6800 or visit entrytime.com

10 saturday Happy Feet Fun Walk Slip your feet into your most outrageous footwear for an

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exciting 5km fundraising walk in aid of Little Eden, a nonprofit organisation that cares for children with intellectual disabilities.

Time: registration from 7:30am; race starts

3 sat

9am. Venue: Johannesburg Zoo, Jan Smuts Ave, Parkview. Cost: R80, includes entrance into the zoo. Contact Kathy: 011 609 7246 or visit littleeden.org.za

14 wednesday Denim For Diabetes A casual day in light of World Diabetes Day. Pupils, the general public and corporates are urged to wear an item of denim in exchange for a small donation. Cost: donation of R10.

Contact Diabetes South Africa: 011 886 3765, national@diabetessa.org.za or visit diabetessa.co.za

15 thursday FNB Diwali Festival The Festival of Lights is a colourful, multicultural celebration bringing culinary treats, music and fun children’s activities to the inner city. You can try a dish from a vegetarian food stall, discover an interesting item among the various treasures at the retail stalls and enjoy the Bhangra beats. Whatever you do, don’t forget to stay for the legendary fireworks display in the evening. Time: from 9am.

Venue: Mary Fitzgerald Square, Newtown. Cost: free. Contact: 011 494 2243 or manqoba@ akwandeproductions.co.za

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Ficksburg Cherry Festival Since 1968 people have been flocking to the quaint town of Ficksburg to celebrate this rubyred fruit. This year’s festival has been redeveloped to incorporate all aspects of family entertainment to ensure both young and old enjoy the festivities. Ends 17 November. Time: varies. Venue: Ficksburg, Eastern Free State. Cost: varies. Contact: 051 933 6486, gavin@cherryfestival.co.za or visit cherryfestival.co.za

18 sunday Walk through Albert’s Farm A guided walk leads you along the network of paths that snake through the park to the dam and wetland area. Dogs are welcome.

Time: 8am. Venue: meet in the Albert’s Farm car park, 8th St, Greymont, Northcliff.

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Cost: R20. Contact Nina: 083 583 5383 or nina@outofthebox.org.za

fri

22 thursday Carols by candlelight The Country Playden Preschool presents an evening of carols by candlelight. Bring a picnic and enjoy a festive evening. Time: 6:30pm. Venue: George and Lucy’s, 178 Longleat Ave, Chartwell. Cost: free entry. Contact Bridget: 072 551 4179, belinda@countryplayden.com or visit countryplayden.com

23 friday Food, Wine and Design Fair This outdoor market showcases designer products, a host of food merchants and the latest wares from wine estates nationwide. Ends 25 November. Time: 12pm–10pm, Friday; 10am–10pm, Saturday; 10am–4pm, Sunday. Venue: the rooftop of Hyde Park Corner Shopping Centre. For more info: visit foodwinedesign.co.za

24 saturday A Miniature Showcase View the intricate details of the doll houses and miniature accessories on display and purchase a few supplies for your own projects. Time: 9am–12:30pm. Venue: Parkhurst Recreation Centre Hall, cnr 13th St and 5th Ave, Parkhurst. Cost: free; donations to Cerebral Palsy SA welcome. Contact Sue: 011 787 2340 or miniatures@telkomsa.net

ORBIS Flying Eye Hospital The ORBIS Flying Eye Hospital, a fully equipped teaching hospital on a DC-10 aeroplane, visits South Africa for the first time. Take a tour of this remarkable plane or enter the inaugural ORBIS Plane Pull on the Saturday and be the fastest to pull a plane three metres. Booking essential. For children 12 years and older. Also 24 November. Time: 9am–5pm. Venue: OR Tambo International Airport. Cost: tour free; plane pull R5 000 per team of 20; R250 per person. Contact Laura: 021 447 7135, lvanzyl@ orbis.org.za or visit orbis.org.za

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calendar 9am–6pm. Venue: Coca-Cola Dome, cnr Northumberland Rd and Olievenhout Ave, Northriding. Cost: adults R65, pensioners R50, children under 10 free. For more info: visit mamamagic.co.za

30 friday

24 November – Teddy Bears on Parade

Sisters with Blisters Slip on your heels for either the 4km or 8km fun walk and show your support against woman and child abuse. Entries close 15 November. Time: 8km 7:30am; 4km with dogs 8:30am; 4km without dogs 9:30am. Venue: Tramore Rd, Bryanston High School. Cost: adults R100, 4km free for children under 12, dogs free.

To register: visit sisterswithblisters.co.za Teddy Bears on Parade Collectors and bearmakers display their cuddly bears and other soft toys. Time: 9:30am–1pm. Venue: Hall 5, Edenvale Community Centre, cnr van Riebeeck Rd and 2nd St. Cost: free.

Contact Victoria: 011 828 7901 or info@ vaharper.co.za

25 sunday Lighting the Tree of Remembrance Remember someone special in your life by hanging a light bulb and writing a special message to them on a wooden tag.

Bulbs and tags can be purchased from the Vanderbijlpark Rotary Club or Stonehaven’s front office until 31 December. There is also a night market selling Christmas items.

Time: 6pm–10:30pm. Venue: Stonehaven on Vaal, Vanderbijlpark. Cost: R50 per bulb and wooden tag. Contact: 016 982 2951, info@stonehaven.co.za or visit stonehaven.co.za The Star HospiceWits Tree of Light Tonight the Tree of Light, symbolising Christmas and the spirit of community, comes to life as soon as it gets dark enough.

Bring a picnic basket to enjoy on the lawns and buy a globe in support of HospiceWits.

Time: 5pm. Venue: Johannesburg Zoo, Jan Smuts Ave, Parkview. Cost: free entry after 5pm, globe R50. Contact Sydney: 011 483 9170, sydney@hospicewits.co.za or visit hospicewits.co.za Train trip to Magaliesburg Sit back and relax as the locomotive puffs its way to the little town of Magaliesburg.

Booking essential. Time: 9am–5:30pm.

Venue: departs from platform 14, Park Station. Cost: adults R220, children R150, children under 4 free. Contact: 011 025 4363, bookings@reefsteamers.com or visit reefsteamers.com

Carols and Crafts Sing all your festive favourites at tonight’s carols by candlelight and browse for gift ideas, knick knacks and more at the craft market. Time: 5:30pm.

Venue: Elma Park Preprimary School, 17 Adjutant Rd, Elma Park, Edenvale. Cost: free entry. Contact Carla or Glynis: 011 453 9388 or elmaparkpps@mweb.co.za Carols in the Paddocks Pack a picnic, sing along with the professional choir and meet Father Christmas. Proceeds from the event go towards The Society for Animals in Distress. Time: 6pm.

Venue: The Society for Animals in Distress, The Paddock, plot 20, Moerdyk St, Vorna Valley, Midrand. Cost: adults R25, children R15. Contact Bev: 078 458 9143, aid@animalsindistress.org.za or visit animalsindistress.org.za

FUN FOR CHILDREN art, culture and science Arts and crafts fun Bring your child to make a hand- and footprint on either a canvas, a dish towel for Granny or a T-shirt. They can also create crafts with paper, paint and glitter. For children 2–10 years old. Time: 9am–5pm, Tuesday– Sunday. Venues: Yeesh! Bryanston, 5 Main Rd, Bryanston or Yeesh! Woodmead, Woodmead Commercial Park, Waterval Crescent, Woodmead. Cost: first hour R50, second hour R30. Contact Bryanston: 011 463 5847 or Woodmead: 011 656 9669, info@yeesh.co.za or visit yeesh.co.za Hollywood comes to SA Adults and children can learn how to prepare for auditions and cope with rejection from one of Hollywood’s top film directors. Booking essential. For children 6 years and older.

24 November. Time: 1pm–5pm. Venue: Bryanston Sports Club Hall, Bryanston.

Cost: adults R500, children R350. Contact Addi: 082 559 6702, addi@netactive.co.za or visit caitlinscasting.co.za Space Travel Blast off into outer space for a look at the moon and beyond with Thomas the astronomer. For children 5–8 years old. Time: 10:30am, every Saturday.

Venue: The Planetarium, Yale Rd (off Empire Rd), Wits University, Milner Park.

Cost: R21. Contact: 011 717 1390 or visit planetarium.co.za

29 thursday MamaMagic Baby Expo The daily children’s entertainment keeps little ones smiling while you get advice and tips from the experts. Ends 2 December. Time:

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Space Travel every Saturday at The Planetarium

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3 November – Nestlé Healthy Kids programme

classes, talks and workshops Crime awareness workshop MAD Pups aims to raise awareness of crime and teach safety skills to children. Space is limited. 10 November. Time: 6–11 year olds: 9:30am–11am; 12 years and older: 11:30am–1pm. Venue: Academy of Light, 130 Coleraine Dr, Morningside.

Cost: R50, includes a child’s identity Velcro bracelet. Contact Julie: 083 677 1402, madpupssa@gmail.com or visit facebook. com/madpups “Ek het dit self gemaak” cooking classes Afrikaans cooking classes for children 6–12 years old. Booking essential.

16 and 24 November. Time: 1pm–4pm, Friday; 9am–12pm, Saturday. Venue: Roosevelt Park, close to Cresta. Cost: R200. Contact Jeanri: 083 408 8802, jeanri@cookingupastorm.co.za or visit cookingupastorm.co.za

17 sat

Family golf clinic Learn all the aspects of the game of golf from The Ranch’s resident pro, Sean Pappas. You will then be able to put what you’ve learnt into practice during two rounds of golf. Booking essential. For children 6 years and older. 17 and 18 November. Time: 9am–5pm.

Venue: Protea Hotel Ranch Resort, Limpopo. Cost: private lesson R190 per hour; group lessons R50 per person per hour. Contact Sean for golf bookings: 015 290 5000, 083 399 0267 or visit theranch.co.za

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Making career decisions A practical workshop for your child to learn more about market trends and to plan a career with confidence. Booking is essential.

24 November. Time: 9am–12:30pm.

Venue: 23 Cabernet Crescent, Hurlingham Manor. Cost: R750. Contact Gloria: 011 326 2753 or visit gloriamarsay.co.za Meditation classes for children Children take part in fun games and art activities based on Buddhist philosophy. No need to book. For children 5–12 years old.

4 November. Time: 9am–10:15am. Venue: Vajrapani Kadampa Buddhist Centre. Cost: R15. Contact Kelsang: 011 326 1982, info@ meditation.org.za or visit meditation.org.za Mom and child flower workshop Spend the morning learning about flowers and their healing properties. Booking essential. 4 November. Time: 9am–12pm.

Venue: Ladybird Corner, on the grounds of Linksfield Hospital. Cost: R550 for mother and child. Contact Hope: 011 485 3057 or info@ladybirdcorner.co.za Nestlé Healthy Kids programme Children learn the importance of healthy eating, good nutrition and physical activity through fun theatre and workbook activities.

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

3 November. Time: 10:30am–11am. Venue: Johannesburg Zoo, Jan Smuts Ave, Parkview.

Cost: adults R58, children R36 (included in the zoo’s entrance fee). Contact: 011 514 6018, 082 671 5530, nhw.nestle@za.nestle. com or visit jhbzoo.org.za The Crafters Den Children can learn how to weave cloth with a loom, improve a white T-shirt with a bit of fabric paint or tie-dye and create a few sparkling pieces of jewellery when they learn to use Perler beads. For children 6–12 years old. Time: 9am–3pm, Monday–Friday; 9am–1pm, Saturday. Venue: The Crafters Den, 37 Voortrekker Ave, Edenvale. Cost: from R50.

Contact Denise or Lizzy: 011 453 9291, denise@americkinvestments.com or visit thecraftconnexion.com

family outings Birding charter Take a birding cruise on the Vaal River and up the Taaibosspruit on a private chartered cruiser. Time: 8am–9pm, daily. Venue: Stonehaven on Vaal, Vanderbijlpark. Cost: R250. Contact: 016 982 2951, info@stonehaven.co.za or visit stonehaven.co.za November 2012

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calendar My Suite Hyatt Sit back, relax and enjoy a delectable Sunday lunch while your children suit up and shape up under the watchful eye of the Hyatt management team. They will be taken through a fun educational afternoon of hotel training, cooking lessons and delicious food. For children 6–12 years old. 4 November. Time: 12pm–1:30pm. Venue: Hyatt Regency Johannesburg, 191 Oxford Rd, Rosebank.

Cost: adults R280, children R250. Contact Valentina: 011 280 1172 or valentina. marmouget@hyatt.com Picnic in the sky After filling a picnic hamper with your selection of scrumptious treats, you are whisked away to the Carlton Centre to enjoy a panoramic picnic on the 50th floor. Booking essential. Time: 11am–2pm, every Sunday. Venue: meet at Market on Main, cnr Main St and Berea St, Maboneng Precinct. Cost: adults R120, children R80. To book: visit mainstreetwalks. co.za/buy-tickets Sky dining Enjoy breakfast, lunch, snacks or dinner while dangling 50 metres from the ground. 23–25 November. Time: 8:30am–8pm. Venue: Indaba Hotel, Fourways. Cost: R200–R545. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com

finding nature and outdoor play A world of mushrooms Walk in the forests of the reserve with Bernice Porter,

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Catching butterflies

3 sat

Walk around the reserve and catch butterflies with a net then put them in a little jar. Butterfly enthusiast Grant Egen will then identify the butterflies and tell you interesting facts about them. Booking essential.

3 and 18 November.

Time: 10am–12pm. Venue: Kloofendal Nature Reserve, Galena Ave, between Topaz Ave and Argent Ave, Roodepoort. Cost: adults R50, children R25. Contact: 011 674 2980 or visit kloofendalfriends.org.za

a fungi expert, as she identifies the varieties that you encounter and tells you more about them. Booking essential. 24 November.

Time: 9am–11am. Venue: Kloofendal Nature Reserve, Galena Ave, between Topaz Ave and Argent Ave, Roodepoort. Cost: adults R50, children R25. Contact Karin: 011 674 2980 or visit kloofendalfriends.org.za Frogs at night Children love this nocturnal event that has them searching for frogs and tadpoles. Bring a picnic, torch and

a raincoat just in case. Booking essential.

10 and 17 November. Time: 6pm–8pm.

Venue: Kloofendal Nature Reserve, Galena Ave, between Topaz Ave and Argent Ave, Roodepoort. Cost: adults R50, children R25. Contact Karin: 011 674 2980, 079 693 5608 or visit kloofendalfriends.org.za Fun frog walk Set off on an adventure in search of these nocturnal troubadours.

Booking essential. 10 and 24 November.

Time: 6pm. Venue: Walter Sisulu National

Botanical Garden, end of Malcolm Rd, Poortview, Roodepoort. Cost: members: adults R30, children R15; non-members: adults and children R60. Contact Karen: botsoc@sisulugarden.co.za Reptiles of Kloofendal Walk around the reserve and listen to a talk on reptiles

by Warren Schmidt, the author of Curious Creatures – Reptiles & Amphibians of Southern Africa. Booking essential. 10 November. Time: 2pm–4pm. Venue: Kloofendal Nature Reserve, Galena Ave, between Topaz Ave and Argent Ave, Roodepoort. Cost: adults R50, children R25. Contact Karin: 011 674 2980, 079 693 5608 or visit kloofendalfriends.org.za Scorpions and spiders Brave the dark in search of the spiders and scorpions that hide under the rocks and bushes. Booking essential. 3 November. Time: 6pm.

Venue: Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden, at the end of Malcolm Rd, Poortview, Roodepoort. Cost: members: adults R30, children R15; non-members: adults and children R60. Contact Karen: botsoc@sisulugarden.co.za Spring flower walk Identify the beautiful field flowers in the reserve. Wear old clothes and bring something soft to kneel on.

Booking essential. 10 November. Time: 9am–11am. Venue: Kloofendal Nature Reserve, Galena Ave, between Topaz and Argent Ave, Roodepoort. Cost: adults R50, children R25. Contact: 011 674 2980, 079 693 5608 or visit kloofendalfriends.org.za

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10 November – Reptiles of Kloofendal

markets Christmas Night Market Visit this magical market with wishing lanterns and a marimba band as you browse the many stalls of gifts, food and other interesting items. 3 November. Time: 5pm–9pm.

Venue: Blubird Shopping Centre, cnr Atholl-Oaklands Rd and Fort St, Birnam.

Cost: free entry. Contact Robyn: 083 311 4768 or wholefoodmarket@gmail.com Food Theatre Join the South African Chefs Association for live demonstrations to tantalise your taste buds and indulge in specialty foods, cultural cuisine and designer ingredients. 7 November.

Time: 9am–5pm; live demonstrations at 11:30am. Venue: B&B Markets Rooftop, Mall of Rosebank, Cradock Ave. Cost: free.

Contact: 011 442 4488 or visit craft.co.za Glenshiel Christmas Fair Numerous stalls featuring original items have been set

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up in the Glenshiel gardens that overlook Westcliff and Zoo Lake. Rest your legs and enjoy a coffee in the tea garden or take a walk around the building designed

by Sir Herbert Baker and Frank Fleming.

2–4 November. Time: 9am–5pm, Friday– Saturday; 9am–2pm, Sunday. Venue: 19 Woolston Rd, Westcliff. Cost: R20 (multiple entries). Contact Tamara: 011 784 8334 Rotary Christmas Craft Market Discover antiques and collectibles, Christmas inspirations and festive decorations at this Christmas and farmers’ market. 4, 11 and 18 November. Time: 9am–5pm. Venue: Stonehaven on Vaal, Vanderbijlpark. Cost: free entry. Contact: 016 982 2951, info@stonehaven.co.za or visit stonehaven.co.za

the Wolf, Swan Lake and Pinocchio. Starts 8 November. Time: 7:20pm, every Thursday on Boomerang, channel 302 on DStv. For more info: visit dstv.com He Came from the Father A nativity puppet show performed by Alida van Deventer and her charming marionettes.

Space is limited. 30 November. Time: 7pm. Venue: Kinderspiel, 39 Greenhill Rd, Emmarentia. Cost: R50. Contact: 011 646 7457 or emma.kinderspiel@telkomsa.net Jack and the Beanstalk Janice Honeyman’s version provides entertainment for the whole family, with an original twist on the traditional tale. The legendary Tobie Cronjé stars as the villain and Desmond Dube as the dame. 2 November–30 December.

Time: varies. Venue: The Mandela at Joburg

on stage and screen Annie A tale about a cheerful young orphan who manages to outsmart the manager of the New York City Orphanage and finds a new home with a billionaire.

5 November–22 December. Time: 9am and 10:30am, Tuesday–Sunday. Venue: National Children’s Theatre, 3 Junction Ave, Parktown. Cost: adults R100, children R80. Contact: 011 484 1584, bookings@ nctt.org.za or visit nctt.org.za Cartoonito Tales This is a modern twist on your classic childhood tales brought to life by colourful costumes, fun sets and a narrator. Tales include Little Red Riding Hood, The Three Little Pigs, Peter and

8 November – Cartoonito Tales

Theatre, cnr Simmonds St and Stiemens Rd. Cost: R190–R290. Book through the Joburg Theatre: 0861 670 670 or visit joburgtheatre.com Marionette Circus A comedic puppet show

by Alida van Deventer from Untangled Marionettes. Space is limited. 13 and 20 November. Time: 3:30pm. Venue: Kinderspiel, 39 Greenhill Rd, Emmarentia.

Cost: R50. Contact: 011 646 7457 or emma.kinderspiel@telkomsa.net Potted Potter Get the essence of seven Harry Potter books compressed into an hilarious 70 minutes. You’ll enjoy all your favourite characters, a fire-breathing dragon, colourful costumes and the magic of Hogwarts in this family show that will tickle everyone’s funny bone. For children 6 years and older. 23 November–6 January.

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

Cost: R100–R250. Book through the Pieter Toerien Theatre: 011 511 1818 or visit montecasino.co.za The Little Dinosaur and Fairywings Margaret Auerbach from Spellbound Puppets presents a charming hand-puppet show.

Space is limited. 3 and 15 November. Time: 10am, Saturday; 3:30pm, Thursday. Venue: Kinderspiel, 39 Greenhill Rd, Emmarentia.

Cost: R50. Contact: 011 646 7457 or emma. kinderspiel@telkomsa.net

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8 thu

Princess high tea Little princesses must dress up in their best princess clothes and enjoy sandwiches, cupcakes, cookies and a cold drink. There are prizes for best dressed. For children 5–10 years old. 8 and 24 November. Time: 2:30pm–4pm. Venue: Ladybird Corner, on the grounds of Linksfield Hospital. Cost: R70. Contact Hope: 011 485 3057 or info@ladybirdcorner.co.za

The Little Mermaid Join Ariel and Sebastian for a magical adventure under the sea. The play, based on the fairy tale

by Hans Christian Andersen, is filled with comedy, song and dance. 5 November– 23 December. Time: 9am and 11am, Monday–Friday; 10:30am and 2:30pm, during the school holidays and Saturdays.

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

playtime and story time Storytelling at Rosebank Library Open up a whole new world of knights, wizards and princesses by exposing your child to an interactive storytelling session, and instil in them a love for reading. For children 4–9 years old. Time: 3pm–4pm, every Wednesday. Venue: Rosebank Library, 8 Keyes Ave, Rosebank. Cost: free. Contact: 011 442 8988

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Story time at Norwood Library Activate your child’s imagination during this morning’s storybook reading. For children 6–13 years old. Time: 10am–12pm, every Saturday. Venue: 94 Iris St, Norwood. Cost: free. Contact: 011 728 6207

sport and physical activities Abseiling and caving adventure Dress up in overalls, grab a helmet and torch and abseil through the roof of a wild cave.

No previous experience is needed and children from the age of 8 years and older can participate. Time: 11am–2pm, every Sunday. Venue: meet at EnGedi Lodge, plot 22, Protea Ridge Rd, Kromdraai, Krugersdorp. Cost: adults R300, children R220. Contact Sandy: 011 956 6197, 082 486 2464, info@wildcaves.co.za or visit wildcaves.co.za Survive or Race the Adventure Challenge yourself and your friends to see who’s the ultimate Survivor or race to the finish line in The Amazing Race.

Booking essential. For children 6 years and older. Time: 9:30am–2:30pm, every Saturday and Sunday. Venue: Pelindaba, Hartbeespoort Dam. Cost: adults R220, children R165. Contact Debbie: 082 895 2513, admin@surviveorrace.co.za or visit surviveorrace.co.za Yoga for children Fun-filled yoga classes for children to improve concentration and self-esteem, balance, sleep patterns, strengthen the nervous system and facilitate emotional release. For children 4 years and older. Time: 3pm, every Thursday. Venue: Tara’s Yoga, 9 Brentford Rd, Darrenwood, Cresta. Cost: R60 per class, R250 per month. Contact Tara: 082 783 3115

only for parents classes, talks and workshops Beyond You Find inspiration from a panel discussion with leading businesswomen who have gone beyond their comfort zones to follow their passions. The panel includes Mandy Wiener, Kate Moodley, Tracey Webster and Mamokgethi Setati.

11 November. Time: 9:30am–1pm. Venue: Hyatt Regency Hotel, Oxford Rd, Rosebank.

Cost: R295. Contact: lori@beyondthedress. co.za or visit beyondthedress.co.za Childcare course Have your domestic worker trained on a five-week accredited childcare course that will ensure your peace of mind when leaving your child in their care. 8 November. Time: 8:30am–2pm.

Venue: Domestic Bliss, 235 Jan Smuts Ave, Parktown North. Cost: R1 950. Contact: 011 447 5517, 083 525 4992 or visit domesticbliss.co.za CPR and choking workshop An informative morning spent covering adult, child and infant CPR and choking relief.

Booking essential. Suitable for teens 14 years and older. 24 November. Time: 9am–12:30pm. Venue: Educare Edenvale, Edenglen. Cost: R280 per person; R500 per couple. Contact: 082 870 2625, info@ educareedv.co.za or visit educareedv.co.za CPR and first-aid course for moms Also learn to be able to manage a simple injury.

Time: 8:30am–5pm, every Friday. Venue: First Aid Counts Training, 3 Cameron Ave, The Woods, Bryanston. Cost: R420. Contact: 073 734 0375, info@firstaidcounts.co.za or visit firstaidcounts.co.za Elementary cooking course Change your life and have your domestic worker trained on an accredited cooking course.

The course runs over five weeks. Booking essential. 7 November. Time: 8:30am–2pm.

Venue: Domestic Bliss, 235 Jan Smuts Ave, Parktown North. Cost: R2 250. Contact: 011 447 5517, 083 525 4992 or visit domesticbliss.co.za Get creative After working hard all day it’s time to spoil yourself with an evening to chat, chill and create. Get a group of friends together and create personalised Christmas gifts or something special for yourself. Booking essential. 8 November.

Time: 6:30pm–9:30pm. Venue: The Color Café, Hyde Square Shopping Centre, cnr Jan Smuts Ave and North Rd, Hyde Park.

Cost: varies. Contact Cilla: 083 566 4126 or visit colorcafe.co.za

Gift-making demo Joan Launspach demonstrates how you can make lovely, inexpensive gifts for Christmas. Booking essential. 3 November. Time: 10am. Venue: Ngwenya Glass Village, off Beyers Naudé Dr and R114, Muldersdrift. Cost: R75, includes refreshments. Contact: 083 285 8383 Housekeeping course Have your domestic worker trained on an accredited five-week housekeeping course; a comprehensive programme covering all aspects of household management to ensure the smooth running of your home.

Booking essential. 6 November. Time: 8:30am–2pm. Venue: Domestic Bliss, 235 Jan Smuts Ave, Parktown North. Cost: R1 950. Contact: 011 447 5517, 083 525 4992 or visit domesticbliss.co.za Kumon franchise information session Find out more about becoming a franchisee with the world’s largest supplementary education provider, Kumon Education. 14 and 28 November. Time: 9am and 4pm.

Venue: tbc. Cost: free. Contact: 011 459 2600, franchising@kumon.co.za or visit kumon.co.za Left-hand learning workshop This workshop addresses the challenges that left-handed children encounter and offers practical solutions. Booking essential.

3 November. Time: 8:30am–11am.

Venue: Unit B5, Clearview Office Park, 77 Wilhelmina Ave, Constantia Kloof.

Cost: R250. Contact Tracy: 083 417 3316, tracy@lefthandlearning.co.za or visit lefthandlearning.co.za Make natural soap Learn to make 12 bars of soap from scratch, using nothing but natural ingredients. Booking essential.

17 November. Time: 9am–1pm. Venue: Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden, at the end of Malcolm Rd, Poortview, Roodepoort. Cost: R350, includes materials and refreshments. Contact Joan: 083 326 5157 or artstamp@isbroadband.co.za Moms’ time-out While the children are at school, spend some “me-time” chilling in the studio crafting a gorgeous handpainted ceramic vase, mug or bowl. Booking essential. Time: 9:30am–3:30pm, every Monday–Saturday. Venue: Pottery Junxion, 5 Glendower Place, 99 Linksfield Rd, Dowerglen, Edenvale. Cost: R20 per hour, R85 for a three-hour workshop (excluding product). Contact Rosie or Lorraine: 011 453 2721, rosie@potteryjunxion.co.za or visit potteryjunxion.co.za Montessori teacher training An information session for those wishing to

3 November – Gift-making demo

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register for the 2013 accredited training programme. Part-time and distance learning study options are available.

24 November. Time: 8:30am–10am.

Venue: Little Star Montessori, 57 15th St, Parkhurst. Cost: free entry. Contact Laurie: 083 616 0887, info@montessorisa.co.za or visit montessorisa.co.za

Toy Talk Nikki Bush gives a presentation on the latest games and toys to help you with your Christmas shopping. This is your chance to touch and feel the toys before making any decisions. For parents of children 0–12 years old. 14–16 November. Time: 6pm, Wednesday and Thursday; 9am, Thursday and Friday.

Venue: Bryanston Country Club, 63 Bryanston Dr, Bryanston. Cost: R190, includes refreshments. Contact Bridgid: 083 260 8792 or info@toytalk.co.za

on stage and screen

3 sat

Lunchbox nutrition An inspiring and interactive morning where you’ll explore the art of packing a healthy and creative lunchbox, and review six essential life lessons for your child.

3 November. Time: 9am–1pm.

Venue: Nature’s Children at The Centre for Holistic Health, 56 Kingfisher Dr, Fourways.

Cost: R450. Contact: desi@ natureschildren.co.za

Raising Readers talk An interesting and informative talk on the link between reading aloud to a young child and later school success. Booking essential.

For parents of children 1–6 years old.

3 November. Time: 10am –11am.

Venue: Kids Playdate, 281 Bryanston Dr, Bryanston. Cost: R150, includes breakfast, talk and childcare. Contact Marian: 082 780 8546, marian@raisingreaders. co.za or visit raisingreaders.co.za Romantic cooking class Spend your romantic date night learning to create some fun recipes and spend quality time with your partner. Booking essential.

29 November. Time: 6:30pm. Venue: Taste-Buds Cook Club, 3799 Jan Frederick Ave, Randburg. Cost: R300 per person.

Contact: 083 600 9096, info@taste-buds. co.za or visit taste-buds.co.za Talk on toddler nutrition Take part in a mom’s morning out with Karen van Zyl, an early childhood development specialist, as she talks to you about picky eaters, nutrition, fun food and mom skills.

Child-friendly entertainment is provided.

Booking essential. 10 November. Time: 10am–12pm. Venue: 77 Monument Rd (use Re/Max entrance), Kempton Park. Cost: moms R100, toddlers R25. Contact Cindy: 084 569 9590 or cindy@divanetwork.co.za magazine joburg

Cito does Latin Enjoy a Spanish and Latin themed four-course meal while Cito, lead vocalist of Wonderboom and Absinthe, performs an acoustic Latin set. 17 November.

Time: 7pm. Venue: Le Canard Restaurant, 163 Rivonia Rd, Morningside, Sandton. Cost: R390. Contact: 011 884 4597, lecanard@ icon.co.za or visit lecanard.co.za From the Mouths of Babes Three young Jewish women tell their humorous and revealing stories and sing songs about their lives, those of their parents and grandparents and how they arrived in South Africa. No children under 14.

16 October–2 December. Time: 8:15pm, Tuesday–Saturday; 3:15pm, Sunday. Venue: The Laager Theatre at The Market Theatre, 56 Margaret Mcingana St, Newtown. Cost: R75–R150. Contact: 011 832 1641 or visit markettheatre.co.za Noël and Gertie This witty musical revue, devised by Sheridan Morley, comprises a collection of play extracts, songs and snippets from personal diaries and correspondence between Noël Coward and his stage partner Gertrude Lawrence.

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

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calendar Pipe organ concert Enjoy the wide variety of sounds produced by the 1 984 pipes of the new organ at St George’s Anglican Church. Olivier Latry, the chief organist at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, is performing a compelling repertoire.

15–17 November. Time: 7:30pm. Venues: Thursday and Friday: St George’s Anglican Church, 7 Sherborne Rd, Parktown; Sunday: St Mary’s Anglican Cathedral. Cost: R175.

Book through Computicket or at the door: 0861 915 8000, 011 482 1606, organ@ stgeorges.org.za or visit computicket.com Poet of the Piano A performance by the poetic and passionate Inon Barnatan features a diverse range of works from classical to contemporary, encompassing various styles and genres. 17 November.

Time: 8pm. Venue: Linder Auditorium, Wits University, 27 St Andrews Rd, Parktown.

Cost: R120–R150. Contact: 011 728 5492, 083 228 2917 or visit jms.org.za The Pirates of Penzance Director Greg Homann presents this Gilbert and Sullivan swashbuckling comic masterpiece with a talented cast of five men and one pianist.

20 November–22 December. Time: 6pm and 8:15pm. Venue: Old Mutual Theatre on the Square, Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton. Cost: adults R120, students and pensioners R80. Contact: 082 553 5901 or visit theatreonthesquare.co.za Time of my life Relive the music, rhythm and romance of Dirty Dancing. 26 October– 10 February. Time: 8pm, Tuesday–Saturday;

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3pm, Saturday; 2pm and 6pm, Sunday.

Venue: Teatro, Montecasino Boulevard, cnr William Nicol Dr and Witkoppen Rd. Cost: R100–R400. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com

out and about Beer-tasting train Enjoy a De Garve beer in the bar coach of the Class 15F locomotive as it puffs its way to the town of Magaliesburg where you have the day to picnic at the Budmarsh Country Lodge, or enjoy a buffet carvery at the Magalies Country Hotel or Magalies River Lodge. No beer will be sold to children under 18. Booking essential.

3 November. Time: 9am–5:30pm. Venue: departs from platform 14, Park Station. Cost: adults R250, teenagers R180, children R140, children under 4 free. Contact: 011 025 4363, bookings@reefsteamers.com or visit reefsteamers.com Egoli Kids Playschool open day Interested parents are welcome to visit this new playschool that opens in January 2013. For parents of children 3 months– 5 years old. 3 November. Time: 9am–11am.

Venue: 17A and 19 Terrace Rd, Eastleigh, Edenvale. Cost: free. Contact: 011 609 4755 or egolikids@qservices.co.za Ladies’ Breakfast Benefit Enjoy a healthy breakfast and inspiring talk by guest speakers Ina Paarman and Abigail Donnelly, editor of Taste magazine. Proceeds from the day go towards Jo’burg Child Welfare.

Booking essential. No children under 18.

Kat and the Kings A multi-award-winning musical created by David Kramer and the late Taliep Petersen. Set in Cape Town’s District Six in the 1950s, the story explores the journey of teenager Kat Diamond. 21 September–18 November. Time: 8pm, Wednesday–Saturday; 4pm, Saturday; 3pm, Sunday. Venue: Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre, cnr William Nicol Dr and Montecasino Boulevard, Fourways. Cost: R100–R250. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com

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9 November. Time: 7:30am–10am. Venue: The Room at Il Giardino, 44 Stanley Ave, Milpark. Cost: R350. Contact Tracey: 011 298 8500, pr@jhbchildwelfare.org.za or visit jhbchildwelfare.org.za Little Gumboots’ open day For parents of children 3 months–5 years old. 1–3 November. Time: 8am–5:30pm, Thursday and Friday; 9am–12pm, Saturday. Venue: Little Gumboots Nursery School, 577 Blue

9 November – Ina Paarman as guest speaker at the Ladies’ Breakfast Benefit

Swallow Estate, Achilles Way, Zwavelpoort, Pretoria East. Cost: free. Contact Joanne: 074 185 2224, info@littlegumboots.co.za or visit littlegumboots.co.za The Bodysculpture show A cosmetic beauty and anti-ageing expo where you can meet top cosmetic surgeons, and get information about cosmetic procedures and products. Makeovers and make-up demonstrations take place daily. A percentage of ticket sales will be donated to The Smile Foundation.

23–25 November. Time: 10am–6pm.

Venue: Sandton Convention Centre hall 2, Sandton. Cost: R140. For more info: visit bodysculptureshow.co.za The Stargazers Astronomer Vincent Nettmann provides an interesting look at the role of astronomy in the development of the human mind and what we have learnt about the starry skies during this process. Booking essential. 10 November.

Time: 6pm. Venue: Maropeng Boutique Hotel, Cradle of Humankind. Cost: R295, includes a buffet dinner. Contact: 014 577 9000, childmag@maropeng.co.za or visit maropeng.co.za Whisky Live Festival Taste unique and valuable whiskies and learn more about this popular distilled beverage during the interactive, informal and informative whisky workshops. 7–9 November. Time: 6pm–10pm. Venue: Sandton Convention Centre, Sandton. Cost: from R185. For more info: visit whiskylivefestival.co.za

bump, baby & Tot in tow

classes, talks and workshops Art workshop for toddlers This class encourages confidence, creativity and fine motor skills, and broadens your toddler’s knowledge of colours and shapes. For children 2–5 years old. Time: 3pm–4:15pm, every Monday. Venue: Ladybird Corner, Linksfield Hospital. Cost: R200 per month.

Contact Hope: 011 485 3057 or info@ ladybirdcorner.co.za Baby sign language Learn how to talk to your baby with sign language (BSL).

Discover the benefits of BSL, when to start,

and why it makes such a difference to your baby’s long-term intellectual and emotional development. Booking essential. 10 and 25 November. Time: 9am–10am. Venue: Ladybird Corner, on the grounds of Linksfield Hospital. Cost: R120. Contact Hope: 011 485 3057 or info@ladybirdcorner.co.za Breast-feeding workshop First-time moms can attend this workshop before the birth of their child to get a few helpful tips for when it’s time to start breast-feeding.

16 November. Time: 8:30am–12:30pm.

Venue: Bright Start Right Start, 35 Northwold Dr, Saxonwold. Cost: R350. Contact: 011 447 2202, info@brightstartrightstart.co.za or visit brightstartrightstart.co.za

Moms and tots workshop A programme specifically developed to enhance coordination and perceptual skills in your toddler. For children 1–3 years old. Time: varies. Venues: across Joburg. Cost: varies. Contact head office: 011 469 1530, info@momsandtots. co.zaor visit momsandtots.co.za

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playtime and story time

3 sat

Great expectations An informative talk for first-time moms to learn about health and wellness during pregnancy, common discomforts, birthing choices and your changing roles and responsibilities. Booking essential. 3 November. Time: 8:30am–12:30pm. Venue: Bright Start Right Start, 35 Northwold Dr, Saxonwold. Cost: R790 per couple. Contact: 011 447 2202, info@brightstartrightstart.co.za or visit brightstartrightstart.co.za

Fitmommy Lose the weight you gained from your pregnancy and get back into shape. You are welcome to bring your baby. Time: prenatal class: 9:45am, postnatal (with baby): 10:30am and the veteran mom: 5:30pm; every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Venue: Norscot Manor Recreation Centre, Penguin Dr, Fourways. Cost: from R560 per month.

Contact Debbie: 082 895 2513, admin@ fitmommy.co.za or visit fitmommy.co.za Introduction to solids Get advice on introducing solids, the importance of textures, a feeding guide, and help when it comes to choosing kitchen and seating equipment for your baby. 7, 17 and 21 November. Time: 10am–12pm. Venue: Ladybird Corner, on the grounds of Linksfield Hospital. Cost: R150. Contact Hope: 011 485 3057 or info@ladybirdcorner.co.za Little Kickers open day The classes introduce your child to soccer skills through exciting group play activities. For children 18 months–8 years old. Time: 8:30am–12pm, every Saturday. Venues: Benoni, Boksburg, Kempton Park, Bedfordview, Meyersdal, Fordsburg, Greenside, Parkmore, Randpark Ridge, Fourways and Midrand. Cost: free trial session. Contact head office: 0861 088 888, admin@littlekickers.co.za or visit littlekickers.co.za Moms and babes yoga Gentle yoga to keep moms fit and help babies explore their bodies. Time: 11am–12:30pm, every Monday. Venue: Ladybird Corner, on the grounds of Linksfield Hospital. Cost: R120 per class, R400 per month. Contact Hope: 011 485 3057 or info@ladybirdcorner.co.za

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Disco Baby While your children boogie on the dance floor with an enthusiastic team of dancers you can join in or socialise with other parents. Space is limited. For children under 12 years. 3 November.

Time: 2:30pm–4:30pm. Venue: The Oak Leaf, 61 Rivonia Rd, Sandhurst. Cost: R150.

Contact Lindsay: 084 804 6550, bookings@ discobaby.co.za or visit discobaby.co.za Emmarentia Library’s storytelling Let your child’s imagination run free as they’re taken into a world of the weird and wonderful during today’s reading.

For children 2–5 years old. Time: 2:30pm–3pm, every Wednesday. Venue: Emmarentia Library, cnr Barry Hertzog Ave and Greenhill Rd, Emmarentia. Cost: free.

Contact: 011 646 5821 Little Oaks Preschool’s open playdate Find out what the preschool is all about and enjoy tea and cake while your child has fun dancing, creating and making music with the teachers from Kindermusik and Busy Bodies Ball Skills. Booking essential. For children 12 months–5 years old. 9 November.

Time: 9am–11:30am. Venue: Little Oaks Preschool, 5 Kildoon Rd, off Clonmore Rd, behind Bryanston High School. Cost: free.

Contact Estee: 011 463 7891, 011 783 3108 or info@oakhillpreschools.co.za Weltevreden Library’s story time A storybook session is a great way to introduce your child to the world of books and instil an interest in reading. For children 3–6 years old. Time: 3pm–4pm, every Thursday. Venue: Weltevreden Library, Fern St, cnr Moss Rd, Weltevreden Park. Cost: free. Contact: 011 679 3406

support groups Depression and anxiety support group For all people struggling with depression, as well as their friends and family. 14 and 28 November. Time: 5:45pm. Venue: PsychMatters Family Therapy Centre, 9 Park St, Bedfordview. Cost: R30 per month to cover beverages and guest speakers.

Contact: 011 450 3676, info@psychmatters. co.za or visit psychmatters.co.za Single parent support group You don’t have to tackle it on your own; Jean-Marie offers support and guidance for single parents. 10 November. Time: 10am–11am.

Venue: Parkview Medical Suites, 63 Dundalk Ave, Parkview. Cost: R70. Contact Jean-Marie: 076 054 5510 or soloparenting@talc.co.za Thirsty Tuesdays A breast-feeding advice and support group hosted by breast-feeding consultant Jane Maclaren.

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

how to help Cycle for PinkDrive Cyclists taking part in the Momentum 94.7 Cycle Challenge on 18 November can sign up to cycle for the Pink Peloton and make a difference to the lives of women around South Africa. Venue: Waterfall Country Village Lifestyle Estate, cnr R55 and Maxwell Dr, Sunninghill.

Cost: raise R1 000 for PinkDrive. Contact:

011 998 8022, charity@pinkdrive.co.za or visit pinkdrive.co.za/momentum-947cycle-challenge Play days for Choc Enjoy an afternoon of waterslides and jungle gyms for a good cause. Gail is taking part in the 94.7 Cycle Challenge dressed as a cow to raise money for Choc, the Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa. Proceeds raised from her November play days will go towards this cause. Booking essential.

26 October–30 November. Time: 2pm–5pm, every Friday. Venue: Imagine The Venue, Watercoombe Rd, Farmall. Cost: R50 per child, includes a hot dog and juice. Contact Gail: 082 928 7474, imagine@mailnet. co.za or visit imaginechildrensparties.co.za SOS Children’s Villages An independent, nongovernmental social development organisation that cares for orphaned and homeless children. They need help with gardening, painting the jungle gyms, assisting with homework, and other donations such as stationery, toiletries and clothing. Contact: 011 234 8708, info@sos. org.za or visit sosvillages.org.za The Living Link Gala Dinner A fun night out for networking and socialising in support of The Living Link, a nonprofit organisation that supports the inclusion of people with intellectual impairments into society. Booking essential. 24 November. Time: 7pm. Venue: Ernst and Young Wanderers Office Park, 52 Corlett Dr, Illovo. Cost: tbc. Contact: 011 788 8249, admin@thelivinglink.co.za or visit thelivinglink.co.za The Sunlight Safe House A project started by Childline Gauteng to provide short-term care for children who have been removed from unsuitable living conditions.

You can assist by donating toiletries, food, clothes, nappies and toys for children from birth to 18 years old, or sponsor a therapy session. SMS 38079 to donate R10. For more info: visit childlinegauteng.co.za/B_ DonateFormbank_crcrd.asp or facebook. com/SunlightSafehouse

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

childmag.co.za/ resources/birthday-parties

18 November – Cycle for PinkDrive

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 November 2012 for the December/January issue, and must include all relevant details.

No guarantee can be given that it will be published. To post an event online, visit childmag.co.za

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it’s party time

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finishing touch

mom: 0 gadget: 1 Some things never change, says ANÉL LEWIS, as she battles

m

Erin, Anél and Conor

otherhood changes you. I can tell you who has the latest nappy deals, and which snack bars have the least sugar, but I can’t name a good cocktail spot off the top of my head, and I don’t know where to get the best shoe deals anymore.

But there’s one thing motherhood has sadly not changed, and that’s my shocking lack of gadget-savvy. For starters, I’m notoriously bad at opening doors. Actually, I struggle to open many things. But things with keys are my worst, and it seems to be a trait I’ve inherited from my mother.

I’m also flummoxed by closed boxes and packaging. Have you ever noticed

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how tightly things are sealed these days?

You try and open a tiny tub of food that’s covered with industrial-strength wrapping, while holding a 10kg baby. It’s like breaking into a vacuum-sealed time capsule with your hands tied. Many a container has ended up on the floor, or against the wall, as I’ve attempted the Houdini-like feat of just unwrapping the darn thing.

It drives my husband crazy. He can’t understand why opening a tissue box has to be a major challenge. Even if that box was all that stood between me and R1 million on an episode of Minute to Win it, there would be no chance of me getting to those tissues without doing some serious damage. I think it’s a patience thing. I just don’t have the time, or the inclination, to first fathom how something works.

This device aversion has definitely worsened since I got married, and can now rely on someone else to work things out for me. Craig loves technology, so he deals with the nuts and bolts aspects of

our household. It suited me just fine, until recently, when I needed to do some work on the home computer. I’ve never played on the machine – it’s Craig’s domain – and besides, it’s usually in sleep mode so that I can use it if I need to. But for some reason, that day, the machine was switched off. I looked at the sleek, silver box in front of me. Where on earth was the “on” button? I felt around the edges, looked behind the screen and even under the table at the cables. No amount of pulling and prodding, on anything, resulted in that welcoming green light to signal that the computer was on. Craig was at a work function, and not responding to my SOS sms, so I was at its mercy.

I’ve bartered with camel drivers in Egypt and bungee-jumped from a crane in Milton Keynes. You would think I would be able to find the on button for a computer.

Well, after 20 minutes, I had to admit defeat. I sheepishly phoned a friend, who rightly reprimanded me for being so dependent on my spouse for help. She

reminded me that there was a time, way back then, when I could fix plugs and change car tyres, unaided. Faced with no other option, I turned to Google – using my phone – and found a website with step-bystep, illustrated instructions.

Thankfully, Erin, my wise toddler, seems to have dodged the appliance-phobe gene my mom and I share. She is already a dab hand at opening locked doors and turning on the television. She loves discovering how things work and no matter how deftly I close a box or a container, I can be sure that its contents will be strewn all over the floor by the time I get home. Now I just need to get Craig to teach her how to switch on that computer, just in case…

Anél Lewis is Child magazine’s features editor. She can change a nappy in the dark and will happily scoop up spiders and scorpions if needed, but don’t ask her to open a sealed container or figure out how an appliance works. Follow Anél on Twitter: @ChildMagParent

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PHOTOGRAPH: STEPHANIE VELDMAN

technology and containers with tight lids on the home front.