Child Magazine | Pretoria April 2013

P r e t o r i a’ s

b e s t

g u i d e

f o r

pa r e n t s

four-legged friends the perks of owning a pet

feet first choosing the right shoes

beautiful bedrooms

spaces that evolve as your child grows

www.childmag.co.za

April 2013

free

health

health &

wellness mealtime battles

tips for feeding fussy eaters

education

entertainment

Hunter House P UB L IS H ING

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

Editorial Managing Editor Marina Zietsman • marina@childmag.co.za Features Editor Anél Lewis • features@childmag.co.za Resource Editor Simone Jeffery • joburg@childmag.co.za Editorial Assistant Lucille Kemp • capetown@childmag.co.za Copy Editor Debbie Hathway

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

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

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

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

April is our health and wellness issue, where we look at ways to improve our overall wellbeing. Studies show that owning a pet has many health benefits.

I grew up in a house that was always home to at least two cats and two dogs. My brother and I toyed with the idea of a snake, an egg-eating one I think, but we didn’t get that past my parents, so we settled on a goldfish and a hamster or two. But somehow, it was always the dogs who stole the show, and our hearts.

I am pretty sure our rescued mutts, Tsepi and Caesar, got bigger smiles and hugs, from my dad as he walked through the door after a long day’s work, than we did. How could he not be cheered by all that tail wagging? Research has shown that dog owners – if we can claim ownership – are healthier, happier and seem to live longer. If that is true, my family is going to live a very long and healthy life.

We are besotted with our dogs and I have to admit that I greet them first when I arrive home in the evening. They are just so happy to see me; they love unconditionally and amuse us endlessly. But

they are not without huge responsibility and commitment. Sadly our rescue pup, Ollie, passed away a year ago. His loss was devastating for our family, especially my eldest and our remaining dog, Buddy. After many rather sad months, we eventually have a new little pup to complete our family and while Scout has restored joy to our home, it will never be the same without Ollie.

Who knew that the fourlegged members of our family would prove to have such an impact on our happiness and overall wellbeing?

You’ll find pictures of our puppy on Child magazine’s Facebook page – why not post some pics of your family’s pets there too?

Buddy and Ollie on the beach in Pennington

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

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April 2013

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contents

april 2013

upfront 3

a note from lisa

6 over to you readers respond

features

25

14 food fights

Anél Lewis gives tips on how to get a fussy eater interested in healthy grub

16 room to move

Heidi Janit explains the science and psychology behind decorating a child’s room

20 embrace your environment

going green has more rewards beyond saving the planet.

By Hayley Komen 22 put the right foot forward

l ooking after your child’s feet is just as important as having their eyes tested. By Tori Hoffmann

10 pregnancy news – a new lease

on life

storing your newborn’s stem cells could be life-saving. By Lisa Witepski

11 best for baby – babies who

bring up

Anél Lewis looks at infant reflux

12 dealing with difference

haemophilia doesn’t have to deprive

your child of a normal life.

By Vanessa Papas 25 resource – it’s a common problem

22 24 the truth about cats and dogs

Lucille Kemp gives you advice on keeping your beloved pet happy and healthy

health

we asked preschool teachers about the most common developmental problems they encounter and how to deal with them

27 a good read

new books for the whole family

29 what’s on in april 34 finishing touch

Anél Lewis is under no illusion – she knows her daughter will never win Idols

classified ads 33 let’s party

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know your child’s numbers

children should also have their cholesterol levels tested, advises Tamlyn Vincent

regulars 9 upfront with paul

o wonder our children lack sleep, says n Paul Kerton, their bedrooms resemble a Nasa control station

34 family marketplace

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this month’s cover images are supplied by:

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April 2013

Joburg

Cape Town

Durban

Pretoria

Rage Model Management ragemodelmanagement.com

shutterstock.com

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shutterstock.com

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April 2013

5

letters

unfair anti-hospital sentiment In response to your article “birth partners” (March 2012); prior to the birth of my first child, my husband and I attended an antenatal course. The advertisement for the course said it would provide valuable information on natural birthing, breastfeeding and natural pain management. While the course did provide some interesting information, the blatant anti-hospital sentiment expressed by the midwives running it was staggering. We were told repeatedly that all doctors were “butchers” who would play no role at all, except to leap at the opportunity to “cut us open and conduct episiotomies, just to feel like they actually did something during the birth”. Hospitals were described as uniformly cold and impersonal and doctors and nurses uncaring. I left the course absolutely terrified. A month later my daughter was born via emergency Caesarean and I cannot speak warmly enough about the whole experience. The attending obstetricians were wonderful and special attention was given to me in the maternity ward.

In the move towards natural births with midwives and doulas, it seems a blatant anti-hospital sentiment has occurred. I come from a family of doctors and healthcare professionals and I often feel insulted on their behalf when I hear some of the propaganda circulated. Frankly, when complications arose with my pregnancy, I was so relieved to know that I was in safe and experienced hands. I applaud women who elect to have natural deliveries, but feel mothers don’t care about what they have to go through provided that their baby is healthy and delivered safely.

Caroline

a couple of concerns I read in a recent article how a mother complained that her child was living in very stressful circumstances and had a busy life. In order to help her child adapt to this lifestyle, she took her for stress management classes. I think a better way of dealing with this issue is to reduce the load that the child is carrying. Simplify the child’s life rather than trying to make her adjust to a lifestyle that is too demanding. It is just as

over to you response to “hey, stop pushing” While I totally agree with Paul Kerton’s sentiment with regards to pushing children too hard from a young age (“upfront with Paul”, February 2013), I feel his comments about baby sign language to be totally unfounded and misguided. Had he taken the time to research the subject before “bashing” it, he wouldn’t have been as misinformed to make a connection between “pushing babies” and sign language.

The latest research coming from the United Kingdom and South Africa has shown that the natural development of communication is a highly threatened process. Six million years of evolution have not prepared our children for technology-driven entertainment versus the muchneeded, one-on-one loving communication between parent and child.

I CAN, a children’s communication charity, says there has been a 70 percent increase in communication challenges over the last seven years in the UK, with children reaching school unable to string five words together or to follow simple instructions. This is largely attributed to our modern lifestyle, technology-based toys and entertainment, and the lack of time parents spend speaking to their babies and toddlers. Research by Dr Shirley Kokot of Unisa shows that 51 percent of children in Grades 1, 2 and 3 have learning difficulties, one of which is the inability to read effectively or express themselves.

Early meaningful communication, whether verbal or through gestures, is at the heart of child development on every level – cognitive, social, emotional and behavioural.

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April 2013

important for children to have time to play and just be children, as it is for them to do extramurals.

Secondly, my sister’s son, age three, was beside himself at a party when a piñata was bashed to disembowel it for its sweet contents. The reason for his distress was that it was shaped like Winnie-the-Pooh and he did not understand why children would want to become so aggressive and violent toward it. Although it is a tradition, I think we need to look critically at what it is that we are allowing our children to participate in.

Cindy

our poor planet Even the most perfect parent has been tempted to stop at a fast-food outlet for a bite to eat. Our daughters attend a school that goes to great lengths to teach a proper environmental ethos. The school play last year was all about reducing, reusing and recycling. A group of seniors addressed parliament on the environment last year. They take it seriously, as do the children and parents, and so we should. Recently we visited a popular fast food outlet for an ice cream on a hot day, and we washed it down with juice. Our daughter wanted to return the glass to a recycling bin, yet there was not a single one in sight. I spoke to the owner, who was keen to assist, yet told us that under franchising guidelines, he did not have any specifications, nor was he allowed to provide his own, non-brand-approved recycling solution. He even had some of his own ideas about packaging materials that could improve the outlet’s footprint, yet had no scope to introduce anything of this nature.

If this is the approach to the environment of one of the largest fast food groups in the country, and during a period where governance rules suggest triple bottom line reporting, surely something is very wrong. May we suggest that other parents who feel similarly complain about their concerns or exercise their own judgement about which outlets they may want to support in the future?

Charl du Plessis

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.

Our children are not only having to contend with less time spent with their parents because of two-income households or single-parent households, but because they then have to compete with the television, and other electronic devices, for their parents’ attention.

The signing and the singing, and even reading, that forms part of most baby sign language courses, gives parents tools to communicate with their children, enabling them to express their needs and reduce frustration. It brings babies and toddlers back onto the laps of their parents. This is in addition to the profound benefits of early meaningful communication when it comes to social, emotional, cognitive and behavioural development.

Gesturing is actually a very natural and primal form of communication. The vast majority of children still use gestures to communicate their needs, feelings and thoughts until they are two years old. Baby sign language simply puts the baby and parent onto the same page in terms of what these gestures mean.

Loren Stow

with a little help Recently, my child’s Grade 2 teacher suggested I discontinue sending my daughter to extra maths lessons, as “there would eventually be a discrepancy in the different teaching methods”. As we live in a world where absolutely everything is enumerated, what chance do we have if we don’t have a good relationship with numbers? We all know that one bad teacher can damage your child’s ability to do maths. In a recent

survey, South African teachers came almost last in their ability to teach maths and science properly. I’ve calculated the risks and the maths lessons stay.

Nicola

your response on Facebook and Twitter to the article “get that shot” (February 2013) Nice to see that Child magazine debunked a reader’s nonsense anti-vaccine letter so thoroughly. Well done!

Kim Norton Jurgens via Twitter to the article “wonderful words” (online) Making funny noises when reading to my children keeps them entertained. You don’t need to be good at accents or voices, because your children are your biggest fans.

Dagmar on Facebook

erratum In the article “surf with savvy” (March 2013), under “points for plagiarism”, the website for Wits University’s LibGuide on Plagiarism, Citation and Referencing Styles was printed incorrectly. The correct website address is libguides.wits.ac.za/plagiarism_citation_and_referencing.

We apologise for the inconvenience. subscribe to our newsletter and win Our wins have moved online. Please subscribe to our newsletter and enter our weekly competition.

To subscribe, visit childmag.co.za

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

Post a comment online at childmag.co.za

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April 2013

7

health

know your child’s numbers With childhood obesity on the rise, it’s not only adults who need to test their cholesterol. By TAMLYN VINCENT

what’s to blame?

The culprit is cholesterol, a fat particle that is produced by the liver to help build cell membranes and hormones. The Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa (HSFSA) says that our bodies produce all the cholesterol we need. The problem arises when we eat foods high in saturated and

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trans fats that raise the level of low-density lipo protein (LDL) cholesterol in the blood. This “bad” cholesterol can’t be used, so it builds up on the walls of the arteries and hardens into deposits called plaques. If the arteries become too blocked, it can cause a heart attack or a stroke. The AAP recommends that your toddler’s total cholesterol be below 170mg/dL and the LDL (or bad) cholesterol be below 110mg/dL.

risk factors Lucy Gericke, a registered dietician at HSFSA, says genetic factors are unmodifiable, but you can do something about the other risk factors, such as poor diet, being overweight, lack of exercise, stress, excessive alcohol consumption (in adults) and exposure to smoking. Gericke adds that more children are exceeding their recommended weight, with 17 percent of children between the age of nine and 11 years old being overweight. An estimated 20 percent of children in Grades 8 to 11 are overweight, with five percent of these being obese. Children are also becoming less physically

active. Gericke points out that while younger children may not smoke, many are exposed to second-hand smoke, which lowers the level of “good” cholesterol in the body.

keep it at bay High cholesterol can be prevented and managed by following a heart-healthy lifestyle says Gericke. Central to this is a diet that includes different fruits and vegetables, and fibre, and is low in fat and refined foods, such as biscuits, cakes and sugars. Remove fat from meat and choose skinless chicken and fish over red meat, processed meats, like sausages, and organ meats. Choose healthier fats, such as vegetable oils, nuts and avocado, and low-fat or fat-free dairy. Avoid drinks that are high in added sugar. Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, five times a week. While medication is seldom prescribed for children, a doctor may recommend it depending on the cholesterol level and other risk factors.

However, Francis says medication can cause adverse side effects, so it’s important to start screening early and to encourage healthy habits from a young age.

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PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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lthough it is not something most parents would think about, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children at risk of obesity or with a family history of heart disease, get screened for high cholesterol “from as young as two years old”, with screening for all children between the ages of nine and 11 years old. This needs to be repeated from the age of 17. Research shows that the hardening of the arteries starts during childhood, and if left untreated, may cause cardiovascular disease and other problems. Children with high cholesterol are also at risk of developing lifestyle diseases like type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, says Kelly Francis, a registered dietician in Durban.

upfront with paul

time to tune out It’s impossible for children to switch off and relax when their bedrooms are filled with electronic gadgets that are always turned on, says PAUL KERTON. Saskia, Paul and Sabina

PHOTOGRAPH: MARIETTE BARKHUIZEN

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f you want your child to sleep properly then make sure their bedroom is comfortable, secure, quiet and at an even temperature, and that their bed is surrounded with their favourite things. This is simple at the baby stage but can get increasingly complex as they get older.

As a child, I considered my bedroom to be my haven, bunker, lair and personal fiefdom. The door policy was “by invitation only”. If I caught my sister rifling through my treasures and “borrowing” any of my priceless possessions, war broke out. And I mean war. I designed elaborate booby traps to deter entry and every now and again she would appear with telltale blobs of paint, smelly water or sticky glue in her hair. “Aha, I told you to stay out of my room. Loser!” The fact that I sneaked into

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her bedroom and “borrowed” her things didn’t count.

My big-bedroom revolution happened when my parents optimistically bought me a desk and chair with a view to encourage me to study more effectively. Unfortunately for my loving parents, I passed on the study option as the desk was used more as an aircraft carrier that doubled as a racetrack and trebled as a building site.

I gave in to a desk when the pressure of exams became intense and I spent hours on my own in my room wading through my notes and being reasonably studious.

Nobody had a television in their room because TVs were ultra-expensive and the size of a tea chest. Also, the combination of a TV plus bedroom was deemed evil, by parents and schoolteachers. Computers

hadn’t been invented, nor cellphones, and there was generally only one landline telephone per household situated in the living room, because Telkom rationed every domicile to just half a metre of cable.

When I walk into a child’s bedroom today it’s like entering Nasa’s mission control centre boasting computers 10 times more powerful than those used to put the first man into space. There are screens everywhere – for the smartphone, tablet, desktop computer, laptop, computer game and TV, if they are lucky – all humming and throbbing with their bright standby lights and emitting brain-frying waves.

All of this makes it very difficult for older children to get to sleep. The phrase “I’ll just...” will precede any amount of distractions, the top four being; “...finish

emailing” or “...download this song” or “... watch this movie” or “...play this game.”

You’ve heard them all. Except you may have noticed that children never actually finish anything because technology is so relentless and addictive, creating a timeless smog in which they can disappear. This means that they don’t get much sleep.

A clever friend who grew sick of spending stressful mornings trying to wake her redeyed, sleep-deprived geeky teenager from his slumber, and get him to school on time, has now turned into an enforcer. Her trick is to make him put all his electronic gizmos into a small washing basket outside his room before he goes to bed, to remove any temptation. This has been going on for three months now and it works. Try it.

Follow Paul on Twitter: @fabdad1

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pregnancy news

a new lease on life Stem cells removed from your newborn

cells that have been used until now.” Families of African descent or of mixed race would also benefit, as they are not as well represented in donor banks and registries.

Gray Epstein, a Joburg father of a four-year-old boy and one-year-old girl, views stem cell storage as “a prenatal insurance policy”. He admits that his decision to store the stem cells of both his children may have been a reaction to “a generation that exerts tacit pressure to be the best parent possible”, and notes that the procedure is costly and that medical advances may make it possible for stem cells to be extracted from adult skin in the not too distant future. “Nonetheless, we’re happy with our decision. It’s about acting in the best interests of your children, even before they’re born.”

Rehrl warns, however, that although umbilical stem cells may be the answer to a number of illnesses, they should not be considered a miracle cure-all.

why you should consider it According to Netcells Biosciences, the largest stem cell laboratory in Africa, families with a history of disease that could be treated with stem cells should consider this option.

Stem cells can also be used to treat siblings, says Rehrl.

“This is important because stem cell therapy can negate the need to find a matching donor, which is a costly process.

Stem cells also have a higher potency than the bone marrow

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how is it done?

Make enquiries preferably between 24 and 34 weeks of pregnancy to ensure sufficient time to learn about the process and complete an application form. Upon paying the deposit, you will receive a stem cells collection kit, which is packed into your hospital bag. Advise your doctor or midwife that you’re planning for the stem cells to be collected.

collecting the cells • On the day of the birth, the medical professional will cut and clamp the umbilical cord as usual, but the blood and tissue will be collected before the placenta is birthed or, in the case of a Caesarean section, removed.

• The blood bag and necessary paperwork is placed in a specialised collection box, which is collected within a few hours.

• The sample is processed and tested inside a laboratory, before being frozen. Umbilical cord stem cells can be effectively stored for 23,5 years.

• Netcells’s pricing starts at R3 000 for the collection of cord blood, with processing and storage costing R11 500.

• Cryo-Save has a collection fee of R3 000 for cord blood and a processing and storage fee of R9 800.

• For more information, contact Cryo-Save: 087 808 0170 or visit cryo-save.co.za; Netcells: 0861 638 2355 or visit netcells.co.za

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PHOTOGRAPH: shutterSTOCK.COM

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tem cell transplants are not new, explains Louis Rehrl of Cryo-Save, one of two stem cell banks operating in South Africa.

However, it is only in the past two decades that it has been discovered that the leftover umbilical cord in the placenta is a rich source of stem cells, and that these unique cells can be used to treat over 70 different diseases.

There are currently about 4 000 ongoing clinical trials in progress, so it’s only a matter of time before new uses for medical needs and applications in regenerative medicine are uncovered, says Rehrl. “At present, stem cell therapies specifically play an important role in the treatment of children with blood cancers and blood-related disorders, like leukaemia and lymphoma. The number of treatable diseases has increased exponentially over the last 20 years, and we expect this trend to continue.”

could be life-saving. By LISA WITEPSKI

best for baby

babies who bring up ANÉL LEWIS finds out more about infant reflux.

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PHOTOGRAPH: shutterSTOCK.COM

t can be alarming when your baby spits up a mouthful of milk but reflux, or the involuntary regurgitation of food or milk, is a common phenomenon that does not always require medical treatment. According to Alta Terblanche, a paediatrician writing for the South African Pharmaceutical Journal, reflux occurs frequently in infants because of the immaturity of their developing oesophagus and stomach, their higher fluid intake and the small capacity of the oesophagus, which can only hold about 10 mililitres.

Cape Town-based paediatrician Dr Hanneke Heyns goes on to explain that if the valve at the top end of a baby’s oesophagus is not functioning properly, milk that has mixed with stomach acid is pushed back into the oesophagus, causing heartburn. Most babies will outgrow their reflux by the time they turn one. Silent reflux occurs when a baby brings up milk, and then swallows it again, often because of overfeeding. There is not much spit-up, but your baby may show signs of pain after feeding. In some cases, however, regurgitation could be a sign of something more serious, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or an allergy. Babies with these conditions often fail to thrive; they may lose weight and refuse to eat.

reading the signs Sister Alex Turner of a well-baby and child clinic in Cape Town, says there will be persistent regurgitation or spitting up, or discomfort within minutes of feeding. This includes arching of the back and excessive fussing. Heyns says these signs look similar to those exhibited by babies with colic. But she adds, “They tend to want to drink all the time, a little bit at a time. They bring up milk, fresh and sour, with most of their feeds, they may become wheezy and they do not want to lie flat.” Turner says babies with reflux may also suffer from a chest infection and have “persistent nasal stuffiness”.

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when to worry Turner says you should consult your doctor if you are concerned, or if any of the following symptoms are evident: there is vomiting of dark green bile or blood; your baby refuses to feed or takes in significantly less than normal; there is a choking episode when your baby stops breathing momentarily; your baby struggles to gain more than 140 grams each week for the first three months; there is excessive projectile vomiting with each feed and fussiness when you try and put your baby down; there is recurrent oral thrush, despite treatment of the condition, and if your baby appears paler than usual.

resisting reflux Heyns suggests elevating the cot so that your baby sleeps at a 30-degree angle. You can also keep your baby upright for about half an hour after a feed. Avoid over-vigorous burping, says Turner, as this can place unnecessary pressure on the stomach. Try and stick to a three- to four-hourly feeding schedule where possible, rather than demand-feeding. “Babies with reflux should not be taken off the breast unless there is a very good medical reason,” says Turner.

Pharmacist Karen van Rensburg says 40 percent of babies with GERD have an intolerance to cow’s milk protein. Breast-feeding mothers can avoid cow’s milk for a two-week trial period.

If the baby’s reflux clears up, this diet can be continued until the baby is weaned.

A healthcare practitioner may recommend a thickened anti-reflux alternative for formula-fed babies, says Turner. Medication, such as oral antacids, may also be prescribed by your doctor.

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dealing with difference

when a plaster is not enough With modern treatment a child with haemophilia can live a full life, says VANESSA PAPAS.

b

umps and bruises are a natural part of growing up, but you should be concerned if your child bruises very easily, bleeds spontaneously in soft tissue or from the mouth, or displays symptoms of bleeding into their joints, as there is a chance they could have a chronic bleeding disorder known as haemophilia.

what is it?

Nerissa D’Alton’s son Ezra, now 16 months old, was diagnosed with the condition a few days after birth, when he was circumcised and the wound would not stop bleeding.

“It has been a difficult journey for the entire family; we have had to learn a lot about this condition and we have become ‘experts’ in a very short time,” says Nerissa.

Diagnosed with a blood test, haemophilia is a rare disorder that affects the protein or factor in blood that enables it to clot. It is usually inherited, with the female being the carrier, and mostly affects boys. In some cases, however, it can arise

is considered to be an ‘orphan’ disease, a condition which affects very few people, but there is extensive research being conducted by pharmaceutical companies in this field. There are also varying degrees of the condition, from severe to moderate or mild according to the levels of circulating factor VIII or IX, with severely affected patients bleeding more frequently and also spontaneously.”

treatment options “The risk of muscular or joint bleeds with haemophilia A or B sufferers is high and can cause permanent damage and affect the way a person sits, stands and walks,” he says. “Infants and children with mild haemophilia must rely on a haemophilia treatment centre or other medical facility for coagulation factor infusions, while parents of children with severe haemophilia are usually trained in home infusion when their child is about four years old. Self-infusion is normally

spontaneously through genetic mutation, or develop after a period of “normal” factor levels. For blood to clot properly, you need at least 30 percent of the clotting factor.

Bradley Rayner, who has severe haemophilia and is national chair of the South African Haemophilia Foundation, says the most common form is haemophilia A, in which clotting factor VIII is deficient. In haemophilia B, clotting factor IX is deficient; and there are some other, much rarer clotting disorders, which are affected by factors.

According to Dr Johan Potgieter, a pathologist in Pretoria, the prevalence of haemophilia A is 1 per 10 000 of the general population. “An estimated 2 000 people with haemophilia have been diagnosed but, at least 5 000 are suspected to suffer from this condition in South Africa,” he explains. “Haemophilia

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accomplished by 12 to 14 years of age.

Bleeding patterns differ. Infants usually bleed into soft tissues or from the mouth but as they get older, characteristic joint bleeding becomes more common.”

Replacement therapy is the mainstay of haemophilia treatment and involves the intravenous administration or infusion of plasma-derived or recombinant concentrates to replace the missing or defective clotting factor. The clotting factor can be administered when a bleed occurs to arrest it or as prophylaxis to prevent bleeds. Regrettably, some sufferers develop antibodies against the factor concentrates given to them. If this happens, the amount of the clotting factor concentrate has to be increased or very costly bypassing agents need to be used instead. magazine pretoria

PHOTOGRAPH: Janine Buxey

Treatment has improved markedly over the past 20 years, to the point where a haemophiliac’s life expectancy is now approaching that of the average population.

Rayner’s sister, Janine Buxey, says, “As we have the haemophilia gene in our family, when I discovered I was pregnant with a boy, I had myself tested and was found to be a carrier.” Daniel was tested immediately after birth, and diagnosed with severe haemophilia. “In addition, he had a lung infection and was on a ventilator.

When they pulled the tube out they hurt him and he had to receive coagulation factor for the first time.

“When he started crawling I made a huge playpen in the lounge with padding and couches so that he could not

• Learn as much as you can about the condition. Contact the South African Haemophilia Foundation: visit haemophilia.org.za or the Haemophilia South Africa Facebook page.

• Baby- and childproofing, and adult supervision go a long way in limiting injury.

• Apply ice to the bruise as it has an analgesic effect and reduces the blood volume to the affected area.

• Rest the affected joint or limb as movement soon after a bleed will easily drive blood to the smooth cartilage covering the bone ends, causing damage.

• Make sure that the affected joint and muscle are back to full function and range of movement after each bleeding episode and seek advice from a physiotherapist when in doubt.

• Do not give aspirin as it impairs platelet function, which may compound the bleeding.

• Encourage your child to do balancing exercises with programmes designed by a qualified physiotherapist, as good balance reduces the risk of an injury from a fall.

• Talk to your physiotherapist about which sporting activities are regarded as “low risk” for haemophilia sufferers.

• For haemophilia centres in your area, visit: haemophilia.org.za/centres

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life with a child who has haemophilia

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living with the condition

move anywhere where he could get hurt.

We even padded the pram. The most important thing for me was that he did not hurt his head, so we made him a little helmet with foam to assist with all the falling down and knocks. He had lots of bleeds on his buttocks when he sat on his toys or he fell too hard, so we had to pad that part of his body as well. We also custom-made his knee, shin and elbow pads as it seemed the bought ones hurt him. Daniel has received about 27 treatments over the last 23 months. This was due to many bruises and swelling to his legs, arms, buttocks, toes and his genital area.”

Judy Butler’s son, Mark, now 45 years old, was diagnosed at the age of one. His haemophilia is thought to be a genetic mutation. “Growing up, school was a challenge as there is great emphasis in South Africa on sport and people with haemophilia avoid playing contact sport,” says Judy. “We tried to encourage Mark to join the chess club, the shooting team and so on, and he was fortunate to have a wonderful group of friends who supported him through high school and beyond. Mark is on home therapy so he treats himself whenever he has a bleed. He lives a full and normal life.” april

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Nerissa says, “My husband Steve takes Ezra to the haemophilia clinic once a week, which is very traumatic for them both. Finding a vein in a chubby baby is not easy, and he struggles a lot.

We have recently had a port inserted, which means we will be able to inject him directly and we can do this at home.”

Currently, there is no cure for haemophilia but research is ongoing. Treatment has improved markedly over the past 20 years, to the point where a haemophiliac’s life expectancy is now approaching that of the average population, provided they receive adequate, appropriate treatment.

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Daniel Buxey wears his protective helmet

April 2013

13

nutrition

food fights Trying to feed a picky eater can turn mealtimes into battle zones. ANÉL LEWIS learns how to take the fuss out of feeding.

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oddlers are wilful beings, especially at mealtimes when eating becomes a bargaining tool. They are also fickle, and will happily declare noodles to be their favourite meal, only to turn up their noses at the stuff a few days later. My daughter will choose tomatoes over crisps, but she will not touch chicken or meat. Sometimes, she forgoes her supper completely. I tell myself that if she’s hungry, she will ask for more, but that niggling feeling that her poor eating habits are a reflection of my parenting skills persists.

extra-sensitive eaters Cape Town-based dietician Lee-Anne McHarry says some children are more afraid of new food, or neophobic, and more sensory-sensitive than others. If a child is particularly disgusted by the touch or smell of a food, stop giving it, as this will only increase their anxiety about eating it. She says sensory-sensitive children need messy play to get used to textures, and food can be introduced at this time, away from the dinner table, so that they become familiar with it.

Jessica Veltman, a Joburg-based dietician, says toddlers tend to be picky eaters because eating is still a new experience, and they are getting used to the different tastes, textures, colours and shapes of food. Cape Town dietician Kim Hofmann advises that children have to taste food 15 to 20 times before they can get over their initial resistance and start liking it, so don’t cut the food out. Veltman adds, “Toddlers are also learning to make decisions and become more independent. This will affect the food choices they make at later stages of their lives.” Their rate of growth is slowing down at this age, so a toddler’s food intake may decrease slightly. If you are concerned, however, that your child is losing weight or their growth is affected because of their eating habits, consult your doctor.

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make mealtimes fun times again Veltman says it’s important to make eating a relaxed experience. “Avoid distractions such as television and engage in conversation about topics other than food.” Make meals a family occasion, and lead by example. Offer small, regular meals and snacks. Don’t rush meals, but set a limit of about 30 minutes. Use brightly coloured plates and cups to encourage eating. You could even serve food on their toy plates or in snack trays. Let your toddler sit in a chair at the table, or in a feeding chair. Make sure that your child is not filling up on other food, or too much milk, in-between meals. McHarry suggests involving your child in the preparation, in an age-appropriate way. Veltman adds that you should never force-feed

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PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

finicky feeders

your child if it’s clear they’ve had enough, and don’t encourage eating by offering food treats as a reward. Rather use a star chart or promise a game as incentive. Hofmann says children should not be punished for refusing to eat a food, as this will start a negative association.

tips to tickle their taste buds Veltman suggests introducing new foods in tandem with food your child enjoys. Offer smaller portions of the new food and introduce one at a time. Children often find finger foods easier to manage. Plan to introduce new foods at times when you know your child will be hungry. If they prefer drinking to eating, give them nutritious fruit smoothies. Get creative in the way you present the food. Slip diced vegetables into sauces or other favourite foods. You can also create veggie faces by using slices of olives for eyes, a mushroom for a nose and a tomato slice for a mouth. Create interesting sandwiches by using cookie cutters, and top them with vegetable spread, tuna mixed with cottage cheese or other healthy spreads.

Children have to taste food 15 to 20 times before they can get over their initial resistance and start liking it, so don’t cut the food out.

Some suggested meals and snacks for picky eaters include boiled egg with toast soldiers and grilled mushrooms; hake, corn on the cob, broccoli and cauliflower; spaghetti bolognaise with cucumber and potato salad; an apple and a teaspoon of peanut butter; cheese triangles, and a banana or some hummus with soft, steamed vegetables.

what’s the link with zinc?

McHarry says the symptoms of low levels of zinc include a decreased appetite and poor growth. Zinc also helps with the ability to taste and smell, making it beneficial to fussy toddlers, explains Veltman. Good sources of this trace element are red meat, poultry, beans, nuts, wholegrain cereals and dairy products. The recommended daily allowance of zinc for children from one to three years of age is three milligrams a day. An 84 gram portion of chicken has about three milligrams of zinc. McHarry adds that zinc helps maintain an efficient immune system.

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fish facts Veltman says fish is “one of the most perfect” foods for toddlers, as it is a good source of omega3 fatty acids; which serve as anti-inflammatory agents and immune boosters and aid neurological development. It also contains protein, important for proper growth and development. Hofmann says there’s evidence that fish can also help with managing attention deficit disorder (ADD). Fish is especially important for fussy eaters as they may be lacking certain minerals in their diet. A picky eater who lacks essential nutrients may struggle to concentrate and perform poorly. But how can we get children to eat more fish, not just fish fingers?

“Most of the problems regarding fish intake in toddlers is with the lack of enthusiasm from parents, as we think our children won’t want to eat fish,” says Veltman. Hofmann recommends that children under four eat about 85 grams of fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel and pilchards, twice a week, while children older than four should be eating this amount three times a week. Incorporating fish into fish cakes or casseroles with potato will make it more palatable to fussy eaters. Introduce fish before a child is one year old, says McHarry.

April 2013

15

ideas

room to move Your child’s bedroom needs to be functional and fun. HEIDI JANIT looks at the psychology behind this important décor project.

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sleep, work, play

colour me happy Colour is the most emotional element in any setting, so begin your decorating scheme by choosing the right paint for the walls. Psychological findings suggest that colour selection can influence mood and behaviour, stimulate the brain and body and even affect one’s health. Scientific studies based on Carl Jung’s research and writings on colour symbolism and its effect across cultures and time periods, have found that exposure to certain colours can improve sleep habits, increase memory and enhance academic performance.

Even at infancy, a child’s environment can enhance development. Dr William Sears, associate clinical professor of paediatrics at the University of California, says that sight can promote learning and visual stimulation has a great influence on a baby’s nervous system. Always choose colours that encourage growth and stimulation.

Be careful not to overstimulate with bright colours. Rather incorporate colour in subtle ways. An environment that both soothes and stimulates can be achieved by using neutral colours on the walls, paired with bright accents in the form of mobiles, linen, fabrics, furniture or rugs.

At two months, babies can differentiate between most colours and have preferences for certain colours such as blues and purples, with greens, yellows and reds being preferred less.

pick a theme Use decorative wall decals to introduce a theme or colour to a room. They are easily put up and peel off effortlessly without damaging the walls. Your children’s tastes will change as they get older and these stickers will enable you to alter the theme of their room without breaking the bank. You can also introduce other elements, such as a themed duvet.

comfort, design and ergonomics Physical comfort is all about getting a few basics right: a cot or bed depending on your child’s age; enough storage space; adequate lighting; floor space for play; and eventually a reasonably sized work surface and a supportive chair for school-related tasks. Improve the room’s functionality by ensuring that it is clutter free and that there is enough space in which to move.

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Bed basics: • Buy a cot with bars very close together so that your baby’s head cannot get caught. The decorative cut-outs on cots and beds should be too small to catch any part of a child’s body. Make sure the cot’s latching mechanism is not within your baby’s reach, preferably on the outside of the cot, or requires a lot of pressure to release. Many cots convert into beds.

• When they move from a cot to a bed, fit safety rails on either side. Choose mattress brands that are approved by the Chiropractic Association of South Africa. If possible, invest in a three-quarter or double bed that can grow with your child.

• Beds must be set at an appropriate height so that children do not have to jump or pull themselves up.

Store frequently used items on shelves or in drawers that do not require stretching or straining. Ensure that your children have good posture when sitting and eating meals, or doing homework.

• Bunk beds for children of all ages must be sturdy, and come with safety rails and a secure ladder.

Use design elements to create a room in which your child can rest and play.

• Choose a room that does not face the street; or use acoustic lining in the curtains to block outside noise. Excessive noise can interfere with a child’s sensory development.

• Always have enough fresh air flowing through the room, but make sure there’s no direct draft. Ventilation prevents a build-up of moisture in the air, which is often the cause of mould.

• Babies younger than six months need to be kept out of direct sunlight. Use curtains with a blockout backing to keep sunlight to a minimum. Blinds are also appropriate for a baby’s room, but choose ones with wooden or aluminium slats as vinyl may give off organic chemicals.

• Children with allergies are better suited to a room with blinds because curtain fabrics often attract a lot of dust. They are also harder to clean than blinds. Wooden and aluminium blinds can be wiped clean with a cloth.

• If you do choose to have curtains, opt for a lighter material rather than heavy, thick fabrics.

• With the exception of a baby monitor that ideally should be kept at its farthest effective range from the child, keep electrical appliances to a minimum.

• Carpets are not ideal for babies and young children, especially those with allergies, as they absorb pesticides and attract dust and mites. Rather go for hard floors such as wood, cork or linoleum and, if needed, use rugs made from natural cotton and wool fibres with vegetable-based dyes. Clean carpets frequently and thoroughly.

• Babies need indirect, glare-free light, which creates a soothing environment to promote sleep. Ceiling lighting with a dimmer is ideal and can grow along with your child. Night-lights for young children who are learning to sleep in a new bed create a sense of safety and are available in many themes and colours. For homework purposes, use adjustable desk lights that are glare-free.

storage solutions Children’s storage needs to be functional and sturdy, but at the same time appealing. American designer Susie Fougerousse says, “Every child’s room should be equipped with a sturdy bookshelf for displaying treasures, books, pictures and more. Selecting a basic style in a neutral colour will allow parents maximum versatility for use over the long term.” Storage solutions for odds and ends that can easily become lost look great in different sized plastic containers. Take advantage of a spare wall by furnishing it. Cover it with a shelved storage unit that fits the entire length and width of the wall. If you have space, under-bed storage is a clever way to store boxes and containers so that they are easily within reach and look neat and tidy. magazine pretoria

PHOTOGRAPHS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

reating a sleep and play environment that is age appropriate, and that encourages your child’s development, can be challenging. It goes beyond your choice of fabrics, murals or the larger furniture pieces such as the cot or the compactum. You also have to consider comfort, safety and your child’s specific needs.

But by understanding what décor and design will work best, and why, you can make this an exciting rather than a daunting project.

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ideas

tricky spaces Small bedrooms need very creative storage solutions.

Consider a captain’s bed, which has drawers in the wood cabinetry under the mattress, or choose a bed with height, known as a high-sleeper, that offers ample storage space.

Stackable storage bins against a wall are also a way to incorporate storage space into a small room. Shelves can help declutter a bedroom. Use low shelves that are within your child’s reach for books, games and dolls, while higher shelves can be used for displaying photos and breakables.

budget bedrooms There are many ways to transform a room without spending a lot of money.

• Preserve your child’s artwork in differently sized readymade frames. This adds colour to the room while giving the space a personal touch.

• Paint one wall in a different colour or wallpaper it. This creates colour, visual texture and changes the entire feel of the room in one easy step.

• Existing furniture can be painted, stained or even distressed to give it a whole new look. Compactums can be transformed into desks or shelves for toys, books and treasures and cots can be turned into a cosy alcove or reading nook, or even a chalkboard.

design basics Follow these basic design concepts to ensure that you don’t end up with styles that your child will outgrow quickly.

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• Choose flexible furnishings with simple lines.

• Beds made of oak or pine are good investments because they work well with any colour and will stand the test of time as your child grows.

• Create a mood board – collect fabric samples, pictures from magazines and paint swatches to keep your vision on track.

• Give your child room to grow. Always design with your child in mind. Children need space to move, play, store toys and entertain friends.

• Let your child have a say. A bedroom is a private space that should reflect their personality and act as a sanctuary. By involving them you promote their sense of individuality and creative thinking, which is crucial for their development. Embrace their strengths and talents. If your child is musical, allow them to bring elements of it into the bedroom with musical notes on a wall decal, wallpaper or even prints on cushions and linen.

room for two, or more Don’t despair if you have to accommodate more than one child in a bedroom. Less space need not curtail your creativity. Here are three clever tips that will help you make the most of the space you are working with.

• If you have two beds, set them out to meet in a corner with a side table or nightstand in the middle. This perpendicular formation opens up the space.

• If the bedroom is small, opt for bunk beds with built-in storage. This leaves work and play space on the ground.

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• If your children need their space and want the illusion of a separate room, you can divide the space with a high open shelf. This serves as a room divider and a storage unit in one. Irrespective of the size of the bedroom, you can still give each child a bit of space to express their own personality.

pick a colour Warm colours elicit happiness and comfort. Bold shades can be stimulating and energising, which is beneficial for growth and development, but less advantageous for an overly energetic toddler.

red

blue

Excites and energises. Don’t go too bold and bright; it can be overwhelming for young children. Red is also associated with an inability to focus, so it is not suitable for children who have trouble concentrating.

The exact opposite of red, it calms the mind and body, lowers blood pressure and decreases feelings of anxiety and aggression. It is the perfect colour for children who have trouble sleeping or who are prone to tantrums. Be sure not to use dark shades as these can have a depressive effect.

pink Evokes empathy and femininity and creates a calming atmosphere.

yellow Associated with happiness and motivation. Subtle yellows promote concentration while brighter yellows stimulate memory.

orange A friendly, welcoming colour that inspires creativity and communication. Use bold shades sparingly.

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Cool colours have a calming effect on the body and can make a bedroom feel relaxing and spacious. They should be paired with creamy neutrals and used with soft fabrics.

purple Combines the stability of blue and the energy of red. Pick a purple in a light shade so it is not too overpowering. The colour is popular with girls, and is thought to stimulate inspiration and intuition.

green Promotes a serene, calming environment. It has a soothing effect and is known to reduce anxiety and promote concentration. Green is also said to reinforce self-esteem.

April 2013

19

ecofriendly

embrace your By teaching your children to respect their surroundings, you are helping them develop compassion, creativity and nurture their initiative. By Hayley Komen

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emember how, when you were five years old, life was such an adventure? Every rainstorm was a thrill, climbing a tree was an act of bravery and finding a spider on the wall was another chance to exercise your imagination. You were doing more than just having fun. You were living with all your heart; experiencing every second of the day with your entire being and making the most of your environment.

green is for learn

from foundation to finish Treverton Preparatory School and College in KwaZulu-Natal began teaching EE in the 1970s and is recognised as a leader in this field, both locally and internationally. Janet Snow, the school’s environmental education liaison officer, has 15 years’ experience in this field. She says that EE is an integral part of Treverton’s practices, from preschool to Grade 12.

The results are evident. Many learners are actively helping to maintain and develop the Treverton wildlife area, while the post-matric students, of their own accord, now incorporate an EE component into their annual excursions. They visit schools along their route and run short lessons with the learners, focusing on environmental topics that are directly relevant to them, such as water issues.

Janet’s three boys attended Treverton and her eldest, Byron, is now a qualified architect. He is currently building preschools in Zululand, incorporating grey-water systems into their ablution designs.

Janet is heavily involved in programmes to help “teach the teacher”. The new curriculum and assessment policy statements (Caps) that are being rolled out are strongly oriented towards EE, she says. “Teachers are finding lots of new concepts and they don’t know

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Environmental education is about more than just trees and butterflies. It’s a holistic approach to life that can help our children reach their full potential. the content and find it difficult to teach.” Tertiary education institutions, nongovernmental organisations and in-service teaching practitioners are jointly developing courses and modules to help teachers become more competent and confident.

a well-rounded start Pauline Randall and her son, David Wratten, started the Green Door Nursery School in Walkerville, south of Joburg, at the beginning of 2011. Pauline, a qualified nurse, midwife and preschool teacher, says that after working in the childcare industry for many years they were inspired to create a school that “got it right”. The school’s name provides a clue to their approach. The Green Door incorporates several “green” activities such as recycling, water conservation, waste reduction, composting and buying locally. But their philosophy extends into other areas too.

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PHOTOGRAPH: shutterstock.com

“Going green” has become a bit of a cliché, but environmental education is about more than just trees and butterflies. It’s a holistic approach to life that can help our children reach their full potential. It teaches respect for others and for one’s self, creativity and innovation, physical and emotional wellbeing and a fundamental understanding of the world in which we live. It develops the whole child, not just the aspects that teachers or parents think are important.

Environmental education, or EE, has evolved enormously since it first became popular in the 1960s. Back then the focus was on nature-based education with the aim of developing an appreciation for the natural world. Today it can be described as teaching for the environment, in the environment. In other words, humans are now accepted as being part of the environment and how a child learns is understood to be strongly influenced by that environment. It’s a complex concept and teaching it requires skill, creativity and energy. However, incorporating EE at preschool level sets a firm foundation for a lifetime of environmental learning.

Parents are encouraged to bring their recyclable goods to the school. Through this, not only are the children and their parents made aware of the amount of waste that they generate but, importantly, they are shown how to turn this waste into works of art, utility items or simply toys to share with a friend. It encourages creative thinking, innovation and self-expression.

Alan Benington, a software engineer and father to four-year-old Rain, a learner at the school, talks about an activity that struck a chord with him. The children were tasked with building something that would be taller than teacher Pauline’s ruler. Rain built a skyscraper using boxes, paper towel rolls and bits of foil to construct a tall building complete with windows. “Apparently my son is another budding engineer.”

Participating schools select projects that are relevant to their own situation. These are then linked to the national curriculum and incorporated into normal school teaching as far as possible. However, they must include an action component. Projects also try to include the local community, so that a school might, for example, create a food garden that will benefit those living nearby.

Schools are awarded for their ongoing efforts each year by earning bronze to platinum status. After their third year they can earn their first green flag and after five years they are eligible for the international Eco-Schools flag. Then they must maintain their status into the platinum years.

learning for the future tried and tested Uresha Sahadev, principle at the Grosvenor Montessori in Joburg, describes a triangle that contributes to a child’s learning. “For a child to develop holistically there must be a strong link between the teacher, parent and the ‘prepared environment’,” she says. “If you have a school that doesn’t look appealing, or that doesn’t use age-appropriate materials, you could have a brilliant teacher, but on their own they would not be able to give the child a holistic education.” Grosvenor Montessori also implements “green” into its daily activities with recycling, composting, a worm farm, growing herbs and vegetables and water conservation. It then incorporates these ideas into lesson plans.

raising the green flag at eco-schools The Eco-Schools Programme is an international sustainability schools initiative that is active in over 30 000 schools across 51 countries around the world. It aims to create awareness and action around environmental sustainability in schools and their surrounding communities and supports Education for Sustainable Development in the national curriculum. The programme came to South Africa in 2003 and today over 1 100 schools participate in the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa’s (WESSA) National Eco-Schools Programme.

Bridget Ringdahl, national Eco-Schools Programme manager, says its success is not measured by the number of participants, but rather by the commitment of registered schools. “They commit to whole-school environmental development, so it’s not a onceoff,” she says. “They might earn a flag this year but then they have to step it up to maintain their status next year. So they are on a sustainable trajectory.”

Birches Pre-Primary in Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal has been part of the programme for the past nine years. Projects they have undertaken include a new water-wise garden, a sustainability project including a solar heating system, a grey-water system, planting a vegetable garden, creating a wetland, worm farming, composting and a permaculture project.

They even relocated a family of blue-headed lizards before cutting down some alien trees.

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How can we ask our children to care about their environment if we don’t show them the world exactly as it is and not through the high definition, rose-tinted lens of a television camera? It starts by incorporating environmental education into their lives.

• Wash and keep containers. Store your children’s crayons and paints in them, or use them to make things. The foil from chocolate wrappers makes great dollhouse or car windows, while some paint and a bell can turn a yoghurt tub into a Christmas decoration.

• Bought a new fridge? That box is a house waiting to be given a door and a happy child to occupy it.

• Explore the lawn for creatures. On a sunny day you’ll find an endless variety of ants, beetles and spiders. Lie on a blanket if the idea of creepy crawlies scares you.

• Go on an outdoor expedition with your children. Let them collect the things they find such as feathers and bits of bark. Help them make their own books, with a feather pasted on one page and a picture of the bird on the next.

• Plant a garden. You don’t need to buy seeds and saplings; simply cut the tops off a few carrots and plant them, or bury a potato or sweet potato underground and watch it sprout leaves and develop new spuds.

environmental resources for teachers and parents • S hareNet offers a comprehensive list of free EE resources. Visit: sharenet.org.za • EnviroTeach is aimed at teachers interested in including environmental education in every subject. Visit: enviroteach.co.za • EELink is a global community of environmental educators, tied to the North American Association for Environmental Education. For more info: visit eelink.net • Environment Online (ENO) is a global virtual school and network for sustainable development. Schools and students can register to be part of this network. For more info: visit enoprogramme.org

April 2013

21

health

put the right foot forward Proper foot care and the right shoes will go a long way to preventing

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s your child knock-kneed, flat-footed or sporting a limp?

These are common childhood foot problems, but the good news is that more than 80 percent of children will outgrow most of these. However, 15 percent will go on to have foot issues later in life, says Sean Pincus, a Cape Townbased podiatrist. So, if you suspect something is not right with your child’s feet, have them assessed by a podiatrist.

what’s afoot?

According to the Podiatry Association of South Africa, only a small percentage of foot problems are genetic, and many develop because of neglect or improper foot care such as wearing ill-fitting shoes.

Limping If your child is limping, he’s doing it because his leg is sore and it’s almost always the result of a foot or lower limb problem.

Walking on tiptoes Some children are habitual tiptoe walkers while others walk this way because of their short Achilles tendons. While it’s common for a toddler to walk

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on his tiptoes, if your child is still doing this after he turns three, have him assessed.

Intoeing, or walking pigeon-toed, and outtoeing Intoers, whose feet point inwards, are prone to tripping. While it can occur from birth, intoeing can also be caused by children

You take your child for hearing and eye tests, and to the paediatrician for checkups, so why not check out his feet. sitting in a “W” position, so parents should monitor this.

Children with this gait are compensating for problems with their feet or rotational deformities of the leg and that needs to be addressed as soon as it’s picked up. It is usually when your child starts walking, anytime between 10 and 16 months.

Flat feet and fallen arches A child’s arches only really begin to develop at the age of three, so this would be when you’d spot it. Your podiatrist may recommend orthotics if the flat foot is causing problems.

Knock-knees Bow knees that go outwards and knockknees that go inwards, very often correct themselves. But if they don’t, they will require orthotics, physiotherapy and even surgery to change the angle.

Athlete’s foot, plantar warts and ingrown toenails Make sure that your child wears slops at public pools to avoid contracting athlete’s foot and plantar warts.

While ingrown toenails can be congenital, they can also be caused by cutting the toenails incorrectly. Trim your child’s toenails straight across and leave them slightly longer than the tips of his toes. Don’t cut the corners or on the sides.

Sever’s disease “This is probably the most frequent cause of heel pain that we see in children. Girls develop it at approximately age nine and boys a little bit older, at

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PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

problems with your children’s feet. By TORI HOFFMANN

80% of foot problems are caused by misshapen, inflexible shoes – Vivobarefoot

about age 11,” says Pincus. It’s characterised by activityrelated pain that occurs on the back of the heel, where the Achilles tendon attaches on the heel bone. Your child may have swelling in the area, and it may be tender to the touch. They may limp or complain of heel pain, often when moving from one type of surface to another.

“We find it in children who do a lot of running, jumping, and other high-impact activities. It’s one of the foot problems that’s not congenital and has to be managed by controlling the amount of activity that your child engages in,” he says.

when to see a podiatrist The Podiatry Association of SA recommends that you take your child to visit a podiatrist once a year. “You take your child for hearing and eye tests, and to the paediatrician for checkups, so why not check out his feet?” asks Pincus. As the foot starts to form properly from the age of three, arches begin to develop and foot problems may present themselves. “You want a podiatrist to follow your child’s development through his growth years, so that if something changes, you’ve established a baseline. Of course, if there’s an obvious problem, you need to see the podiatrist long before your child turns three.”

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barefoot is best Pincus says barefoot is best, as long as your child is walking in a safe environment, such as grass without thorns, on the beach or inside. This is because a badly fitting shoe interferes with your child’s growth and development.

Before the age of three, a child’s feet is made up of mostly cartilage so the younger a child is, the less bone there is in their feet. As the foot serves as an interface between the brain and the surface on which the child is walking, it shouldn’t be restrained by footwear.

Pincus suggests the following when choosing shoes for your child: • The shoe must hold onto the foot, not the foot onto the shoe. Look out for soft flexible shoes that allow the foot to function. It should also be flexible across the ball of the foot while the heel counter should be firm and stable. Socks with rubberised soles work well for toddlers. Rigid shoes are a no-no as they interfere with foot development, as are sandals without a backstrap.

• Have your older child’s feet measured every three months – there are some shops that do this – and make sure that there is a thumb-width space between your child’s big toe and the top of his shoe.

• When it comes to buying a shoe for your older child, go with leather or non-sweat synthetic shoes. Also look for the Podiatry Association of SA’s approved swing tag.

• Never put girls younger than the age of 10 in high heels.

• Ideally, choose sport-specific shoes. There is no one shoe that will cover all the sports; the surfaces used and the nature of the games differ.

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23

family life

the truth about cats and dogs Our pets are treasured members of the family, so it’s important that we keep them healthy and happy too. By LUCILLE KEMP

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ost will agree that having an animal companion has the same soul-soothing effect on us as having human friends. Children love, and are fascinated by, their furry friends and research by various psychologists shows the benefits of keeping pets reaffirms this love. Having animals in the home can help children cope with a variety of ailments and conditions, such as depression; they help children develop empathy and compassion, and help with low selfesteem, their cognitive development and to lower stress levels. Pets make children more cooperative and open to sharing and may even buffer loneliness, especially helpful for an only child. Surveys have also found that there is an increase in a family’s happiness and the amount of fun they have when there is a dog to play with or a kitten to cuddle. To get to this happy place, however, takes care and concern for all members of your family, pets included.

Rabies is fatal. It can be contracted from dogs, but it is mostly carried by wild animals so prevent your pets from coming into contact with them. You may consider spaying or neutering your pet to cut down on roaming and aggressive behaviour.

Dr Pete Vincent of Netcare Travel Clinics says, “Having your domestic animals vaccinated against rabies is essential and can provide you with protection, as it can prevent your pet becoming infected if a rabid animal bites it.” They must be vaccinated annually.

Toxoplasmosis is another serious ailment caused by a parasite found in animal faeces. People can become infected by handling contaminated cat faeces and most will show flu-like symptoms for a month, but it is far more serious for children and pregnant women as the parasite can infect a foetus, causing a miscarriage or a serious birth defect. Pregnant women should avoid cleaning a litter tray and anyone else that does should use gloves. Solid waste should be removed daily and litter trays should be cleaned with boiling water once a week.

Cat scratch disease is a bacterial condition spread between cats through fleas. Humans usually become infected from a cat scratch or bite and show flu-like symptoms or they may develop more serious problems such as damage to the valves of the heart. If a cat scratches or bites you or your child, wash the wounds with disinfectant soap and hot water. Keep your pets free of fleas as these are what carry the bacteria initially.

Pets make children more cooperative and open to sharing and may even buffer loneliness.

As a new parent you’d probably be concerned about having an animal that growls or hisses at every noise, and sheds fur over everything, around your new baby. However, research published in the American journal Pediatrics shows that you don’t have to give your pets away for fear of allergies and disease when you bring a baby into the house.

Babies who grow up with a pet are less likely to get sick than those who don’t, and there’s growing support for the notion that an overly sterile environment is not that good for a baby’s health. Researchers, led by Finnish paediatrician Eija Bergroth, think pets are linked to a lower risk of allergies because “exposure to pet dander, as well as the microbes that pets carry into the home can prime babies who are not predisposed to developing allergies or asthma, to train their still-developing immune systems to fend off assaults from allergens and bugs”.

healthy pets, healthy children Your child can become sick with the following illnesses if exposed to pets that are not properly cared for.

Scabies is caused by a mite and is an itchy, red bumpy rash with white flakes. Get medical attention if you or your dog has a suspicious rash.

Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection and is, in fact, not a worm. It is transmitted from direct contact with an infected pet’s skin or hair. Keep surfaces clean and disinfected regularly and wash your child’s hands after contact with a pet. Use an antifungal cream to eliminate the ringworm.

Hookworm is an intestinal parasite that can cause abdominal pain, anaemia and diarrhoea.

Humans contract the worm when coming into contact with soil or sand contaminated by a pet’s infected faeces. The best prevention is to deworm pets.

Roundworm, contracted by humans coming into contact with infected faeces. Roundworm infection is particularly concerning for children. It can cause fever, coughing, appetite loss and congestion. Various dewormers are available.

Rabies, which is caused by a virus and spread through bites, affects the nervous system.

Early signs are fever and a headache, leading to confusion, sleepiness and agitation.

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best breeds There are various breeds of dog and cat that come recommended as great companions to children. The sturdy bull dog is a friendly, docile and loyal companion for your child. The clever and cheerful beagle makes a great pet for active children and the bull terrier is protective, and a great pet for large families as she requires a lot of playtime. The collie, Newfoundland, vizsla, Irish setter, poodle and retriever are very popular with families. When it comes to deciding on a breed of cat, you’re really looking for a feline with a child-friendly personality and a tolerance for noise and movement; that is not territorial, enjoys being petted, and is sociable, easy-going and adaptable. Recommended breeds include the Abyssinian, Persian, Ragdoll, Manx, Maine Coon, Burmese, Birman and American Shorthair cats.

smooth introduction If you were a dog- or cat-parent before you were a child-parent, there was probably a time when your pets got the best of you. Now that there is a child thrown into the mix, you’ll need to manage the whole getting-to-know-you process carefully to keep your pet feeling loved, and not jealous, and therefore your child safe. Get your animals acquainted with your baby’s scent from the start by sending your baby’s blanket home before you leave the hospital. Take your pets into the nursery so they can scout out the unfamiliar space; push the pram around and get them used to it as many dogs view turning wheels as a challenge. Take your dog to obedience training, get them used to a leash and ensure that your dog knows commands such as “sit”, “walk”, “gentle” and “stay”. Train dogs to be respectful when they are excited.

Your pet should be healthy and exercise. Install a baby gate, teach your child to not hit or pull the animal’s hair, and keep your pet’s food and toys where your child can’t reach them. magazine pretoria

PHOTOGRAPH: CHANTELLE VISSER

peaceful cohabitation

resource

ability to concentrate

it’s a common problem Teachers of children from preschool to

sensory integration

hearing

speech

fine motor skills

senior primary school identified the issues they muscle tone

deal with most often in their classrooms.

CHILD MAGAZINE finds out who can help.

fine motor skills

PHOTOGRAPHs: shutterstock.com

These involve the small muscle movements in the hands and fingers, which are used to perform functions like grasping, writing, doing up buttons or cutting. Children with fine motor skill difficulties may avoid tasks requiring small muscle movement, such as building puzzles and cutting with scissors says Joburg occupational therapist (OT) Cheryl Bennie.

Other indications may be difficulty sitting still to draw or colour, swapping hands during fine motor work, rushed and poorly controlled colouring or drawing and an avoidance of grasping objects with isolated finger movements.

Children should be developing skills like beading and using an inferior pencil grip by the age of three, but problems may only be identified in Grades 0 or 1, when there is a greater expectation on children to perform fine motor activities. Therapy often depends on the cause of the problem, but it could be as simple as engaging children in ageappropriate fine motor games. In more severe cases, such as where low muscle tone or poor motor planning are involved, an OT will assess your child and advise on the best course of remediation, either through a home programme or regular therapy.

gross motor skills

gross motor skills This relates to the large body movements associated with normal human development.

Every child is programmed to go through the same sequence of developmental milestones. Delays and/or non-acquisition of these milestones result in the inadequate use of the body, says Joburg-based OT Jennifer Lewkowski. A child may have poor head and neck control, poor control of their posture, they may slouch, prop their head up while sitting or use support when standing. Their hands won’t meet or cross the midline. The child may be seen as accident-prone, as they bump into things. In the classroom, they will struggle to listen, they will fiddle and fall behind because they can’t sit and focus on what the teacher is saying.

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resource

Gross motor problems may be detected at birth. At school age, you will notice problems with your child’s language, academic work, social behaviour, emotional resolution and decision-making as a grasp of motor abilities is needed for these functional tasks. A paediatrician will identify if there is motor skill dysfunction and then refer you to an OT or a neurodevelopmental physiotherapist.

muscle tone Low muscle tone is characterised by loose, floppy muscles. Children may also have motor skill problems and poor coordination. They may struggle to maintain their posture and get tired easily. They may slump, have poor head control and have difficulty sitting still. Low muscle tone can lead to difficulties like delays in developing motor skills, speech difficulties and concentration problems. It is normal for babies to have low postural muscle tone, says Bennie, but “lower than normal tone can be seen in infants and toddlers in severe cases”.

Typically, it will only be noticeable from about three years old. Children can sometimes grow out of low muscle tone, if it is mild, and if they take part in physical activities such as ballet, karate or gymnastics. If school performance is affected, they should see an OT or physical therapist, advises Bennie. Therapy includes activities that help to develop more tone and muscle strength.

sensory integration Problems occur when the brain does not interpret information from the senses correctly. Lewkowski says, “Imagine going through your day wearing gardening gloves against thorns. Or every time someone hugs or kisses or touches you, the sensation is like scraping chalk on the blackboard.”

Signs include being overly sensitive to touch, movement, sight, sound, taste and smell, reacting with irritability or withdrawing when touched, and avoiding certain textures.

Children may be easily distracted or fearful of simple movement activities and they may suffer from motion sickness. Some children may seek out intense sensory experiences as they may seem oblivious to pain or can be unaware of where their body is or its movement in space. Sometimes there is a fluctuation between the extremes of over- and underresponsiveness. Their activity level is unusually high or low and there may be a fluctuation from one extreme to the other.

Dysfunction can be noticed in the coordination of the large muscles – stability and movement in the torso, body or trunk or with fine motor coordination – using scissors, crayons, buttons, laces, knives and forks. Children may appear lazy, bored, or unmotivated.

They figure out ways to avoid tasks at which they fail.

It can be recognized immediately after birth and is sometimes mistaken for severe colic and restlessness. If not dealt with early, it will continue until the child becomes extremely distressed and it impacts the way they function at home, in the classroom and in their interaction with caregivers. An evaluation can be carried out by a qualified OT. The therapist might informally observe spontaneous play and ask you to provide information about your child’s development and/or your child’s typical behaviour patterns. It is appropriate and necessary to ask a professional when or how he or she was trained in the evaluation of sensory integration.

ability to concentrate An inability to focus on a set task could be a concentration problem. Underlying causes may include hearing or vision difficulties, problems with processing information, cognitive or developmental delays, emotional concerns, nutritional or physiological deficiencies, says Durban-based psychologist Claudette Jordan. Children may be easily distracted, struggle to focus on a task, or sustain that focus, and struggle to follow instructions. They can get bored easily and may do better on more difficult tasks because of this. Hyperfocus and hyperactivity are also signs, says Jordan. Poor concentration usually becomes apparent during the preschool years, when there is a structured, formal learning environment. “Determining if a child has concentration difficulty can be a complex process of multidisciplinary assessment, as each child differs,” says Jordan.

A psychiatrist may prescribe medication, although this may have drawbacks for some children. Brain training is becoming a popular treatment and uses focused and repeated exercises to change cognitive functioning. Nutritional supplements, commonly omega-3 and -6 oils, and a low-GI diet can be used. Supportive therapies include OT or speech therapy to improve information processing. Jordan adds that effective management often needs parents to work on behavioural strategies at home. You could also consult a kinesiologist for this, and for other childhood problems such as learning difficulties and emotional problems.

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April 2013

speech Speaking with a lisp is a common speech impediment and it involves either a substitution or a distortion of certain sounds. Joburg-based speech therapist Karen Levin says children sometimes substitute sounds, for example, using “w” instead of “r”. This is normal for younger children, especially with the “s” sound, so it shouldn’t be a concern until Grade 0. Levin recommends getting therapy from the second half of Grade 0, so that it is taken care of before Grade 1, where there is more academic pressure. Lisps that involve a distortion of sounds should be treated with therapy as soon as possible.

A speech therapist can assess and treat a lisp. Articulation therapy shows children where to position the tongue, and uses listening, mirror therapy and home programmes.

Lisps can be caused by a tongue thrust, an immature swallowing pattern or low muscle tone, says Levin. In these cases, a speech therapist could recommend additional treatment, such as oral motor exercises.

With delayed language development, a child’s ability to use language doesn’t develop as it should. While children do develop at their own pace, Levin says there are critical language development milestones that children should meet. This starts from nine to 10 months of age, when children’s babbling sounds should sound like speech. By the age of two, children should be putting together simple sentences, and asking for or telling you things. By Grade 1 children should have a concept of time, space and relationships, pick up words easily and seldom make grammatical errors.

If you suspect there is a problem, or there are other risk factors such as your child was premature or has hearing difficulties, consult a speech therapist. Therapy may range from parents talking to their child more at home, to home programmes and individual or group therapy.

hearing Three out of four children have had at least one ear infection before the age of three.

Symptoms associated with this include pain, fluid leaking from the ear, irritability and difficulty sleeping. Children with a middle-ear infection may suffer from temporary hearing loss, when sounds are muffled. Swimmer’s ear is an infection of the outer-ear structures and is caused by bacteria in the water. It won’t however cause lasting hearing problems.

If the pain from an ear infection is persistent, there is a high fever or fluid leaking from the ear, consult your doctor, paediatrician or an ear, nose and throat specialist (ENT). Treatment may involve a course of antibiotics or, in severe cases, a surgical procedure to insert grommets. Also, have them tested for any hearing loss if ear infections recur, or are severe.

Hearing can also be affected by central auditory processing disorder (CAPD), which refers to the communication between what the ear hears and how the brain interprets the information, says a Joburg-based audiologist. When a child’s auditory processing skills are weak, they may experience “auditory overload”, making communication and learning a challenge. This impacts on their ability to listen, speak, read, write and do certain tasks. They may behave as if they have hearing loss, even though a hearing assessment indicates normal hearing thresholds. They will have difficulty learning songs and rhymes, battle to read, write and spell and may mishear words. The auditory system only fully matures from around eight years of age so one can only then establish an auditory disorder.

An audiologist is the only person who can correctly diagnose your child with CAPD. The audiologist will make a recommendation to possibly use the sensory integrative approach where the individual is guided through activities that challenge their ability to respond appropriately to sensory input by creating an organised response. A CAPD can be improved with treatment from speech therapists, audiologists, educational psychologists, teachers, doctors and parents.

For a list of healthcare practitioners, visit childmag.co.za/resourceshealthcarepractitioners magazine pretoria

books

for toddlers

a good read

for preschoolers

Pretty Pru

By Polly Dunbar (Published by Walker Books, R88) There is a handbag thief on the prowl and Pru is the victim, but who could have taken it? Surely it can’t be her friends? All her beloved make-up is in the green handbag with the red spots; her blusher, mascara, nail varnish and her precious red lipstick. No one is prepared to own up, but it can’t remain a secret for long when her friends are wearing the evidence. Hector suddenly has comical long, black lashes. Tiptoe is blushing pretty in pink. Doodle the crocodile, brags with blood-red toenails. Tumpty, the culprit, shows off a pretty necklace.

The Tilly and Friends series is very popular for little ones from the age of two.

Blue

By Michael Rosen and Michael Foreman

an e pic journ ey

(Published by Walker Books, R183) This is a lyrical story for children from the age of four about a little boy’s life-changing journey through the sky with a magical cat. Raffi’s brother Jake can do everything. He can run fast, jump very high, dance and draw elephants. If only Raffi were good at something too. One evening when Raffi can’t sleep, a magical flying cat called Blue appears and takes him on an adventure through the night sky.

They fly off together into the darkness and as they fly, Blue points at shop signs and streetlamps and they light up. They fly higher and higher, spreading light, until they even light up the stars. The next day, thoughtful little Raffi feels just a little bit different. He is happier after his wonderful dream, and has more confidence.

Morty and the Selfish Elf

By Claudia Eicker-Harris and Juan Carlos Federico

Vumile and the Dragon

By Claerwen Howie, Lisa Strachan and Meg Jordi (Published by Bumble Books, R149) This local gem was voted for Bookchat Awards 2012 Top Ten for most outstanding contribution to South African children’s literature. The idea for the story came from the author’s mom, who didn’t believe in the words “being bored”. She taught Claerwen to open her eyes and look and see. In the book, Katie follows Granny Ada’s cat, Morris, to a hedge. There she finds a chameleon.

This leads to more exploration on the farm.

The drawings are vivid, and each one gives children an opportunity to search for all kinds of creatures. Children as young as three can look for goggas in the pages, while older readers will enjoy reading it themselves. A portion of the proceeds of this book goes towards the Worldwide Fund for Nature in support of rhino conservation.

(Published by Claudia Eicker-Harris, R65) Morty and the Selfish Elf is a tale of friendship, forgiveness and inner beauty. Sometimes it takes an unexpected act of kindness from an unlikely source to make someone realise that true beauty comes from within. This is what happens when Morty, a not-very-mean monster, meets a very pretty, but selfish elf.

By saving her from a dreadful beastie, Morty teaches the elf that all pretty creatures aren’t necessarily good and all ugly ones aren’t bad. The story aims to teach children that in an age where outer beauty has almost become an obsession, it is inner beauty that really matters. The book also has an underlying anti-bullying message. To listen to an audio version of this book and others, visit chatterbooks.co.za

for early graders Alienography 2 – Tips for the Tiny Tyrants

By Chris Riddell (Published by Macmillan Children’s Books, R216) Join Chris Riddell and Colin the alien as they explain their tips for intergalactic domination. Learn how to select a simpering sidekick, how to choose an evil outfit – a good vest is a must – and how to buy the best battle cruiser.

You’ll be a butt-kicking baddie before you can blink.

Magnificently illustrated and hugely funny, with novelty elements including a mini comic, a fold-out cross-section of the “Centennial Turkey” spaceship, and a “Top Chumps” card game, this second book in the series will be just as popular as the first one with children from the age of seven.

magazine pretoria

Raccoon Rampage

By Andrew Cope

have a laug h

(Published by HarperCollins Children’s Books, R88) From the award-winning author of the Spy Dog series comes a wildly funny tale in the Awesome Animals series, starring the wildest of wildlife from leading authors. The Hole-in-the-Tree gang, led by Quickpaw Cassidy and The Sunshine Cub, is the most daring group of raccoons in town. But when these cheeky chancers carry out the biggest, boldest heist of their lives, they push the neighbourhood too far. The heat is on and the gang goes on the run in a wild adventure that ultimately teaches them that there’s no place like home.

April 2013

27

books

for preteens and teens

for us a life guide

Skylark

By Meagan Spooner (Published by Random House Struik, R115) Vis in magia, in vita vi. In magic there is power, and in power life. For 15 years, Lark Ainsley waited for the day when her Resource would be harvested and she would finally be an adult. After the harvest she expected a small role in the regular, orderly operation of the City within the Wall.

She expected to do her part to maintain the refuge for the last survivors of the Wars.

She expected to be a tiny cog in the larger clockwork of the city. Lark did not expect to become the City’s power supply. Her only choice is to escape; to follow the birds into the wilderness beyond. This book, which is perfect for fans of The Hunger Games, offers an electrifying tale of magic, secrecy and survival.

Life Talk for a Daughter and Life Talk for a Son

By Izabella Little-Gates and Patrick Wilson (Published by Random House Struik, R159) These updated guides of this bestselling series are an essential toolkit of lessons for life. Life Talk for a Daughter explores choices and consequences, and offers practical insight into the values of self-respect, personal integrity and a healthy attitude. Its candid and comprehensive advice empowers teenage girls to achieve the most out of life, and provides them with the skills necessary for tackling life’s challenges with grace and humour. In Life Talk for a Son, the author tackles issues such as leadership, staying fit, fitting in, DIY, sex and drugs.

for us s com ic relief

(Published by Quercus, R221) Marie may be “getting on a bit” but it’s certainly not getting her down. She’s working part-time so there are more hours each day to enjoy life. She has her friends and Pouncer, the cat, as well as a darling grandson. And she has Archie to share her bed. She has all this, plus the Daily Rant’s screaming headlines to wake her up in the morning. But, a roller-coaster of a year beckons; a year that contains love and death, and the bizarre decision to take up temporary residence in a tree. Always funny, often touching, this book shows that getting on a bit does not mean giving up, or growing up.

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April 2013

(Published by Mercury, R90) Written by two experts on crime and safety and civic affairs, this is a book about making South Africa safe. It is a unique, interesting and potentially life-changing read for many South Africans. But it is not a step-by-step manual with detailed instructions on how to burglar-proof your house or escape a carjacking. Instead, it is a book with creative suggestions about other ways of thinking for those who no longer wish to consume ready-made solutions. It is a burst of fresh energy for those who prefer to ask different questions and find unexpected answers. It’s a book for the politician, the captain of industry and the ordinary man – and woman – in the street who sees their future in South Africa and South Africa in their future.

Eating for Two

By Annabel Karmel (Published by Random House Struik, R220) Good nutrition is vital during pregnancy, and every expectant mother wants to eat the right things for herself and her baby. This indispensable guide will help you make healthy, delicious meals during your pregnancy and beyond. Here, bestselling writer Annabel Karmel and nutritionist Fiona Hinton guide you through each stage of your pregnancy with meals to suit. The book includes over 90 delicious recipes; tips and advice on optimising your intake of vitamins and minerals; information on which foods to avoid; ideas for countering morning sickness, sleeplessness, anaemia and heartburn; and suggestions for meals to make ahead and freeze ready for when you have your baby.

parenting books geniu

No! I Don’t Need Reading Glasses!

By Virginia Ironside

Where’s the Chicken?

Making South Africa Safe

By John Cartwright and Clifford Shearing

Fantastic Fingers

By Ingrid C. King (Published by Love2Learn&Grow, R250 for book and DVD, R200 for DVD only) This is a unique concept developed by a paediatric occupational therapist. King has worked with children, parents and teachers for over 12 years. The songs and games are suitable for children ages four to six years old and can be adapted for older children with special needs.

The activities focus on developing muscle strength in the trunk, arms and fingers, improving coordination, pencil control and enhancing sensory awareness. Children learn the correct pencil grip through a fun story with finger characters. The songs and games also promote directionality, the ability to follow instructions, and improve rhythm and motor planning.

magazine pretoria

calendar

what’s on in april

You can also access the calendar online at

childmag.co.za

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

Compiled by SIMONE JEFFERY

20 sat

special events

30

FUN for children

30

only for parents

32

bump, baby & tot in tow

33

how to help

33

SPECIAL EVENTS

PHOTOGRAPHS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Jacaranda Day Go kitted out with camping chairs, picnic blankets and baskets to enjoy some of the country’s best music acts on one stage.

FUN FOR CHILDREN

ONLY FOR PARENTS

bump, baby & tot in tow

how to help

Body Worlds and the Cycle of Life Exhibition Change the way you see yourself at the first exhibit of its kind to display real human bodies.

Zumba fitness classes Invigorating, Latin-inspired dance classes combine fast and slow rhythms to tone and sculpt your body.

Clamber Club toddlers These sessions are all about having fun with your little one.

Pampers-Unicef MNT campaign Help donate one MNT vaccine for selected packs of Pampers sold during April and May.

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29

calendar

SPECIAL EVENTS 1 monday Easter fun day Look for chocolate treasure during the Easter egg hunt and enjoy a spellbinding magic act by Gerard the clown. Spiffy the clown is on hand to do face painting and balloon sculpting. Time: 9am–4pm. Venue: Cedar Junction Theme Park, plot 404, Graham Rd, Zwavelpoort. Cost: R20 entry. Contact Elize: 012 811 1183, jicon@absamail.co.za or visit cedarjunction.co.za Train trip to Cullinan Hop on board the train to Cullinan and enjoy visiting the craft shops, museums and old Herbert Baker church in this quaint mining town.

Time: 8:30am. Venue: Hermanstad Station, Van Der Hoff Rd, Pretoria Central.

Cost: R100–R200. Contact: 082 098 6186, sales@friendsoftherail.com or visit friendsoftherail.com

4 thursday ASG Night Rider MTB Series This fun mountain bike night race invites children to compete along 5km and adults along 21km. There is a sandpit, jungle gym and trampoline for the children as well as a bonfire around which you can enjoy food and drinks. Space is limited. For children 5 years and older. Time: 6pm; main race starts at 8pm. Venue: Rosemary Hill, N4 East, exit 18, plot 257, Mooiplaats, Boschkop. Cost: adults R120, children R30.

Contact Karla: karla@asgworld.co.za or visit asgevents.co.za

6 saturday Holi One Colour Festival The Indian Hindu religious festival of colour, music and dance is coming to South Africa.

Dress in white and express your freedom by throwing handfuls of brightly coloured powder into the air and at each other. The powder is completely safe, nontoxic, water soluble and environmentally friendly. Time: 12pm. Venue: Emmarentia Dam, entrance off Thomas Bowler St, Emmarentia, Joburg.

Cost: general admission R190, admission with powder R290. For more info: visit holione.com Margaret Roberts open day Wander among the sleeping fairies in the Fairy Village, de-stress as you walk the sacred mile around the labyrinth or tend to the sand garden, and refuel with a light lunch at The Country Kitchen. You can join Margaret Roberts at 12pm for a lecture on

Mystic Monkeys and Feathers View a private collection of 44 primates as well as a large number of beautiful exotic birds and predators. No bookings required unless you want to play with the chimps.

Time: 9am–4pm, daily. Venue: Mystic Monkeys and Feathers, off the N1 near Bela Bela, Rust de Winter Rd. Cost: adults R100, pensioners R80, children R50 (includes a two- to three-hour tour). Contact Christa: 012 723 0315, blouduiker@mweb.co.za or visit mysticmonkeys.co.za

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April 2013

winter annuals. Time: 8:30am–4pm. Venue: The Margaret Roberts Herbal Centre, R513, Hartbeespoort. Cost: R20 entry per car, R50 per minibus; lecture R100. Contact: 012 504 2121, 071 161 6441 or visit margaretroberts.co.za Royal Drakensberg MTB Challenge Sign up for a weekend in the mountains.

This is for the dedicated cyclist looking for a challenging route along the Grotto Trail, the intermediate rider who wants to tackle the night ride in Putterill Valley and for the novice cyclist who just wants to take in the breathtaking scenery of the Drakensberg and enjoy a swim in the river along the way. There are many more activities to take part in, as well as a supervised entertainment zone for the children. Also 7 April. Time: varies. Venue: The Cavern Drakensberg Resort and Spa, at the end of D119 Rd, Bergville District, KZN. Cost: R50–R150. For more info: visit royal-drakensberg.org.za The Stargazers 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. Enjoy an illustrated talk featuring amazing Hubble Space Telescope images followed by dinner and a laser-guided star tour. Time: 6pm. Venue: meet at the Tumulus Building, Maropeng, Cradle of Humankind. Cost: adults R230, children R145. Contact: 014 577 9000 or visit maropeng.co.za

13 saturday Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Take a tour of this working observatory and learn more about radio astronomy and the Space Geodesy Research currently being conducted there. Bring your own refreshments. Space is limited. Time: 4pm–8pm. Venue: HartRAO, farm 502 JQ Hartebeesthoek, Broedestroom Rd, Krugersdorp. Cost: adults R45, students and pensioners R35, preschool children free. Contact: 012 301 3100, info@hartrao. ac.za or visit hartrao.ac.za Lyttelton Manor Pipe Band gathering Scottish pipe bands from around Gauteng compete in the PBASA Regional Championship. There are market stalls, a beer and tea garden, a massed band display, and a jumping castle for the children. Time: 9am–5pm. Venue: Lyttelton Manor High School, Clifton Ave, Centurion. Cost: adults R20, pensioners and children R10. Contact Dale: 082 906 3938, sapiper@gmail.com or visit pbasa.co.za

New Balance IMPI Challenge

6 sat

This adventurous trail race combines trail running with a military style obstacle course for individuals, or teams of two or 10.

Each event features a 12km track with 17 obstacles. Space is limited.

Also 7 April. Time: from 8:15am.

Venue: Van Gaalen Cheese Farm, Hartbeespoort. Cost: R350; elite (tougher and timed race) R550. For more info: visit impichallenge.co.za

20 saturday Jacaranda Day Go kitted out with camping chairs, picnic blankets and baskets to enjoy some of the country’s best music acts on one stage. These include Elvis Blue, Kurt Darren, Arno Carstens, Bobby and Karlien van Jaarsveld, Die Heuwels Fantasties and many more. The Super 15 rugby matches are screened and there is a dedicated children’s entertainment. Time: gates open 10am, concert starts 11am.

Venue: Supersport Park, Centurion. Cost: adults R150, children R70, family ticket (two adults and two children) R350. Book through Ticketbreak: 012 326 0560 or visit ticketbreak.co.za Wag a Walk Come for a walk with or without your dogs to support the Tshwane SPCA. There is an easy 1,4km route and a slightly more challenging 5km route.

Dry dog food donations welcome. Time: 7am–8:30am. Venue: Smuts House, 23rd St, Irene. Cost: R20 per person, R10 per dog. Contact Korky: 012 803 5219 or visit spcapta.org.za Zoo fun walk Join an early 5km walk around a few of the animal enclosures inside the zoo. Babies in prams are welcome.

Time: registration 6am, race starts 6:30am.

Venue: National Zoological Gardens, 232 Boom St, Pretoria. Cost: adults R40, children R25. Contact Lettie: 012 323 0294, info@ friendsofthezoo.co.za or visit nzg.ac.za

FUN FOR CHILDREN art, culture and science Body Worlds and the Cycle of Life Change the way you see yourself at the first anatomical exhibition of its kind to display real human bodies. The bodies, organs and body slices on display have been preserved through a revolutionary technique called plastination, invented by Dr Gunther

von Hagens in 1977. 20 March–30 June.

Time: 9am–6:30pm, daily. Venue: Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, cnr Miriam Makeba St and President St, Newtown. Cost: adults R140, seniors and students R110, children R90, family ticket (two adults and two children) R400. Contact: 071 547 5558 or visit bodyworlds.co.za Sci-Enza Science Centre You can conduct your own experiments at the various stations, with assistance from volunteers, and wander around the maze of mirrors and camera obscura. Tours can be arranged for groups of five or more. Book in advance. For children 6–18 years old. Time: 8am–4pm.

Venue: Sci-Enza, University of Pretoria, cnr Festival St and Ring Rd, Lynwood. Cost: free for individuals, tours for groups of five or more R15 per person. Contact: 012 420 3767, receptionsci-enza@up.ac.za or visit sci-enza.up.ac.za

classes, talks and workshops Anger with a Capital D Many children struggle to find an outlet for their anger.

This workshop helps children to find healthy alternatives to losing their temper and positive ways of expressing their emotions.

3 April. Time: 10am–3pm. Venue: The Pretoria East Life Studio for Kids, 319 Acornhoek St, Faerie Glen. Cost: R450. Contact Michelle: 079 162 6465, michelledl@equalzeal.com or visit equalzeal.co.za Being my own best friend It is important for young people to realise that if they want to achieve success and respect in life, they need to learn to love who they are. The learning outcomes of this workshop include the realisation of thoughts influencing feelings and actions, identifying strengths and talents, and greater self-awareness.

4 April. Time: 10am–3pm. Venue: The Pretoria East Life Studio for Kids, 319 Acornhoek St, Faerie Glen. Cost: R450. Contact Michelle: 079 162 6465, michelledl@equalzeal.com or visit equalzeal.co.za EZee tutoring system This hour-long tutoring session is aimed at motivating and inspiring children to want to read for pleasure and to learn for fun. Learners are grouped according to their age. For children in Grades 4–11. 17 April. Time: 2pm–5:30pm. Venue: The Pretoria East Life Studio for Kids, 319 Acornhoek St, Faerie Glen. Cost: R1 850 per child. Contact Michelle: 079 162 6465, michelledl@ equalzeal.com or visit equalzeal.co.za Little adventurers Children can explore and learn about firefighters, policemen and trains while they get creative and build with Lego. Booking essential. For children 4–6 years old. 21 March–6 April. Time: 9am–5pm. Venue: Toys Adventures at Irene Village Mall, cnr Nellmapius Dr and Van Ryneveld Dr, Irene. Cost: R55. Contact Margerie or Jaco: 012 662 0818.

Living core values In this workshop, children explore values such as honesty, respect, courage, kindness, love, humility and responsibility. Bookings essential. 13 April. Time: 9:30am–12:30pm. Venue: 422 Trevor Gething St, Faerie Glen.

Cost: R300 per child; R150 per joining sibling or parent. Contact Caryn: 082 602 7689, info@gowiththeflow.co.za or visit gowiththeflow.co.za magazine pretoria

13 April – Lyttelton Manor Pipe Band gathering

Robo adventurers The Lego Mindstorms system introduces students to robotics and programming in a practical way. Bookings essential. For children 9 years and older.

21 March–6 April. Time: 9am–5pm.

Venue: Toy Adventures at Irene Village Mall, cnr Nellmapius Dr and Van Ryneveld Dr, Irene. Cost: R100. Contact Margerie or Jaco: 012 662 0818 Taking the blues out of bullying This empowering workshop emphasises children taking responsibility for who they are, with techniques given for coping with bullying in an assertive manner. 8 April.

Time: 10am–3pm. Venue: The Pretoria East Life Studio for Kids, 319 Acornhoek St, Faerie Glen. Cost: R450. Contact Michelle: 079 162 6465, michelledl@equalzeal.com or visit equalzeal.co.za Zeal for Life This eight-week programme promotes a healthy emotional intelligence (EQ) in children so that they can cope with the demands of the modern world.

Starts 16 April for children 8–17 years old; 18 April for children 3–7 years old. Time: varies. Venue: The Pretoria East Life Studio for Kids, 319 Acornhoek St, Faerie Glen.

Cost: R1 850 per child. Contact Michelle: 079 162 6465, michelledl@equalzeal.com or visit equalzeal.co.za

family outings Cableway to the clouds There are viewpoints with information boards, jungle gyms, an express restaurant and a shop. Picnic hampers can be ordered.

Time: 8:30am–4pm. Venue: Harties Aerial Cableway, plot 3, Melodie, Agricultural Holdings, Hartbeespoort. Cost: adults R140, children under 14 R80. Contact: 072 241 2654, info@hartiescableway. co.za or visit hartiescableway.co.za Hopping for Easter The Menlyn Play Park has been transformed into a Magical Easter Wonderland filled with loads of excitement and entertainment. For children 2–10 years old. 21 March–8 April. Time: 10am–6pm.

Venue: Menlyn Shopping Centre, cnr Atterbury Rd and Lois Ave, Menlo Park.

Cost: R20. Contact: 012 471 0600 or visit menlynpark.co.za The Lost City Maze A recent addition to the myriad of activities at The Lost City is the 2 420-metre-squared maze constructed from artificial rock, stone and wood and connected to the Entertainment Centre with a 100-metre-long suspension bridge.

Time: 9am–10pm, daily. Venue: Sun City Resort, North West. Cost: entry: R50 per person; Valley of Waves: adults R120, children R70. Contact: 014 577 1000 or visit suninternational.com magazine pretoria

finding nature and outdoor play Water Cascades at Blue Feather A water park with splash pools, water jets and sprays, and jungle gyms. Time: 9am–5pm, Saturday–Sunday; daily during the school holidays. Venue: 5 George Rd, Glen Austin A.H., Midrand. Cost: R25 entry. Contact: 011 314 5410 or ursula@ bluefeather.co.za

holiday programmes Holiday craft camp Get creative during a four-day camp and learn to make beaded jewellery and decorations, macramé bracelets and mosaic a wooden shape. For children 6–14 years old. 2–5 April. Time: 9:30am–11am. Venue: Bead Some More, Waterglen Shopping Centre, 402 Mendelsohn St, Waterkloof Glen.

Cost: R650 for all four days (materials included). Contact Makkie: 012 998 8577 or beadsomemore@gmail.com Kidscape Adventure Camps Get your children to leave their cellphones, video games and television remotes at home as they head outdoors for five days of adventure. They can take part in archery, target shooting, abseiling, paint ball, brave-a-king swing and loads more. Space is limited. For children from Grade 1–8.

28 March–1 April. Time: departs 8am, returns at 5pm on Monday. Venue: meet at Delta Park Environmental Centre, Victory Park in Joburg to leave for Camp Nelu, Hekpoort, Magaliesburg. Cost: R1 300, all inclusive. Contact Graeme: 083 457 7848, graeme@kidscapeadventures.com or visit kidscapeadventures.com Soul Space Art Club Drop the children off for a morning of creative fun. They paint a picture, bake a cake, create their own puppets and put on a show; all in one morning. Booking essential. 21 March– 4 May. Time: 9:30am–12:30pm. Venue: Soul Space, 78 Murray St, Brooklyn. Cost: R300. Contact Caryn: 074 118 9184 or visit mysoulspace.co.za

markets Farmer’s Market A monthly market that offers unique home-made items, fresh produce, children’s toys and more.

6 April. Time: 8am–2pm, demonstrations from 9am. Venue: Voortrekker Monument, Eeufees Rd, Groenkloof. Cost: R10 per car.

Contact: 012 323 9201, info@plaasmark. org or visit plaasmark.org Hazel Food Market A convenient, authentic food market that tempts your palate with the likes of LêKa Bêk cheese spreads, Minkie’s cupcakes, April 2013

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calendar pomegranate dressing from the Elbows Up Deli and a selection of freshly baked muffins from the Baker Boys. Time: 8am–2pm, every Saturday. Venue: Greenlyn Village Centre, cnr Mackenzie St and 13th St, Menlo Park. Cost: free entry. Contact: 083 554 5636, info@hazelfoodmarket.co.za or visit hazelfoodmarket.co.za Irene Village Market Take a stroll through the Irene Village Market with more than 300 South African handcraft stalls, a separate deli and an antique section. There are lots of activities for the children. 13 and 27 April. Time: 9am–2pm. Venue: Smuts House Museum, Jan Smuts Ave, Irene.

Cost: free entry. Contact: irenemkt@mweb. co.za or visit irenemarket.co.za Klip Klap Market This market focuses on art and antiques. Visitors can also find interesting books, jewellery and much more. 21 April. Time: 9am–3pm. Venue: 78A Leander St, Olympus, Pretoria East.

Cost: free entry. Contact Chris: 082 755 0586 or visit klipklap.co.za Pretoria Boeremark Stallholders come from as far as Tzaneen to bring you their fresh produce, traditional foods and handmade products. Time: 5:30am–9:30am, every Saturday. Venue: Keuning Rd, off Pretoria St, La Concorde. Cost: free entry.

Contact: 082 416 3900, ptaboeremark@ tlu.co.za or visit pretoriaboeremark.co.za

on stage and screen House of Anubis This series follows a group of students who uncover and solve hidden mysteries at an English boarding school, while dealing with the highs and lows of their teenage years. From 1 April.

Time: 2:40pm, every Monday–Thursday, on Nickelodeon, channel 305 on DStv. For more info: visit dstv.com PYT’s Aladdin When Uncle Abanazar appears on Widow Twankey’s doorstep to offer Aladdin a job, she smells a rat and decides to tag along and what an adventure she ends up having. The Pretoria Youth Theatre fills the stage with eccentric characters, colourful costumes and catchy tunes. Shows take place twice a day. Booking essential. 2–14 April. Time: 10am and 3pm, daily; 7pm, Friday and Saturdays. Venue: Irene Village Theatre, 1 Pioneer Rd, Irene.

Cost: R65–R95. Contact: 084 804 0490, tshwaneyouththeatre@gmail.com or visit facebook.com/pytheatre The Amazing World of Gumball There are brand new episodes featuring the quirky Watterson family and their fearless blue cat, Gumball. The series combines

29 March – The Croods

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live action with 2D and 3D animation.

From 1 April. Time: 5:50pm, Monday– Friday; repeats at 7:25am, Monday–Friday; 10:25am and 3pm, Saturday and Sunday; on Cartoon Network, channel 301 on DStv. For more info: visit cartoonnetwork.com The Croods This is a 3D comedy adventure that takes place during the Croodacious Era, an epoch when Mother Nature was still heavy into experimentation, resulting in a planet filled with extraordinarily bizarre flora and fauna. Premiere 29 March. Time: varies. Venue: at cinemas nationwide. Cost: varies per cinema. Contact: 0861 246 362 or visit numetro.co.za

playtime and story time Reading hour Have fun listening to a story and then take part in a fun craft activity. Bookings essential. For children 2–4 years old. Time: 10am–11am, every Wednesday. Venue: Soul Space, 78 Murray St, Brooklyn. Cost: R400 per month.

Contact Caryn: 074 118 9184 or visit mysoulspace.co.za

sport and physical activities Can you Survive or Race? Take part in your own reality show and challenge your friends to see who is the ultimate Survivor or Amazing Race contestant. Swimming pools and braai facilities are available.

Bookings essential. For children from 6 years old. Time: 9am, 12pm and 3pm slots, every Saturday and Sunday. Venue: Pelindaba, Hartbeesport Dam. Cost: adults R220, children R165. Contact Debbie: 082 895 2513, admin@surviveorrace.co.za or visit surviveorrace.co.za Hip-hop classes Stay in shape, have fun and improve your fitness levels while taking part in a hip-hop dance class. For children from 3 years old. Time: 3pm–3:45pm, every Tuesday. Venue: Zest in Motion, 526 Opstal St, The Willows.

Cost: R80 per class. Contact: 082 063 6857, info@zestinmotion.co.za or visit zestinmotion.co.za KayT-Pop dance classes These dance classes combine modern, contemporary and hip-hop dance and work at developing your child’s muscle tone, coordination skills, rhythm and flexibility. Boys are welcome.

For children 5–14 years old. Time: children 5–9 years old, 2:15pm; 10–14 year olds, 3:15pm; Monday–Thursday. Venue: Willows Methodist Church, Meerlust St, Equestria. Cost: one class a week, R250 per month; two classes a week, R360 per month. Contact Kaity: 083 591 4888, info@kayt-pop.co.za or visit kayt-pop.co.za

Zumba fitness classes Invigorating, Latin-inspired dance classes combine fast and slow rhythms to tone and sculpt your body. Time: 6pm–7pm, every Thursday. Venue: Presley’s, 14 Lynnwood Rd, Pretoria. Cost: R75 per class, R300 per month for 4 classes. Contact Annarie: 078 569 3028, annarie.fitness@gmail.com or visit annariebrits.zumba.com

Yoga for kids Children learn yoga in a fun way through games, songs and dance.

They also learn to regulate their bodies, emotions and thoughts. For children 3 years old and older. Time: 3pm–3:45pm, every Friday. Venue: Zest in Motion, 526 Opstal St, The Willows. Cost: R80 per class. Contact Gunnhilde: 072 975 9773, info@zestinmotion.co.za or visit zestinmotion.co.za

only for parents classes, talks and workshops Body Talk access course This is an energy based technique that aids in health maintenance and the management of health challenges in everyday life. It is specifically designed to balance brain function and is especially beneficial for children who suffer from ADD or ADHD. Booking essential. 13 April. Time: 9am–5pm. Venue: Soul Space, 78 Murray St, Brooklyn. Cost: R1 400 (includes tea and lunch). Contact Caryn: 074 118 9184 or visit bodytalksystem.com Sonic meditation group The course uses a self-exploratory approach. The meditation is enriched with live sounds and musical performances created with Himalayan and quartz crystal singing bowls, drums, bells, chimes and voice for deep relaxation and the release of energy blockages. Booking required. 7 April. Time: 9:30am–11:30am.

Venue: South African Centre for Sound Therapy, Meerhof, Hartbeespoort Dam. Cost: R150. Contact Wilna: 071 682 2548, wilna@soundtherapy.co.za or visit soundtherapy.co.za Tiny Handz intermediate workshop This half-day workshop over two days, covers baby sign language. It builds on what you have learnt in workshop one and two, covering verbs, adverbs, determiners, prepositions and lots more. Booking essential. 22 and 23 April. Time: 8am.

Venue: Unica School, Cecilia Rd, Ashlea Gardens. Cost: professionals R830, nonprofessionals R800. Contact Monita: 082 218 7339, contact@tinyhandz.co.za or visit tinyhandz.co.za

on stage and screen All the Right Notes See Grammy nominated American smooth jazz saxophonist and songwriter Kirk Whalum perform on the Opera Theatre stage.

2 and 3 April. Time: 8pm. Venue: The South African State Theatre, 301 Church St, Pretoria Central. Cost: R340–R400.

Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com Little One premiere A moving story of a six-year-old girl named Vuyelwa who is left for dead in a field near a township in Joburg after being raped and badly beaten. Vuyelwa is found by Pauline who, after saving her life, decides to kidnap her from the hospital and take her home where she looks after her as her own.

Premieres 26 April. Time: varies. Venue: at cinemas nationwide. Cost: varies. For more info: visit numetro.co.za or sterkinekor.com Stokoud en Splinternuut Catch David Kramer as he performs new and much-loved old songs with his guitar and harmonica.

David is celebrating his fifth decade as an artist, having started out in folk clubs in Stellenbosch and Cape Town in the 1970s. 12–14 April. Time: 8pm, Friday and Saturday; 4pm, Sunday. Venue: Atterbury Theatre, 4 Daventry St, Lynnwood. Cost: R150–R180. Contact: 012 471 1700 or visit atterburytheatre.co.za Strumming the Blues The young, talented Dan Patlansky performs his eclectic sounds of blues tracks from his latest album, 20 Stones, as well as a few old favourites. For teenagers 16 years and older. 13 April.

Time: 8pm. Venue: Centurion Theatre, 123 Amcor Rd, Lyttelton Manor. Cost: R130. Contact: 012 664 7859 or visit centurionteater.co.za The Drifters The Diamond Dynasty World Tour celebrates the 60th anniversary of The Drifters. The concert features their greatest hits like Under the Boardwalk, Up on the Roof and Save the Last Dance for Me, as well as new material from their 2009 and 2011 albums. 12 April. Time: 8pm.

Venue: Aula Theatre, University of Pretoria, Lynnwood Rd. Cost: R275–R650. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com magazine pretoria

Vintage film – Easter Parade In this classic 1948 film, Hannah Brown (Judy Garland) is Don Hewes’s (Fred Astaire) new dance partner and soon to become the star of the Easter Parade. 4 April. Time: 9:30am.

Venue: Brooklyn Theatre, Greenlyn Village Centre, cnr Thomas Edison Rd and 13th St, Menlo Park. Cost: R50. Contact: 012 460 6033 or visit brooklyntheatre.co.za Wiener Blut This art-deco production with its authentic Viennese approach highlights some of Johann Strauss’s most renowned waltzes and polkas. 12–24 April. Time: 8pm, Wednesday and Friday; 3pm, Sunday.

Venue: Brooklyn Theatre, Greenlyn Village Centre, cnr Thomas Edison Rd and 13th St, Menlo Park. Cost: R160–R250. Contact: 012 460 6033, info@brooklyntheatre.co.za or visit brooklyntheatre.co.za

out and about Bryton Cradle View Run Tackle a technical trail run and traverse the wide variety of surfaces that meander along the Blaauwbank River and up the rocky back of the Zwartkops Mountain. 21 April. Time: 7am. Venue: Glenburn Lodge, off the R374 Cradle of Humankind. Cost: 13km, R100; 5km run/walk, R67. Contact Kris: 083 653 4367 or visit enteronline.co.za Walk among our ancestors Observe an active palaeontological dig, guided by scientist Morris Sutton. Swartkrans has yielded the largest sample of paranthropus robustus, and the discovery of the earliest evidence of the use of controlled fire in Southern Africa, which dates back one million years. A light picnic lunch is served.

Bookings essential. 20 April. Time: 9am.

Venue: Sterkfontein Caves, Sterkfontein Caves Rd off the R563, Sterkfontein. Cost: R375. Contact: 014 577 9000 or visit maropeng.co.za

support groups Association for Autism support group Support and guidance to parents of children with autism, support for adults with autism, and useful information and resources. Next meeting 20 April. Time: 9am–11am. Venue: 546 Douglas Scholtz St, Constantia Park. Cost: free. Contact Winnie: 012 993 4628 or visit afa.org.za Single parents support group A social club for single parents and their children that meets and takes part in various activities once a month. 27 April. Time: 1pm. Venue: varies. Cost: free membership.

Contact Jean-Marie: 076 054 5510 or visit soloparenting.weebly.com

playtime and story time Playtime at Villa San Giovanni Children can have fun in the outdoor play area with its jungle gym, jumping castle, swings and a sandpit, while you nibble on delicious pizza. Time: 7am–9:30pm, Monday– Thursday; 7am–10pm, Friday; 8am–10pm, Saturday; 8am–5pm, Sunday. Venue: Villa San Giovanni, Wonderboom Airport, main terminal building. Cost: varies. Contact: 012 543 0501, info@vsg.co.za or visit vsg.co.za

support groups Down’s syndrome support For families with Down’s syndrome children. Contact: 012 664 8871 or 0861 369 672 Famsa Pretoria Provides assistance to families and individuals who need counselling. Contact: 012 460 0733/8, famsa@absamail.co.za or visit famsa.org.za Hi Hopes Provides home-based support for families with deaf or hard-of-hearing infants. Contact: 011 717 3750, info@ hihopes.co.za or visit hihopes.co.za

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

childmag.co.za/resources/birthday-parties

how to help House-a-Hound project Barking Mad and Dogtown SA are pro-life organisations that believe in rehabilitating and re-homing abused, neglected and abandoned dogs and puppies. They are asking for a sponsor for a kennel. Cost: R350 per month. Contact Elanza: 076 044 1979, info@barkingmad. co.za or visit barkingmad.co.za Pampers-Unicef MNT campaign In April and May, Pampers will donate the cost of one life-saving maternal and neonatal tetanus (MNT) vaccine to Unicef for every marked pack of Pampers sold.

Pampers will also donate one vaccine for every additional Facebook fan gained. For more info: visit facebook.com/PampersSA The Rozy-Pink bracelet initiative This campaign honours the many women who are fighting cancer. The funds raised go towards cancer awareness and to charities helping women who are dealing with the effects of therapy. Cost: R30 per bracelet.

To buy a bracelet contact Leora: leora@ lulubags.co.za

The Rozy-Pink bracelet initiative

bump, baby & Tot in tow

classes, talks and workshops

don’t miss out!

Clamber Club toddler Get an introduction to the Clamber Club programme while having fun with your little one. The programme focuses primarily on perceptual motor skills like body awareness, spatial skills, eye-hand and eyefoot coordination, and motor planning.

For children 1–3 years old. Time: varies.

Venue: 74 Amsterdam Rd, Clubview. Cost: free introduction. Contact Anzha: 082 903 7746 or visit clamberclub.com

For a free listing, email your event to pretoria@childmag. co.za or fax it to 011 234 4971.

Information must be received by 5 April for the May 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

magazine pretoria

April 2013

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finishing touch

singing their praises Children need plenty of affirmation and encouragement, and

w

Erin, Anél and Conor

e were enjoying the tranquillity of dusk recently – and I use that phrase with a definite hint of irony, as tranquillity does not really exist in a house with two young children – when we heard an unfamiliar sound. It was faint at first, but soon we could make out “Jingle bells, jingle bells… all day long.” It was Erin, singing loudly to herself as she picked flowers in the garden. She may be a few months late with the festive cheer, but her heart is clearly filled with song, which makes mine full as well. A singing child is a happy child, I think.

I should be honest here, however, and admit that she is quite tuneless. Her rendition of a popular Christmas carol, combined with “The wheels on the bus” is never going to be a chart topper and I don’t think there is much chance of her begging me to allow her to join the thousands of hopefuls when they start auditions for Idols 2027.

But there’s no way we would ever tell her that. Instead we applauded her choral skills, much to her delight. It got me thinking about how important our actions and affirmations are for her, and her brother, already at this young stage.

Erin loves playing with my make-up.

The first time she emerged from the bathroom, looking like something from the eighties band Twisted Sister, with blue eye shadow smeared on her cheeks, Craig almost had an apoplexy. But before he could admonish her for the face paint,

I signalled to him that this was not the time for reproach. She was proud of her handiwork, and I could see that she just wanted him to acknowledge that she looked pretty.

I’m sure in a few years’ time her cosmetic antics will be less well-received, but for now, it’s about letting her explore her self-image in a healthy way.

Our children learn most from what we do, and not what we say, so I am mindful of my approach to my own body image. I avoid saying things like, “I look fat in this”, or “this makes me look ugly”. Instead, I hold onto the compliments I get from Erin, who will tell me if she thinks a certain pair of shoes are “nice”, or if she particularly likes a necklace.

Conor, at almost 11 months, is (thankfully) not playing with my make-up, but he is super-aware of what his father is doing. I notice how he observes Craig’s

every movement, and how he mimics certain actions. He will tinker for ages with some blocks to figure out if they fit together, much like his dad doing DIY. He also looks to his big sister for affirmation and, alas, also for inspiration.

A few days after Erin’s impromptu garden concert, we heard what sounded like an ambulance siren that was running low on battery power. It was Conor, emulating his sister’s singing, and it was just as bad. As with Erin, we made sure to praise his efforts, but we are clearly going to have to gently encourage him to work on his other talents as well.

Anél Lewis is Child magazine’s features editor. She’s bought her son a rugby ball, in the hope that he will swap singing for scrumming. Erin, however, is now hard at work tweaking her latest musical offering: “Happy birthday… all day long”.

Follow Anél on Twitter: @ChildMagParent

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April 2013

magazine pretoria

PHOTOGRAPH: STEPHANIE VELDMAN

sometimes, a nudge in another direction, says ANÉL LEWIS.