Child Magazine | Pretoria June 2012

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

keep up the good work ensuring your child’s mind is stimulated during the holiday

a season or a lifetime why all your child’s friendships have their place

www.childmag.co.za

June 2012

free

health

it’s time for mom and dad

13

ways to reconnect with your partner

parenting education

entertainment

Are you a New Age parent?

At Sunday lunch, my mom and aunt, both in their late seventies, referred to their children (I was the only one present), as “these New Age parents”. I was surprised. Firstly, it’s an old, rather hackneyed term and, secondly, what does it really mean nowadays anyway? They carried on chatting and as they hadn’t seen each other for months, I didn’t interrupt.

Perhaps what the wise sisters were really referring to is the evolving and seemingly more challenging role parents are being asked to play, in what really is a new age. With the official unemployment figure at 25 percent, and the unofficial one galloping beyond 40 percent, we certainly need a new plan of action: how do we raise happy, healthy, environmentally friendly, really employable children, who are not completely stressed out? I often feel overwhelmed as I watch my children grow up, constantly stressing about school and sport. But when I actually sit back and look at their lives, I see a huge, ever-present safety net – their circle of friends. On page 16 we look at your child and the role their friends play in their lives. These friendships can give them what they really need to get where they are going: the fun and games, the love and the laughter, the shoulder to cry on and, so often, the confidence to conquer. While we strive to do all we can to love and protect our children, it may very well be their friends who carry them where we can’t. So let’s encourage childhood friendships and do what we can to help them grow.

Wishing all dads a happy Father’s Day on 17 June.

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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 • pretoria@childmag.co.za

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June 2012

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contents

June 2012

16

upfront 3

a note from lisa

6 over to you

readers respond

7

reader’s blog

Duster Moyo explains why he went on a techno diet

features

regulars

16 helping friendships grow

8 wins

lynis Horning explores the G importance of friends in your child’s life

20 keep them learning

Sameerah Karolia suggests ways to keep children mentally stimulated over the holidays

11 upfront with paul

the more time children spend outdoors, the happier they are, says Paul Kerton 12 best for baby – special delivery

Donna Cobban looks at the birthing options for your second or third baby

14 dealing with difference

Asperger’s syndrome is an autism spectrum disorder, but how do we identify it? Lisa Lazarus finds out

24 resource – romance me

20

it’s time to reconnect with your partner. Compiled by Simone Jeffery

22 warm the soul

celebrity chef Jenny Morris shares recipes for Father’s Day from her book Cooking with Jenny Morris

24

health 10 all systems down

27 a good read

does your child suffer from

recurring infections? It might

be primary immunodeficiency disease. Ruwaydah Lillah explains

new books for the whole family

28 what’s on in june 34 finishing touch

moving house is not for the faint hearted, but Anél Lewis has done it twice, and while heavily pregnant

14

classified ads 33 let’s party 34 family marketplace

this month’s cover images are supplied by:

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June 2012

Joburg

Cape Town

Durban

Pretoria

shutterstock.com

shutterstock.com

shutterstock.com

shutterstock.com

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June 2012

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letters

over to you pretoria on the map I was exposed to Child magazine in Cape Town a year or two ago and was very impressed when you started distributing in Pretoria as well. Keep up the excellent work.

Ilse Botha

holidays without the children I’m a mother with two boys, am married and have a full-time job. I too have holidayed alone – for my mother’s 60th birthday. Although I missed my family terribly, it was an amazing trip to Vietnam and Cambodia. There are so many dimensions to being a woman, and I believe we owe it to ourselves to have a break and some time-out from everything. Not only do you appreciate your family more when you return home, but your family appreciates you more.

Anonymous

safety of playgrounds I would like to appeal to all who offer play facilities to ensure that safety checks are done on a regular basis and that the play equipment and surrounding areas are safe.

I often see moms sitting and chatting with friends while children as young as 18 months are left unattended to climb and explore playground equipment that is not suitable for their age group. Should one of these children fall they might be left with a brain injury or broken limbs.

I acknowledge that children need to explore their surroundings, but it should be in a controlled, safe environment, which has age-appropriate equipment. In most establishments I have noticed that there are no padded safety mats and should the child fall it is either onto hard soil or concrete. I would also appeal to them to ensure that there are no strangulation hazards.

Concerned mom

more on ADHD medication My child was diagnosed with ADHD and, after a consultation with a psychologist and psychiatrist, went on Ritalin a year ago, which made her “head clearer”, helped her to cope, and improved her level of confidence, school enjoyment and general happiness. We recently started weaning her off the medicine at the psychiatrist’s suggestion, and she is still getting 10 percent more on average for her exams, is a happy and confident child and the school admits they see a huge improvement.

We are also able to control her ADHD with the right food and self-discipline.

Each child is different and we should not judge nor set a standard rule. Parents should do their research and find a solution that works for their child.

Nikki I am a teacher and it really upsets me when people state that we (teachers) immediately push parents to put their children on Ritalin without giving them other options. In the years that I have been teaching, I have

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June 2012

taught quite a few children that in my opinion as a teacher have had ADD/ADHD. In all of these cases I have called the parents in and we have discussed our options. Teachers cannot diagnose ADHD. The only thing that we can do is recommend that parents get their children assessed by an educational psychologist.

Teachers are also not legally allowed to prescribe medication. I don’t agree that Ritalin is the only choice. I always suggest that parents change their children’s diets, increase their exercise and limit their TV time. I encourage them to visit their GP who can help them with alternatives and if this fails, I suggest they look at medication. I have seen success with low doses of Ritalin given during school time and it made a huge difference to those children, but it is not for everyone. People sometimes don’t understand that teachers have 30-plus children to educate and the other children have problems too. We try our best with the resources we have and I always put the needs of the children in my class first.

Anonymous

where’s Benoni?

I am a soccer mom of two boisterous boys. My day consists of food, soccer, cricket, tennis, running, more food and more soccer, so when I get your magazine from the boys’ school, I relish the thought of a nice cuppa tea, feet up and a page through one of the top magazines. But then it struck me: 52 866 copies are distributed in Joburg and I am straight out of Benoni, dolled to the nines with my side pony, and I must say I would love to see, hear and read more about Benoni and the far East Rand. Here is my challenge to you: I’m a passionate, compassionate mother of two amazing boys who are made of snakes, snails and puppy dog tails, and would love a page in your magazine dedicated to all the faithful readers on the far East Rand. I need party venues, places to eat with the children, “what’s on”, and any inspirational ideas for all the thousands of moms here.

Pleading mom from Benoni, Clare Childmag says... Look out for our calendar in July. We’ll run a selection of the “very best of Benoni” for all our faithful readers on the East Rand.

the worldwide club I was trying to get my one-year-old daughter to sleep.

She was teething and she complained the whole day.

It was her third or fourth day with the same level of discomfort. Even when sleeping, she complained. I was exhausted. At some point I was rocking her on the balcony. It was hot and the fresh air helped to relax her.

I was so tired. My arms, back and knees were in pain from so many hours with her in my arms without a minute of silence, trying to do everything with a single hand. I felt helpless and frustrated. What else could I do?

Then I thought: how many other women are at this moment doing exactly what I’m doing? Millions of mothers must be in the same position as me. I wasn’t alone. I felt so much better. Like lights shining together all over the world, we are connected by the fact that we belong to the largest and oldest club in the world.

Thanks to all the mothers for being moms.

Nuria Vidal Galiano

from our website Comments on the article “overcoming the challenges of bed-wetting” My son is almost eight and a bed-wetter. I have tried tablets that produce the “antidiuretic hormone” and the bedwetting alarm, but nothing worked. After 6pm in the evening my son is not allowed any fluids and he still sometimes wets his bed. Are there any solutions? – Anonymous In my experience as a therapist, children who bed-wet are experiencing some form of emotional stress. If one can pinpoint what this is and help a child to acknowledge what they are feeling and support them with love, understanding and care, the bed-wetting will stop almost immediately.

Craniosacral therapy is also very helpful for children with bed-wetting woes. – Sam As a child who wet his bed until almost the age of 13, due to various levels of anxiety, I can say that it will pass. – Anonymous And more...

Is there a way to find out about open days at schools? – Wendy Childmag says... See our online and magazine “what’s on” sections for open days.

I am a Grade R teacher and Gran, and would like to know how we go about getting your magazine circulated at our primary school? – Linda Kok Childmag says... For subscriptions to the magazine or to be added to our distribution waiting list, you can contact Helen Xavier via email at subs@childmag.co.za

erratum Under Party Planners in the May 2012 Party Guide, we mistakenly printed Kiddabella’s email address as candice@kiddabella.com. It should be candice@kiddabella.co.za. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

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

write to us Let us know what’s on your mind. Send your letters or comments to: marina@childmag.

You can also post a comment online at

childmag.co.za

co.za or PO Box 12002, Mill Street, 8010. 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.

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blog

a digital diet Techno-dependent father DUSTER MOYO and his daughter learn how to drop their virtual weight and reclaim their relationship.

PHOTOGRAPH: shutterstock.com

m

y eight-year-old daughter suffers from night terrors and will see imaginary vampires when I walk into her room to close the curtains. When I recently walked into her room to console her while she was having one of her nightmares, she yelled, “Dad, switch off your Blackberry!”

That was a turning point for me; making me realise that technology has taken over our lives. Our children text, email and tweet as if they are training for the Olympics, and they must improve their speed daily to make the grade.

Yet despite our virtual and boundless digital connections with people, many of us feel overwhelmed and isolated, unsure of how to interact normally with our children.

We blame Xboxes, PlayStations, smartphones, tablet computers and laptops for stealing us away from our children, things we love and people in general, but we are really our own worst enemies. Do a quick census

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of your digital life with the following questions: 1) Do you allow your child to parry questions about her school maths project while she fiddles on her smartphone? 2) Do you find yourself checking your LinkedIn profile or reading documents on Google while your daughter complains about her violin lessons? 3) Do you or your children feel that something has only really happened once they have shared it with their peers on MXit? and 4) Does your child get restless if his data airtime is up and he can’t go online?

If you answered yes to any of these, then you are not alone.

I too have lost contact with my children and people around me. We no longer have anything meaningful to say to each other when we are offline and in each other’s presence. So I sought the help of a psychologist to reclaim my relationship with my daughter. She drew up a three-step digital diet, starting with a detox. My daughter had to spend three days of the week without her laptop or smartphone, to rediscover herself, and her relationship with me.

Then my daughter’s “virtual weight index” was calculated using a formula that measures how much she is weighed down by her use of gadgets and social networks to communicate. She was told that unless she

cut down on her use of technology, she would suffer from “digital obesity”. Our psychologist also showed us techniques beyond the hazy social networks that we can use to improve our relationship.

I set up dates and timetables of when she could be online to answer friends’ tweets, reply to emails or search for information. This showed her that technology should be an aid and not an obsession. I encouraged her to re-establish friendships by walking to friends’ houses instead of just “liking” their Facebook profiles. For the first time in a while, she is rediscovering the art of conversation.

With technology absent from the dinner table, she no longer almost loses her head in the salad bowl when she battles a cheating player in an online game. The digital diet has given us a healthy approach to technology, and improved our father-daughter relationship.

Moyo is a scriptwriter and a proud father of one.

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

June 2012

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wins

giveaways in june vintage fashion

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June 2012

PHOTOGRAPH: KIDZ2000 – STICKY FUDGE

Sticky Fudge is a place where childhood never goes out of fashion. Timeless cotton garments turn back the clock to when sticky hands were part of the fun. Clothes are specifically designed to be combined with each other and there are various ranges to choose from, allowing you to create a unique, layered wardrobe for your child. Sizes are available from newborn to four years at selected and exclusive stockists. This winter, spoil dad with the limited Sticky Fudge Dad and Me Designer Sweatshirt Combo, available in four colours, five adult sizes and children’s sizes up to age seven. Contact: info@sticky-fudge.com or visit sticky-fudge. com or facebook.com/StickyFudgeClothing Four readers stand a chance to each win a Sticky Fudge winter wardrobe to the value of R2 500. Simply enter via childmag. co.za/wins-pta and use the code “Sticky Fudge PTA”. Your details will be made available to Sticky Fudge.

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say goodbye to winter colds

fun and games

SupaChewz is a new children’s multivitamin that delivers high quality nutrients for growing minds and bodies and helps boost the immune system.

The strawberry chew tablet contains 12 vitamins and 12mg elemental of chelated zinc, with no aspartame, artificial sweeteners, sugar, gluten, lactose or colourants. Contact: info@arctichealth. co.za or visit arctichealth.co.za Twenty-five readers stand a chance to each win a month’s supply of SupaChewz valued at R80,95. Simply enter via childmag.co.za/wins-pta and use the code “SupaChewz PTA”. Your details will be made available to Arctic Health.

Polly Potter’s Toy Store is an upmarket shop specialising in educational wooden toys, from dollhouses and castles to children’s kitchens. Parents can find Melissa and Doug toys and the exclusive KidKraft range. The Pretoria branch is at Southdown’s Shopping Centre, Centurion.

Contact: 012 665 4485 or visit pollypotterstoystore.co.za One reader stands a chance to win a KidKraft Submarine or Dollhouse, plus a R500 voucher, all valued at R2 000. Simply enter via childmag. co.za/wins-pta and use the code “Polly Potters PTA”. Your details will be made available to Polly Potters.

to enter simply visit childmag.co.za

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

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June 2012

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health

all systems down Does your “sickly child” suffer from recurring infections and illnesses? He may have a primary immunodeficiency

what is PID? When a part of the immune system is missing, or does not work properly, the

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June 2012

body can’t get rid of germs or protect itself from new germs. This means that sufferers are more vulnerable to infections and struggle to shake off even the slightest germ. PID sufferers may experience autoimmune problems, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s organs and tissues instead of germs and other disease-causing agents.

Most primary immunodeficiencies are genetic disorders and there are over 150 types, many of which go undiagnosed.

They vary in severity, with some being so mild that they may go unnoticed for years.

More severe cases will usually be picked up soon after birth.

what are the symptoms?

Dr Monika Esser, Head of National Health Laboratory Systems at Tygerberg Hospital and the Immunology Unit at Stellenbosch University, cautions parents not to panic and put every sniffle down to PID. To find

out if your child is at risk, she recommends you use the “spur” indicator, an acronym for severe, persistent, unexplained and recurrent infections, while also being aware of 10 warning signs. “Concerned parents should consult a doctor or clinic nurse,” advises Esser.

Your child may be at risk if she has: • eight or more ear infections a year; • two or more serious sinus infections a year; • spent two or more months ineffectively on antibiotics; • two or more bouts of pneumonia per year; • recurrent deep skin or organ abscesses; • persistent mouth or skin thrush after the age of seven; • n eeded intravenous antibiotics to clear infections; • two or more deep-seated infections, such as meningitis, sepsis, cellulitis, or osteomyelitis; and • a family history of PID.

Stunted growth in infants may also be a warning sign.

is there a cure?

Certain forms of severe combined immune deficiency and an increasing number of PIDs, even chronic granulomatous disease, can be cured by a successful bone marrow or a cord blood transplant, says Esser.

“An early diagnosis is important, before irreversible organ damage occurs.” She adds that gene therapy holds some promise for curing PIDs, although the later onset of cancers is a problem. More common antibody deficiencies are usually treatable with immunoglobulin, antibiotics and vaccinations.

where to get help PiNSA has a national helpline exclusively for PID patients. Contact Joy Rosario: 082 365 4663, pinsahelp@mweb.co.za or visit pinsa.org.za

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PHOTOGRAPH: shutterstock.com

w

hen a recurrent chest infection refused to yield to an aggressive dose of antibiotics and nebuliser treatments, Pietermaritzburg nurse Cally Coldbeck realised something was wrong with her usually vivacious daughter, Megan.

Days before the infection, Megan was a normal nine-year-old, climbing trees and playing with the animals on a friend’s farm in the Drakensberg. But a seemingly harmless infection quickly turned her into a shadow of her former bubbly self. “Her weight dropped and she slept all day without getting any better. We watched this energetic “firefly” waste away in front of our eyes.” After a series of tests, Meg, now 13, was diagnosed with a primary immunodeficiency disease (PID).

disease, says RUWAYDAH LILLAH.

upfront with paul

get out there If you want to teach your children well, start spending more of your weekend outdoors – they’ll be happier for it, and so will you, says PAUL KERTON.

PHOTOGRAPH: MARIETTE BARKHUIZEN

i

grew up in Ilkley, a lovely, safe Yorkshire town, which had a dangerously fastflowing river surrounded by craggy hills, gushing streams and giant rocks. I climbed trees to the very top – often with some very hairy moments getting down, I clambered up and over rocks and I’d take my bike with the thickest tyres over the roughest forest trails, years before they invented mountain bikes. We’d sail down river in car tyres, being careful to negotiate the killer rapids, and we’d play football in the park for days.

In winter I went ice-skating on the small frozen lake, sometimes falling through the thinner ice, and when it snowed I took my toboggan and challenged my friends to the steepest, longest, most dangerous slopes. There were no cellphones or computer games, no Facebook and not much on TV, but I was happy and roamed free.

Nobody – not parents, teachers, social workers or the police, bothered me and nobody said the word “don’t”. My mother

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Saskia, Paul and Sabina

simply asked if I had a vest on, adding, “be careful, and be back in time for dinner”.

Play is often described by those in the know as “the work of children” in that without play children do not develop the physical and mental skills necessary to survive to a basic standard. The hope is that growing children will develop strong bones and good muscle tone, and an alert and curious mind bursting with imagination.

These days, however, there seem to be an awful lot of people saying “don’t” and the

act of play is fast becoming a political football booted from one lobby group to another, which could either improve or restrict a child’s development and happiness.

There has been a rash of child surveys recently done by important, concerned and influential bodies, institutions and corporations, and numerous pressure groups. They conclude that: 1) Children are getting fatter faster than ever before. 2) Their bodies are weak to the point that, 3) they cannot endure

simple exercise, like running. This is because, 4) they are spending too much time indoors or on the couch in front of a screen. 5) Parents don’t spend enough time playing with their children because, 6) they feel guilty for not working or not doing domestic chores. 7) Child’s play is deemed either too dangerous or not dangerous enough, depending on which group you believe, and 8), children are generally unhappy compared to children of 15 years ago. 9) Out of 21 “rich” western countries, UK children are the “unhappiest” children, while 10), the Netherlands has the happiest children with Scandinavian countries runners-up.

(South Africa didn’t feature).

Now in the UK parents need to seek planning permission to “erect” a jungle gym and are advised to take an “’elf and safety course (250 quid!)” to learn how to supervise their child on it.

Please, let’s not go there…

Paul Kerton is the author of Fab Dad 2: From Walking to Talking (... and Beyond).

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best for baby

special delivery Often women don’t have the birth they envisioned, so when the time comes to prepare for a second or third baby, it’s helpful to know what the options are. By DONNA COBBAN

natural

i

had a Caesarean section. I held out for a natural delivery, but in the last week I developed cholestasis of pregnancy, a liver disorder with implications for the baby’s health, and the decision was made for me. “We’ll do it on Tuesday. Come in for a prep talk on Monday,” I was told.

“But I want the baby to decide when he will be born, so let’s do it once I go into labour,” was my response. “But then you might have to get us all up in the middle of the night,” was the retort. Being the wimp I often am, I just mumbled, “Oh okay” and made my appointment. Then on Sunday at about midnight labour began and the next morning, at 8:02am, my son was born via C-section, on the day he chose. I felt I had won a small victory. But were I to do it again, I would do things differently. At that time, I knew no one who had used a midwife and I barely knew what a doula was.

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This can take place in a hospital or clinic with your gynaecologist/obstetrician, at a birth centre with a midwife or doula or even at your own home. Many hospitals now have birthing rooms or suites, which may include a bath, music and a double bed, where the partner can sleep over. Water births are gaining popularity, but they need careful planning as equipment needs to be booked well in advance. Medically there are mixed feelings as to delivering a baby under water – the pros and cons of which would need to be discussed with your medical practitioner.

pain relief in natural birth Dr Linda Walmesly, an obstetrician/gynaecologist at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town, says pethidine and morphine are commonly used drugs in natural labour.

These are given via injection to the mother preferably four hours before delivery. The antidote nalaxone is administered to the baby if there is a slow response postdelivery or if the mother received medication shortly before the birth. Entonox or nitrous oxide, otherwise known

as laughing gas, can be inhaled during and just before contractions for some pain relief.

The most comprehensive form of pain relief would be an epidural, which is an injection of local anaesthetic via a small catheter into the space surrounding the spinal cord. It is an invasive procedure and is performed by an anaesthetist. It can be given in such a way that the mother can still walk around.

Other methods include transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, or Tens, which provides a non-invasive, lowrisk nerve stimulation that may help with pain; acupuncture; lying in a warm bath; soothing music and hypnobirthing

twenty-one The percentage of births in South Africa in 2003 that were by Caesarean section as reported by the World Health Organisation. The WHO standard is not more than 10 to 15 percent.

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PHOTOGRAPH: shutterstock.com

types of births

and the use of relaxation techniques to diminish fear and help your body deliver naturally.

caesarean section South Africa, it seems, is fast following countries where fear, insurance and litigation have become major players in the birthing game and healthcare practitioners appear more reluctant to take any risks. According to a 2011 paper in the South African Medical Journal, “reasons for requesting a C-section include fears of labour and delivery, also known as tocophobia, convenience, control, and the preservation of pelvic floor function”. Many women also opt for an elective Caesarean as they can choose the date and time of the birth, maximise their maternity leave and because of anecdotal evidence that the procedure is safer for the mother and/or the baby, which is not necessarily true. The paper points out that some doctors believe a C-section reduces the risk of being sued, even if a vaginal birth may be the optimal option.

It is performed by a gynaecologist/obstetrician with an anaesthetist present throughout the procedure. The reasons for a non-elective C-section include a baby in the breech position, meaning the feet or buttocks would have entered the birth canal first instead of the head, a baby deemed too large to pass through the pelvis or if the baby or mother is in distress. Often the baby may be placed directly onto the mother’s chest after birth, allowing for skin-on-skin contact.

As a C-section is serious surgery, you will be in hospital for about three days and you will have to avoid lifting, exercise and driving for six weeks while you recover.

vaginal birth after Caesarean When asked about a vaginal birth after C-section, or a VBAC, Marilyn Sher, a midwife in private practice in

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Joburg, reports that these can be done successfully with an obstetrician. Ashleigh McGougan’s first child was in a breech position when she went into labour. The baby was therefore delivered via an emergency C-section, but she had her second child via a VBAC water birth, at home. This is also known as a home birth after Caesarean, or an HBAC. The VBAC is not popular as the medical profession prefers to stay away from potential risks, such as uterine rupture.

Ashleigh says her C-section was necessary only because the baby was breech and not due to any other medical condition, so she was a perfect candidate for a VBAC. It is rare to have an HBAC and finding a gynaecologist/ obstetrician who will act as a backup may be a challenge.

But in Ashleigh’s case, her midwife was happy to go along with it as long as she promised to go to hospital if things got complicated.

your birth partners obstetrician/gynaecologist or midwife?

recommended by the World Health Organisation to

This can be a difficult decision. Both will offer you

have a scan at 12, 20 and 36 weeks. These, Marilyn

the same gynaecological and obstetrical services,

says, would be done by either the back-up doctor or

with full prenatal care, tests and screenings as well

a sonographer. She goes on to mention that the

as postpartum follow-up care. A midwife cannot do

South African Nursing Council’s midwife rules

surgery or Caesarean deliveries, but she/he can cut

state that the mother needs to see a doctor once

and suture episiotomies and give local anaesthetic for

in her pregnancy. “The obstetricians we work with

this. If you are having a VBAC and seeing a midwife

see the client once and thereafter only if we have

you will need a partnering obstetrician/gynaecologist

problems with the pregnancy or if the mom needs a

as a backup. If there are any complications in your

Caesarean section.”

pregnancy, seeing an obstetrician/gynaecologist is the recommended route to follow.

doula

Marilyn says her role is to give personalised

A doula is present throughout labour and is there

professional care during pregnancy, the birth and up

to offer emotional and physical support, and to

to six weeks post-delivery. “We see the moms any time

communicate with medical staff on the mother’s

between conception and birth and the checkups are

behalf. It’s not only the mothers who benefit. First-time

done on the same basis as for any doctor or clinic,”

fathers often report that a doula’s presence significantly

she says. Once labour starts, the midwife goes to the

reduced their own stress and worry. Belinda says, “The

hospital or home to support the mother and monitor

doula does not in any way take the place of a doctor or

her condition. While midwives do not do scans as

midwife, but rather assists the medical team by taking

they feel they are not essential at each visit, it is

care of the mother’s emotional needs and comfort.”

June 2012

13

dealing with difference

geek syndrome Is Asperger’s syndrome more common in people specialising in highly-skilled fields of science and engineering? LISA LAZARUS investigates.

h

elen Hayes, the CEO of Autism Western Cape, first noticed a problem with her son, Noah, now five, when his behaviour and verbal ability changed dramatically at 22 months. “We moved to a bush camp on the border of Timbavati around this time and initially I attributed Noah’s strange behaviour to the huge change in his environment, the separation from his nanny and the lack of opportunity for socialisation in the game reserve,” she says.

Helen explains that Noah stopped eating and sleeping properly. His speech started to deteriorate; whereas before he was linking two words together, he now stopped speaking altogether. He would sometimes hit himself, and began to bang his head. There were also strange obsessions, like standing with his face against the television, or running his finger over the markings in a parking lot. “I remember Googling tip-toe walking and that led me to pages about autism. With horror I realised that Noah [matched] 12 of the 15 red flags for this condition.” At just over two years old, he was diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum. Noah is a somewhat atypical case, because he initially presented with a speech delay, which is uncharacteristic for this condition.

The diagnosis of Asperger’s syndrome (AS) was only made later, at about five, and after three years of specialised intervention.

severe autism, the content – namely, what the child talks about – and the style of their communication – for example the way a conversation is about each person taking a turn to speak – will be affected.

Dr Lynda Albertyn, child psychiatrist and head of the Child, Adolescent and Family Unit at the Johannesburg Hospital, says Asperger’s syndrome as a category is likely to fall away, and that all autistic disorders will soon be analysed along a spectrum, from higher-functioning to lower-functioning.

incidence of AS According to Autism Western Cape, autism spectrum disorders affect one in 110 children globally, and are four times more common with boys than girls. In the Western Cape, approximately 10 children are diagnosed each week at three of the province’s government hospitals. It is estimated that the number of people with AS is approximately one in 500, and that the number diagnosed with autism grows by 500 percent each year. Is it a case that this diagnosis is being made more easily, or are the rates of autism just steadily rising?

Certainly there do appear to be areas where the rates of autism are particularly high. Nature magazine reports on a 2010 study, which found that “clusters [of high autism rates] tended to occur in areas where parents were older and educated to

what is asperger’s syndrome?

Jana Forrester, a Cape Town-based educational psychologist, says that AS is a form of autism characterised by normal to superior IQ, which is accompanied by social and communication difficulties.

The person also exhibits restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests and activities. Supposedly, AS differs from more severe autistic disorders in that language delays and/or deviances are not as apparent. Instead, children with AS tend to show high levels of language and speech development. While it may sound as if there are significant differences between a child who is autistic and one suffering from AS, the truth is that, in the words of AS expert Dr Tony Atwood, “the difference between high-functioning autism and Asperger’s syndrome is mostly in the spelling”. For children suffering from AS and more

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a higher level”. Older parents, it appears, also have a higher risk of having children with autism.

Leading autism researcher Simon Baron-Cohen, also quoted in Nature magazine, is interested in the factors that promote the genetic inheritance of this disorder. He claims that the fathers of children with autism are more than twice as likely to be engineers as those of non-autistic children. Baron-Cohen hypothesises that with autism, especially higher-functioning autism, the brain has an average to heightened ability to understand a predictable system, or to “hyper-systematise”, and an inability to empathise or understand people’s feelings. This “systematising ability” can be inherited and in areas where such people are probably going to meet, get together and have children – think Silicon Valley magazine pretoria

PHOTOGRAPHs: shutterSTOCK.COM

It is widely accepted that the origin of Asperger’s syndrome is multifactorial and shouldn’t be ascribed to a single cause.

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±1 in 110 children globally who are affected by autism spectrum disorders

– the autism rates could well be higher. In other words, scientists and engineers, those with high systematising abilities or brains, are more likely to produce autistic children, particularly when they marry each other.

Baron-Cohen is not without his detractors, some of whom say that he tends to focus on very bright individuals with autism, and that his theories might give people the wrong impression; that autism is linked to being a “geek”. Dr Cobie Lombard, the principal of Unica School for Autism in Pretoria, says that it’s

“widely accepted that the origin of AS is multifactorial and shouldn’t be ascribed to a single cause”.

After Helen’s son was diagnosed with AS, she began an intervention programme with him that included behaviour therapy, speech therapy (though this only worked when her son was a little older), occupational therapy and dietary intervention. “No two children suffering from AS are exactly alike,” she says. “Each child has his or her own particular issues, difficulties and obsessions.” She stresses that early intervention is critical. Noah has made remarkable improvements; this year he started at a mainstream school.

“My child will always be on the autism spectrum; it is part of who he is. However, intervention has helped ensure that Noah fulfils his potential and, really, that is what all parents want for their children.”

red flags for possible autism communication: • no babbling by 11 months of age, • no simple gestures, such as waving, by 12 months, • no single words by 16 months, • no two-word phrases by 24 months, • no response when name is called, causing concern about hearing, and • loss of language or social skills at any age. behaviour: • odd or repetitive ways of moving fingers or hands, • oversensitive to certain textures, sounds or lights, • lack of interest in toys, or plays with them in an unusual and ageinappropriate way, for example, lining up, or opening and closing parts instead of playing with a toy as a whole, • compulsions or rituals – has to perform activities in a special way or

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certain sequence; prone to tantrums if the ritual is interrupted, and • a preoccupation with unusual interests, such as light switches, doors and fans or unusual fears, for example, of the colour green. social: • rarely makes eye contact, • does not play peek-a-boo, • doesn’t point to show things, or follow your point, • m ore interested in looking at objects than at people’s faces, • prefers to play alone, • doesn’t make attempts to get parents’ attention, • child is in “his/her own world”, • doesn’t respond to a parent’s attempt to play, even if relaxed, and • avoids or ignores other children when they approach.

Information courtesy of Autism Western Cape (autismwesterncape.org.za)

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parenting

helping friendships grow Your child’s need for friends, and the ability to make them, changes at different ages and stages, writes GLYNIS HORNING.

the baby years: zero to one Your baby learns the basics of forming friendships when you make eye contact with them and exchange smiles. They are drawn to the human face and voice, and if you talk, sing or read to them they babble or coo in response and imitate your expressions. “A mother’s interaction and her bond with her baby from birth is vital for a secure attachment [to form] between them,” says Joburg-based clinical psychologist Clare Harvey. “This secure relationship will form the blueprint for all further relationships the child will have.”

What you can do: Put your baby’s chair or pram where they can see you while you cook or do chores. Harvey says, “Constantly talk to them and give them running commentary on your actions. You are then laying the foundation for healthy, secure friendships later on in life.”

the toddler years: one to three Toddlers are notoriously selfabsorbed, seeing themselves as the centre of the universe, but they are curious about others and can show empathy.

“Even one year olds have been observed trying to sooth their peers,” says Bustin. They initially play alone, but watch others at play. They then progress to “parallel play” alongside another child and, though there is little interaction, they are learning about friendship by mirroring each other’s actions or sounds.

Favourite words tend to be “me” and “mine”, but they understand many more and are ripe for emotional guidance.

What you can do: Coach them in feelings, consequences and self-control, all vital for friendship: “Thandi is crying because she is sad that you took her doll.”

Empathise but have limits: “I know you want the spade and waiting is difficult, but Steven is using it now.” A child feels heard if you affirm their feelings or wishes, explains Bustin. They might not like a particular rule, such as waiting for their turn, but they will soon learn.

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the preschool years: four to six Friendship now rests largely on the proximity of the other child and an interest in what they are playing with. But children do begin to develop deeper bonds with a few special friends, usually of the same sex.

There can be trouble when one child always assumes the role of leader, or can’t get the other child’s attention. They may resort to stepping on their playmate’s sand castle or smacking to get a reaction.

What you can do: Develop your child’s empathy by explaining their friend’s viewpoint: “Let Fatima play Mom for a change or she may not want to come next time.” They need to try out different roles to develop empathy or to gain perspective, says Bustin.

Cape Town educational psychologist René Daniels suggests joining in your child’s imaginary play to help develop sharing and other skills. “Talking and modelling appropriate social behaviour is vital as children mirror what we do,” she says.

the primary school years: seven to 12 From the age of seven, their friendships focus on shared activities such as sports or computer games, and on talking and gossiping. “As they internalise society’s values and conventions, children’s moral reasoning increases, but they’re still at the stage of direct consequences so they want to see punishment or obedience,” says Bustin. They can be self-righteous and will likely “tell on” their friends.

What you can do: Explain that this is not acceptable, unless the other child is hurting or endangering themselves or others, she says. Talk to them about physical and emotional bullying and suitable responses, and practice these (see “what to do when”). Give them opportunities to form a variety of friendships. “Invite other children home, and insist they visit others too because of the different dynamic,” says Bustin.

Involve them with sporting, cultural, scouting or other interest groups.

the middle school years: from 13 With growing independence, children start opening up to friends about their intimate feelings, dreams and fears. They may also begin forming friendships with, and crushes on, the opposite sex. Loss of friendship can seem like the end of the world, and they are painfully vulnerable to exclusion from the favoured or “cool” groups that form based on looks, dress and strong personality, as well as to teasing and bullying. Today some of the most devastating bullying is done on social networking sites such as MXit and Facebook.

What you can do: Understand that a degree of social pain is normal and don’t interfere unless you have to, but make sure your child knows they can turn to you for help and advice, says Harvey. Daniels adds, “Talk to them about appropriate etiquette and what to share and keep private when using social networks. Helping them deal with emotional pain will build resilience and confidence and enhance their problem-solving skills.” If your child loses a friend or is rejected by a clique, listen compassionately and ask what they are doing about it. Give encouragement and suggestions if they ask but, expressing confidence in them by letting them work through it themselves to find their own solutions is the best way to help them grow, say both psychologists.

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PHOTOGRAPHS AND ILLUSTRATIONS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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atching my teenage son’s warm camaraderie with his best buddy is a delight.

Yet when they first met at one of my antenatal class’s reunion teas, they ignored each other, intent only on engaging with their moms and their baby mobiles.

As toddlers they played separately, exchanging words when one coveted the other’s plastic spade or scooter. It was only in preschool that they slowly began the sharing, caring and communicating they do so well today. “We are social animals, so our brains are wired for social interaction and cognition,” says Durban-based education and child psychologist Dr Caron Bustin. “Nurturing this during sensitive stages supports a child’s holistic development.” It takes patience and sensitivity, but what would any of us be without the companionship, candid advice, comfort and sheer fun of good friends?

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parenting

what to do when… they fight with friends Fighting is normal, even among close friends, and as long as it’s within manageable proportions, leaving your child to sort it out teaches important life skills, says Harvey. If the fight gets heated, help them to identify their feelings and show empathy while remaining balanced. “You must have felt hurt when Vashni teased you. Do you think she may be upset because you wouldn’t let her use your crayons?” Point out consequences and encourage understanding. Say, “If you stop playing with her, could you miss having her over?” Offer support: “I know you can sort this out, but I’m here if you’d like to talk.”

Above all, be a positive role model when you disagree with them, your own friends or your spouse. Calmly define the problem and your feelings and be respectful yet assertive. you don’t like their friends It’s often simpler to let an unsuitable friendship run its course than try to end it, says Harvey, “unless there could be lasting damage or danger to your child”.

Calmly point out your concerns about the friend’s behaviour, and ask how it makes your child feel and

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whether it fits with their values. Let them know you trust them to make the right decisions and to resist peer pressure. If a friendship is dangerous because it involves drinking or drugs, limit the opportunities for contact and encourage opportunities to meet new friends, through sport or participation in other interest groups.

If the friendship continues, you may have to separate them by changing classes or schools, but this should be a last resort, says Bustin. They will often be relieved to have the matter taken from their hands. “Always consult with your child throughout this process, letting them know what your thoughts are regarding how you would like to help,” adds Harvey. they’re friends with the Queen Bee or the bully Cliques are particularly powerful in middle school, when children can have a shaky self-esteem and crave the affirmation and identity of a group. These groups often distinguish themselves by putting down outsiders or competitors, and may project negative qualities onto them, also known as “scapegoating”, to boost their own sense of superiority, says Daniels. Your child may be sucked into a clique by fear of being ridiculed and excluded, rather than because they actively support the group’s Queen Bee leader or dominant bully. “A child

who lacks confidence and has poor social skills is more likely to find themselves in such a position. Acceptance and unconditional love from you would help them take a stand and move away from such situations.” Explain the difference between popularity, which is based simply on a group’s agreement that someone is attractive and “cool”, and friendship, which is based on genuine affection, trust and support. they bully a friend A bully will often mask their actions as being “strong” or “humorous” and blame the victim. They usually manipulate others to feel powerful and in control, so make sure that there is nothing negative going on in your child’s life. “Regular quality time and checking in with one another will definitely help,” says Daniels.

Never facilitate bullying. If your child wants to exclude a child from a class party, ask how they would feel. Explain that they should never tolerate bullying and disrespect from anyone, and that it will not be tolerated from them. Discuss limits and consequences, and stick to them, says Daniels. “Creating a stable home, where value and respect for one another is prized, puts your child in the best stead for building lasting relationships.”

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June 2012

19

education

keep them

A long school break could lead to regression in your child’s numeracy and literacy skills. SAMEERAH KAROLIA suggests ways to beat the holiday slump.

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keep up the good work Dindar says parents should have some sort of plan of action for the holidays and set some ground rules, since children thrive on routine and guidelines. She suggests that you allow for leisure time and outdoor activities, as well as some prepared activities.

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make the most of outings Visit museums and places of interest and then discuss with your children what they saw, felt or touched.

Encourage them to draw, write and talk about their experiences. This will help develop their vocabulary and also their cognitive or thinking skills.

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read, read, and read some more “Parents should encourage their children to form book clubs and introduce electronic reading devices, such as a Kindle or books on computer tablets,” says Dindar. Reward their reading by allowing them to buy a book, or to choose one online. Instead of buying books, you can also visit your local library. Ask friends and family to give you old magazines and newspapers for them to read.

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make travelling fun

Van Rooyen says road trips can be a learning opportunity. “Be creative. Invent games and rules for language and maths. Play games, such as adding and subtracting the numbers on number plates, learning the colours of vehicles or playing word games.”

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are also valuable as they offer opportunities to develop numeracy and language skills.

Playing Monopoly will also teach your children how to manage their finances.

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extra work

Children can do extra maths and English classes to combat the holiday slump. Some schools give children holiday packs, which encourage them to complete a “winter or summer challenge”. This ensures that they haven’t regressed in their maths and reading when school reopens.

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have fun Nadia Tayob, a mom from Joburg who has a two-yearold daughter, Aaliya, and four-year-old son, Deen, believes that a child’s body and mind need to be stimulated every day.

“Being a crafty mom myself, I love to do art and crafts with my children. Painting is always a favourite and I also encourage messy play with shaving cream or goop, made with corn starch and water. Some of our favourite outdoor activities include having water fights that involve a lot of running and giggles. We play freeze dance at home. We also do crab walk races that strengthen their arms in a fun way. To stimulate their minds, I create weekly activity trays for my children and leave them on their play shelf at home.

This allows them to do the activity when their body or mind needs the stimulation, without me having to push them to do it.”

play games

what role can teachers play?

Clarke says popular games, such as cards, Scrabble and Trivial Pursuit

Van Rooyen believes teachers can help combat this slump by supplying the

resources that parents will need for the holiday period. “Furthermore, they should follow up with parents after the holidays and also provide feedback.”

“Teachers can encourage children to keep a record of all the books they read during the holidays. They could be rewarded during the term for the most books read and reviewed. At the end of the year, each grade acknowledges a reader who qualifies for a merit award,” says Dindar.

Clarke suggests that schools allow pupils access to the school library during the holidays or offer a regular daily story hour. Alternatively pupils should be encouraged to borrow books from the school library that they can read over the holidays.

Teachers could meet with parents before the school closes to brief them on the importance of keeping their children stimulated over the holidays. They could also provide parents with a recommended list of age-appropriate activities to do.

Teachers could go the extra mile by putting together holiday packs filled with activities for the children to do over this period.

recommended resources printable worksheets • e-classroom.co.za • tlsbooks.com • abcteach.com • schoolexpress.com audiobooks • storynory.com • lightupyourbrain.com/stories children’s activity book • freestuff.co.uk/free-kidsactivity-book

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PHOTOGRAPHs: shutterSTOCK.COM

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eeping holiday boredom at bay is not the only thing you should be concerned about when the term ends. Shereen Dindar, an education specialist and life coach from Mpumalanga, says the holiday slump occurs when “children tend to ‘switch off’ their brains to school-related work such as reading, writing or studying”. Their minds, tuned into television and computer games, become sluggish and they experience a regression in terms of what they learnt at school during the term. Primary school teacher Marthie van Rooyen from the North West, believes that this regression is most likely to occur during the long winter and summer holidays, as children generally lose interest in school work due to a lack of stimulation during this lengthy period of downtime.

A number of studies have highlighted the detrimental effects of a long-term school break. In Summer Learning Loss: The Problem and Some Solutions, published in the Education Resources Information Centre Digest, education professor Harris Cooper found that the test scores of pupils in the US were at least one month behind when they returned to school after the summer holiday.

Learning loss was more pronounced for maths and spelling than for other tested skill areas, as they benefit from regular practice.

Maths competency was found to be lower than reading after a long break, as parents are more likely to encourage children to read than revise their numeracy skills at home.

Ensuring that your children keep active during the holidays is a sure way to avoid the “holiday slump”. Alan Clarke, a Cape Townbased education consultant, believes that, “anything that engages the child actively, whether intellectually or physically, is good for them”.

brain-boosting activities for all ages toddlers and preschoolers • Provide your children with a tactile experience by hiding small toys in a bowl of rice, beans or oats and letting them look for these objects. To strengthen fine motor skills, these small toys could also be hidden in playdough.

• Print out a large alphabet to fit a sheet of paper. Put the paper inside a plastic sleeve. Give your child play dough to roll out and place onto the alphabet helping them practice writing their letters.

• Get creative with finger paint, splatter paint, paint with brushes and even body paint.

• Invest in educational DVDs that teach children their alphabet, numbers and colours. That way if they must watch TV, let it be something they can learn from.

• If you have an iPad, download electronic books. Audio books are also great for toddlers.

• There are many great YouTube animated videos on counting and learning the alphabet. Watch them with your children.

• Let your children scribble with bath crayons while they bath.

• Make simple picture books with your children using old photos and magazines. Write the name of the object at the top of the picture and then encourage them to read their own books.

• Create themed sensory bins that contain rice and theme-orientated three-dimensional objects. You could also include cups and a magnifying glass, which enables them to use the sensory tub in many different ways.

• Build puzzles and play board games.

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grades 1 to 3 • Get the children to help you in the kitchen. Encouraging them to measure out the ingredients themselves, provides a learning and tactile experience.

• Story time should be a part of your everyday routine.

• Invest in activity books that can be purchased from book shops.

• Get the children to write out your grocery lists for you as you dictate to them.

• When out shopping let them pay at the till, helping them check to see if they have paid the right amount and have received the right amount of change.

• Encourage them to “shop” with paper money.

• If they can go to work with mom or dad, let them accompany you. Then keep them busy with activities such as filing and typing. grades 4 to 7 • Visit museums and places of historical interest.

• Play sports with them and let them keep score.

• Get creative with more challenging art and crafts.

• Have them type out recipes or documents for you.

• Encourage them to correspond with pen pals.

• Get them to write out their own thank-you notes for gifts received.

• Have your children keep a diary during their holidays where they write about their daily activities.

For more on the importance of reading to your child, click on childmag.co.za/content/reading-out-loud

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21

book extract

warm the soul With JENNY MORRIS’ loving approach to everything from salads, soups and breads, to meats and veggies, Cooking with Jenny Morris will inspire the family gathering for this Father’s Day.

broad bean, new potato and bacon salad with deep-fried leeks

mussel meat and leek risotto topped with prawns

My garden is never without broad beans. I grow hundreds of the plants to keep me in a steady supply. So much of the broad bean plant is edible at different stages of its development. I often pick the beans when they are only half developed and the seeds in the pods are still small; I slice them with the pod, cook them lightly and toss them in garlic butter. I make delicious bean dips with them, and add them to stews. I pinch out about 10cm of the growing tips and cook them like spinach – yummy. My friend Enzo Cocca taught me to lightly batter them and fry them – delicious.

I have the time of my life picking huge piles of beautiful fat swollen broad beans from my garden, munching as I go and thinking of all the wonderful things I can do with them.

Please try this salad.

In case you have never made risotto with me before, I like to do it like this: you need time and patience for making a risotto.

You spend a lot of time at the pot, keeping it moist and when all the moisture cooks away, wet it again. The end result should be creamy and tender – well worth the time spent. So get your glass of wine… and stay with the heat.

the salad • 300g new potatoes, boiled till tender, cooled and sliced • 4 baby leeks, thinly sliced and deep-fried • 250g streaky bacon, crisply fried and chopped (keep the pan) • 2 cups lightly steamed broad beans • freshly ground black pepper • salt, to taste garlic thyme dressing • ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil • 3 cloves garlic, crushed • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves • ¼ cup red wine vinegar • 1 teaspoon wholegrain mustard • 2 tablespoons freshly chopped chives

1. Place the potatoes, leeks, bacon and beans in a shallow dish, and season with black pepper and a little salt.

2. When mixing the dressing, pour the olive oil in the pan in which you cooked the bacon, add the garlic, thyme and vinegar to the pan and warm gently to lift off all the lovely bacon flavour. Remove from the heat and stir in the mustard and chives.

3. Pour the warm dressing onto the potatoes and beans, and stir gently to coat.

2 teaspoons olive oil 3 tablespoons butter 1 onion, peeled and finely chopped 3 leeks, white part only, thinly sliced 2 cloves garlic, crushed 1 cup uncooked risotto rice 5 cups boiling chicken stock ½ cup dry white wine cup grated Parmesan 300g mussel meat 200g prawn meat ¾ cup cream ½ cup roughly chopped Italian parsley 3 tablespoons snipped chives salt and pepper, to taste

Serves 4

tip: Keep the stock hot at all times. I also love to add little cubes of roasted red pepper to this risotto as a garnish.

did you know?

Once rice has been cooked, you have to take good care of it. If rice left from your dinner has stood at room temperature overnight, bacteria will have a field day; they will multiply at an alarming rate and cause food-poisoning toxins that will leave you sick, so throw out any rice that has been left out overnight. If you want to reuse any leftovers the next day to make egg-fried rice, run some cold water through the rice, bag it and put it into the fridge straightaway. Remember that bacteria can make you really ill; do not keep cooked rice for longer than two days in the fridge and never reheat it more than once.

Serves 4

tip: When making a salad dressing, choose good-quality vinegar; you don’t want your guests gagging and choking from the fumes of a cheap and nasty version. You can use red kidney beans or butter beans for the salad when broad beans are out of season.

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PHOTOGRAPHS: DANIE NEL PHOTOGRAPHY

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1. Heat the olive oil and butter in a saucepan and fry the onion and leeks gently till they are soft – don’t burn them.

When translucent, add the garlic and rice, and stir well to coat the rice.

2. Add a third each of the stock and the wine, stirring constantly. Simmer until almost all the liquid has been absorbed.

Repeat until the stock and wine have all been used and the rice is tender. Cooking time should be 35 to 40 minutes.

3. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, and mussel and prawn meat. Add the cream, and warm the mussels and prawns through.

Stir in the herbs, season with salt and pepper, and serve. I like to enrich it with a spoon of butter and then serve with a huge green salad.

figgy panettone bread and butter pudding I can’t imagine my life without a fig in it. This sexy, sweet, juicy-fleshed, biblical fruit, full of crunchy seeds, transports me to paradise. Even the thought of a wasp making her home inside the body of the fig for a short while doesn’t turn me off, unlike some people I know. When figs are really ripe, the juice oozes out of them and that is the way it should be. I am lucky to own two fig trees and I have to fight with the birds to keep the fruit on the tree for as long as possible so that they can ripen. Figs have stacks of potassium and they contain impressive amounts of fibre, so let your body make full use of them when they are in season.

The wonderful thing about a fig is that it freezes so well; when my fig trees are swollen with more fresh fruit than I know what to do with, I always open-freeze a few kilos. Then I can make this delicious pudding long after the season is over.

• 10 figs, sliced lengthways into quarters • 125ml honey • ¾ cup dried cranberries • 1 medium panettone, cut into 5 thick slices • 2 whole eggs • 2 extra egg yolks • grated zest of 1 orange • 30ml castor sugar • 500ml cream • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon sugar, for sprinkling

Okay boys, this dish is simple and easy enough to prepare. This gives us girls the night off – time to take a nice deep bubble bath and, hello, no headache.

the vegetables • 6 celery stalks, roughly chopped • 4 peeled carrots, roughly chopped • 1 large head of garlic • 2 onions, peeled and thickly sliced • 4 large potatoes, washed and cut into thick rounds • 1 teaspoon dried oregano • 1 tablespoon olive oil • salt and pepper magazine pretoria

Serves 6

1. Butter a 1,5-litre ovenproof dish. Place half the sliced figs on the bottom of the dish, drizzle with honey, and scatter on the cranberries.

2. Cut each slice of panettone into 4 triangles and pack them onto the sliced figs. Mix together the eggs, extra egg yolks, orange zest, sugar, cream and cinnamon, and pour over the panettone.

Leave to stand, covered, for 30 minutes.

slow, lazy man lamb the lamb • 2kg free-range lamb, (nice-sized leg or shoulder) • 1 tablespoon olive oil • salt and pepper • large stem fresh rosemary • 1 cup chicken or vegetable stock • juice of 1 lemon

3. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Arrange the remaining sliced figs over the pudding, sprinkle with a little sugar and bake for 40 to 50 minutes, until crisp and lightly browned on top.

4. Serve warm or even deliciously cold the next day.

1. Preheat the oven to 160°C. Toss all the vegetable ingredients together and place them at the bottom of a large roasting pan.

2. Oil the lamb and season with salt and pepper. Brown gently in a frying pan and remove. Place the rosemary stem onto the vegetables, top with the lamb, pour in the stock and lemon juice, and seal with foil.

Just forget about it for 2½ hours.

3. Check for tenderness. You will know that the meat is ready when it falls away from the bone.

4. Serve with a mound of buttery, garlicky polenta.

Serves 4

tip:

If you don’t have panettone, you can use five thick slices of raisin bread instead.

about the book Cooking with Jenny Morris (Sunbird Publishers) opens the door to the Giggling Gourmet’s kitchen and is a definitive collection of culinary ideas, with its A–Z index of ingredients and corresponding recipes. For instance, you’ll learn 10 different ways to work with goat’s cheese and 26 unique seafood and fish recipes. Jenny’s tips and tales, such as how she used to pick mussels off the rocks with her dad, will help you set the scene as much as they’ll show you how to prepare the dish. Cooking with Jenny Morris is available from all good book stores.

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resource

romance me Here are some charming ways to spend much-needed quality time with your partner.

By SIMONE JEFFREY

five-star dining

Situated on the roof of the Menlyn Park Shopping Centre is one of the last driveins in Gauteng. Bring blankets and chairs if you’re sitting outside or snuggle up in the car while the latest blockbuster movies play on the big screen. Picnic baskets filled with cheeseburgers, chips, chocolate, popcorn and sparkling wine can be ordered or you can bring your own picnic baskets. Gates open at 6pm. Tickets cost R65 for movie nights from Monday to Saturday (two screenings a night) and R30 for Sunday movie night (one screening). Contact: 012 471 0627 or visit menlynpark.co.za

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rest and revamp Spa de la Veille, a French-inspired spa, has a signature treatment called Lovers Lane, a six-step spa package that takes you through a full body scrub in the rainforest room, a therapeutic mud pack and a colour therapy session, to name a few. Choose between a deep tissue massage or a hot stone massage, and round it off with a manicure and a pedicure. Spa de la Veille, Grey Owl Village, cnr Brakfontein Rd and N1 off-ramp, Centurion. Contact: 0860 834 553, info@spadelaveille.com or visit spadelaveille.com

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PHOTOGRAPHS: shutterstock.com/petra stuart

open-air flicks

The Granita Signature Restaurant, found on the elegant Kievits Kroon Estate, is fivestar and perfect for intimate gatherings.

The chef creates innovative, gourmet dishes using local, organic produce and the freshest herbs picked from the estate’s own herb garden. The menu can be paired with wines from their award-winning wine list. The Granita offers a contemporary five-course Sunday lunch, and you can book the small wine cellar for a private six-course food- and wine-paring with your loved one. Lunch is 12pm–2:20pm and dinner is 7pm–10pm. Kievits Kroon Estate, plot 41, Reier Rd, Kameeldrift East.

Contact: 012 808 0150, reservations@ kievitskroon.co.za or visit granita.co.za

moonlit ride The Pretoria Cape Riding Horse Club tailor-makes an outride that sees you riding by the light of the moon, as the city lights from Johannesburg and Pretoria twinkle in the distance. They set up and provide a scrumptious picnic to suit your palate, which they lay out with a blanket and candles at a spot along the route. Booking essential. Voortrekker Monument and Nature Reserve, Eeufees Rd, Groenkloof. Contact Marlene: 082 828 6323, caperiding@polka.co.za or visit caperiding.co.za

la dolce vita The Italian-style Lombardy Restaurant is a sophisticated eatery that boasts a wide selection of wines, a cozy library, a crackling fire for the cold winter days and a shaded patio for sweltering summer months. Enjoy breakfast or a long, lazy lunch on the terrace. When evening breaks, sip quality cocktails, and wine and dine in candlelight. Plot no 4, Lynnwood Rd, Tweefontein. Contact: 087 725 5591, 084 550 4128, info@lombardy.co.za or visit lombardy.co.za

magazine pretoria

June 2012

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resource

love in the time of war

steam train trip

Stroll around Fort Klapperkop, a German fort erected in 1898, and enjoy a panoramic view of the Union Buildings and the Pretoria CBD. The best time to visit is in the springtime when the Jacaranda trees are in full bloom and purple blossoms litter the streets. The peace and tranquillity can be enjoyed as you picnic or braai. You can also visit the old steam locomotive, view the last tram used in Pretoria, a 155mm Creusot gun (Long Tom) and a commemorative war statue. The Fort is open from 10am to 5pm, Tuesday to Sunday. Johan Rissik Ave. Contact: 012 346 7703

Take a day trip out of the city aboard a steam locomotive. As the train chugs towards Magaliesburg or Cullinan, you recline and watch the countryside flicker past. Reefsteamers departs for Magaliesburg from Johannesburg Park Station and Friends of the Rail travel to the quaint diamond-mining town of Cullinan and around Tshwane, departing from the Hermanstad Station in Pretoria. Contact Reefsteamers: 011 025 4363, bookings@ reefsteamers.com or visit reefsteamers. com; or Friends of the Rail: 012 767 7913 or visit friendsoftherail.com

up, up and away Rolling out of bed before the sun has risen is made worthwhile when you hear the billowing sounds of multi-coloured hot-air balloons being inflated.

Once you’ve been briefed you are whisked over the Magaliesberg Mountain Range, the Waterberg or Mabula Game Reserve on a hot-air balloon ride. The experience is enhanced by the crisp morning light and the breakfast served after the flight at the Clubhouse Pavilion Restaurant in the Magalies River Valley.

Contact Bill Harrop’s: 011 705 3201, 083 443 2661, child@balloon.co.za or visit balloon.co.za

supping and stargazing Sit down to French-inspired cuisine at The Aloe Ridge Hotel’s Observatory Restaurant.

You’ll be invited up to the 16-inch Meade Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope to get a close-up view of the solar system.

Shows are weather permitting. The venue offers an indoor, heated pool, overnight accommodation and game drives. Beyers Naudé Drive, Zwartkops, Muldersdrift.

Contact: 011 957 2070, aloereservations@ mweb.co.za or visit aloeridgehotel.com

a gorge getaway Two hours from Pretoria, nestled in the gorge of the Steenkampsburg Mountains in Mpumalanga, you’ll find Forest Creek Lodge. Sip champagne while bathing under the stars in the bush bath or outdoor stone shower, allow yourself some pampering at the Forest Spa overlooking the gorge, enjoy a romantic private dinner under the gazebo, and take advantage of the fresh air and vast expanse of the gorge with a picnic at a waterfall. Farm 14, Badfontein, Dullstroom. Contact Anita: 013 235 8925, 073 256 4478, forestcreek@lando.co.za or visit forestcreek.co.za

going nowhere slowly Navigate along 57 kilometres of the Vaal River at a leisurely pace onboard a fully-equipped, self-catering Leisureliner 260 houseboat. As you meander down the twists and turns of the river you can fish, bird watch, sun tan and play water sports. There is a minimum stay of two nights over weekends and three nights over long weekends. 37 Windsor on Vaal, Loch Vaal. Contact: 016 987 5184, 084 606 3339, info@freesefamily.net or visit cruise-n-snooze.co.za

“home james” Spend a night on the town feeling like a celebrity in a chauffeur driven classic car. Hire a Jaguar to transport you for sundowners at The Blades Hotel and Restaurant in Kameeldrift East that overlooks the Roodeplaat Dam. Or hire a Rolls Royce to snake along the winding roads towards Hartbeespoort, taking in the views of the dam and undulating hills as you sip sparkling wine.

They tailor the trip to your specific requirements, allowing you to listen to your favourite music or sip your favourite drinks along the way. The costs vary. Contact KC: 083 645 1604, kc@ classiccarhire.co.za or visit classiccarhire.co.za

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break away for berries Grab a basket, hat and sunscreen for a day out in the country picking strawberries.

Strawberry picking takes place, weather dependent, from October and lasts approximately until early December. It takes place every Saturday, Sunday and public holiday, from 10am to 4pm.

Picnic baskets are available to order or you are welcome to bring your own picnic or braai and relax under the trees next to the dam. Booking is essential. Skeerpoort, Brits.

Contact: 012 207 1116, 082 503 5996, info@tangaroa. co.za or visit tangaroa.co.za

magazine pretoria

books

a good read for toddlers Dinosaur Dig!

By Penny Dale

for preschoolers

for th e boys

(Published by Nosy Crow, R66) This beautifully illustrated book by Ten in the Bed author Penny Dale combines young boys’ favourite subjects – digging, dirt, driving fast – and most important of all, dinosaurs. With a great story line, lots of absorbing detail and even some counting, the books are full of energy. Dinosaur Zoom!, the second book in the series for children from age two, will be released later this year. In this book the dinosaurs are back and this time they’ll be revving, roaring and racing at a dinosaur birthday party. The sturdy board book is easy to clean and is sure to become a favourite with your little boy.

for early graders

for preteens and teens

a little bi of ma t gic

Sophie and the Shadow Woods – The Goblin King

By Linda Chapman and Lee Weatherly (Published by HarperCollins Children’s Books, R55) Six gems, one key and one guardian to save the world – Sophie. On her 10th birthday, Sophie’s life changes forever. As the new guardian of a magic gateway in the mysterious Shadow Woods, her mission is to stop the mischievous creatures that live there from entering our world. But disaster strikes when the Goblin King steals the key to the gateway. Girls from the age of seven will love this series. Also look out for The Swamp Boggles, The Spider Gnomes, The Fog Boggarts, The Icicle Imps and The Bat Sprites. You can also visit the website, sophieandtheshadowwoods.com for activity sheets and other fun games.

The Peppers and the International Magic Guys

By Siân Pattenden (Published by HarperCollins Children’s Books, R82) This is a show-stopping adventure starring an unbeatable double act – the Pepper twins: Monty and Esmé. They are spending the summer holidays with their Uncle Potty, an enthusiastic member of the International Magic Guys organisation. So when it is threatened with closure, the twins must use every trick in the book to save it. But no one can find the book; the escapologist is all tied up and the human cannonball has put Potty’s assistant out of action. Can the twins pull off the performance of a lifetime?

parenting book Parenting Apart

By Christina McGhee (Published by Random House Struik, R215) This is a comprehensive resource for separated and divorced parents wanting to raise happy and secure children. When a marriage ends, the most important thing parents can do is help their children through the difficult transition and remain united as parents even if they are no longer a couple. Divorce coach Christina McGhee offers practical advice on how to help children adjust and thrive during and after separation and divorce.

magazine pretoria

helpful guide

Finding Aunt Joan and Swimming in the Sun

By Jenny Hatton; illustrated by Joan Rankin (Published by Jacana Media, R40) While you can read these books to your pre-schooler, this delightful new series also helps beginner readers build their reading confidence. The exquisite illustrations bring the series to life and children will easily relate to the stories as they reflect true-to-life events such as going on a journey, moving house and visiting the beach. The rhythmic text of the Lucy books will help build children’s reading skills and confidence while they are absorbed in the humorous illustrations and the lives of Lucy’s family.

for us In the Orchard, the Swallows

By Peter Hobbs (Published by Faber and Faber, R150) In the foothills of a mountain range in Northern Pakistan is a beautiful orchard – swallows dive silently over the branches, and the scent of jasmine threads through the air. Pomegranates hang heavy, their skins darkening to a deep crimson. Neglected now, the trees are beginning to grow wild, their fruit left to spoil.

Many miles away, a frail young man is flung out of prison gates.

Looking up, scanning the horizon for swallows in flight, he stumbles and collapses in the roadside dust. His ravaged body tells the story of 15 years of brutality. Just one image has held and sustained him – the thought of the young girl who left him dumbstruck with wonder all those years ago. But they were children then, and knew nothing of love, or cruelty. This is a tale of tenderness in the face of great and corrupt power.

Shaka the Great

By Walton Golightly (Published by Quercus Publishing, R225) It is 1826 and Shaka, king of the Zulus, has brutally consolidated his power and is ready to move against those who continue to resist his authority. But now a new tribe has emerged: white men from across the Great Water, claiming that they wish to trade with Shaka. As the king grows increasingly obsessed with these outsiders, he becomes oblivious to the threat growing from within his own court. Only Shaka’s loyal captain and his young sidekick have the power to thwart this conspiracy but to succeed, their wits need to be as sharp as their enemies’ knives. Seething with sorcery and betrayal, battles and intrigue, triumph and tragedy, Shaka the Great takes us to an empire at its zenith; to a time when the name Zulu began to echo around the world as a byword for courage and nobility.

Classic tales from Penguin Books can be yours

win

The Beatrix Potter books are loved by children everywhere for their humorous, lively tales and beautiful illustrations.

The Tale of Peter Rabbit turns 110 this year and to celebrate, Penguin Books has released a special collection of all the Beatrix Potter books. There are 23 titles in the collection and each book contains a publisher’s note explaining how that tale came to be. For more info: visit penguinbooks.co.za One reader stands a chance to win a Beatrix Potter hamper containing the first 10 books in the collection, valued at R850. Simply enter via childmag.co.za/wins-pta and use the code “Peter Rabbit PTA”.

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calendar

what’s on in june

You can also access the calendar online at

childmag.co.za

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

2 sat

special events

30

FUN for children

30

only for parents

31

bump, baby & tot in tow

32

how to help

32

SPECIAL EVENTS

FUN FOR CHILDREN

Disney on Ice Watch your favourite Disney characters as they perform spectacular skating routines with special effects.

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June 2012

ONLY FOR PARENTS

bump, baby & tot in tow

how to help

Echoes of Paris A romantic evening of French café music.

Cowboys and cowgirls workshop The whole family can join in as children decorate their own cowgirl hat and then learn a cowboy/girl dance.

Knit-a-square for charity Add a brightly coloured square to a blanket for the underprivileged.

magazine pretoria

PHOTOGRAPHS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM / maropeng

Gauteng Motor Show Enjoy the thrills of drifting, an aerobatic airplay, bike stunts, and wide range of children’s entertainment at South Africa’s largest motoring event.

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calendar

22 friday Outdoor ice rink It’s time to grab the winter socks and zip around the ice rink where you can impress your friends with figure eights and pirouettes, or stay near the side to safely learn the basics. Ends 16 July.

Time: 9am–7pm. Venue: Irene Village Mall, cnr Nellmapius Dr and Van Ryneveld Dr, Irene. Cost: R30 for 15 minutes. Contact: 012 662 4446 or visit irenevillagemall.co.za

FUN FOR CHILDREN

23 saturday 9 June – A festival of Spanish dance

SPECIAL EVENTS 2 saturday Royal Drakensberg Mountain Bike Challenge People of all abilities can enjoy a weekend of cycling and trail running with beautiful views of the Drakensberg Mountains. Ends 3 June. Time: varies.

Venue: Royal Drakensberg Primary School, D119 Rd, Bergville District, Drakensberg.

Cost: R30–R150. Register online: visit roag. co.za or visit royal-drakensberg.org.za Gauteng Motor Show This is a showcase of all aspects of the motoring industry. Ends 3 June. Time: 8am–5pm. Venue: Zwartkops Raceway, off the R55, Pretoria West. Cost: adults R80, children R40. Contact Alan: 082 344 0238 or visit gautengmotorshow.co.za Margaret Roberts Herbal Centre open day Enjoy the manicured gardens, restaurant and gallery, and a special lecture on remedies for common ailments.

Time: lecture 12pm. Venue: on the R513 near Zilkaatsnek, Road 16, 1,5km into the mountain. Cost: R100. Contact: 012 504 2121, 071 161 6441 or visit margaretroberts.co.za Walk for child safety The 10km walk aims to raise awareness of child trafficking and missing children. Bring along a picnic and enjoy the festivities after the walk. Time: registration 11am, walk 12pm. Venue: Brooklyn Primary, 279 Murray St, Brooklyn.

Cost: R50 per person, R175 per group of six. Contact: 012 755 9471, 086 615 7526, info@childtrace.co.za or visit childtrace.org

3 sunday Prime Circle at Barnyard Pack a picnic basket of goodies or purchase food from the theatre and enjoy an evening of footstomping music by one of South Africa’s best loved rock bands. Time: 6:30pm.

Venue: The Barnyard Theatre, Menlyn Park Shopping Centre, Atterbury Rd, Menlyn.

Cost: R150. Contact: 012 368 1555, menlyn@barnyardtheatres.co.za or visit barnyardtheatre.co.za

9 saturday A festival of Spanish dance An evening of Spanish dance performed by members of the Helena Montoya Spanish Dance Theatre, with guest artists Mischief Guitar Duo. Booking essential. Time: 2pm and 7pm. Venue: Pro Arte Alphen Park High School dance department, cnr Roeline St and Selati St, Alphen Park. Cost: adults R80, pensioners and children R50. Contact Helena: 082 588 2558 or hmontoya@ telkomsa.net

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June 2012

Mini Argus Children on push bikes, scooters and bicycles can take part in a fun cycling challenge. For children 3–10 years. Time: 9am–12pm. Venue: Irene Oval, Stanley St, Irene. Cost: Irene Pre-primary learners R10, public R20. Contact: 012 667 1813, irenepreprimary@worldonline.co.za or visit irenenurseryschool.co.za

14 thursday World Blood Donor Day Everyone can do the right thing by donating blood and helping to save a life. If you are between the age of 17 and 65 and weigh at least 50kg, you can donate blood. Venue: SA National Blood Services across Gauteng.

Contact: 0800 119 031 or visit sanbs.org. za or who.int

15 friday Tri-Nations Adventure Weekend Dirt bikes, quads and side-by-sides are welcome to take part in an adventurous weekend that begins in South Africa, travels through Swaziland and ends at Ponta Sun in Mozambique on the Sunday.

Ends 17 June. Venue: tbc. Cost: adults R2 350 per rider, back-up and nonriders R1 700, children under 12 R850 (includes first night’s accommodation and all meals). Contact: 011 979 1363, 072 177 0621, foleyg@mweb.co.za or visit familyadventures.co.za

16 saturday Father’s Day Adventure Camp Fun, exciting father and child adventure workshop. Registrations close 4 June. All ages. Also 17 June. Time: 10am until 12pm the following day. Venue: tbc. Cost: tbc.

Contact Christa: 083 304 0303, christa@ equalzeal.com or visit equalzeal.com Zoo fun walk Breathe in the fresh morning air and say good morning to the animals as you run the 5km route around the zoo.

Time: entrance 6am, walks starts 6:30am.

Venue: National Zoological Gardens, 232 Boom St. Cost: non-members: adults R40, children R25; members: adults R30, children R25. Contact: 012 328 3265 ext 168, info@friendsofthezoo.co.za or visit nzg.ac.za

17 sunday Father’s Day among the roses Celebrate Father’s Day and enjoy a tractor-train ride, visit a butterfly garden and munch on a delicious meal. Time: 8:30am–5pm. Venue: Spiced Coffee Restaurant, Ludwig’s Roses, N1 highway, Wallmannsthal off-ramp.

Cost: varies. Contact Talhat: 012 544 0144 or visit ludwigsroses.co.za

creative fun as children decorate their own cowgirl or cowboy hat and then learn a cowboy dance. For children 3–9 years. Time: 10am–11am. Venue: upper level, Atterbury Boulevard, cnr Atterbury Rd and Manitoba Rd, Faerie Glen. Cost: one adult and one child R80; R20 for each additional child. Contact Tish: 083 331 6200, tish@dancingdivas. co.za or visit dancingdivas.co.za

Radio Astronomy Observatory The public can attend an open day at the observatory where they visit the telescope control room and watch an audiovisual show on astronomy and the Space Geodesy Programme, which is being conducted at the centre. Booking essential.

Time: 4pm–8pm. Venue: inside the gates of CSIR and HartRAO, Hartebeeshoek, Broederstroom. Cost: adults R45, students and pensioners R35, children under 6 free; family R120 (two adults and two children).

Contact: 012 301 3100, aware@hartrao. ac.za or visit hartrao.ac.za

24 sunday Enter the Kinetic Adventure In a team of two you can run, cycle, paddle and manoeuvre your way through the 25km adventure race. Bring your running shoes, a bicycle and helmet (the boats are provided). Only pre-entries are accepted.

For children 10 years and older. Time: registration 6:30am, start 8am. Venue: tbc. Cost: adult pair R600, child pair R500 (including maps, a gift, boats and paddles).

Contact Heidi: 082 564 6468, heidi@ kineticgear.co.za or visit kineticgear.co.za

30 saturday Cowboys and cowgirls workshop Moms, dads grandparents can join in the

Stargazing: our winter skies Enjoy a basic introduction to the astronomy of the winter sky, facilitated by the resident astronomer. All ages. 23 June. Time: 5pm. Venue: Maropeng Boutique Hotel, Maropeng, on the R400, just off the R563 Hekpoort Rd. Cost: adults R190, children R90 (includes the stargazing presentation and a buffet dinner). Contact: 014 577 9000, info@maropeng.co.za or visit maropeng.co.za

23 sat

art, culture and science Anton Smit Sculpture Park An expansive collection of sculptures is set on the manicured lawns overlooking the dam.

Alongside the art is Imagine Café where you can grab a light meal or tea-time treat.

Time: 10am–4pm, Tuesday–Sunday. Venue: off the R25 to Kempton Park, alongside the Aquavista Mountain Estate, northern side of Bronkhorstspruit Dam. Cost: free entry.

Contact: 082 653 7659, info@antonsmit. co.za or visit antonsmit.co.za Melrose House Built in 1886 by George Jesse Heys, Melrose House is an elegant example of a Victorian home. Time: 10am–5pm, every Tuesday–Sunday.

Venue: 275 Jacob Maré St, across from Burger’s Park. Cost: adults R9, learners R5. Contact: 012 322 2805/0420 or visit melrosehouse.co.za Sci-Enza Science Centre Individuals can conduct their own experiments at the various stations, with assistance from volunteers on the floor, and wander around the maze of mirrors. Tours can be arranged for groups of five or more; book in advance. For children 6–18 years. Time: 8am–4pm, Monday–Friday. Venue: main entrance to the University of Pretoria, cnr Prospect St and Festival St, Lynwood.

Cost: free for individuals; tour groups of five or more R15 per person. Contact: 012 420 3767, yvette.barrett@up.ac.za or visit web.up.ac.za

classes, talks and workshops Little Cooks Club Your children learn about the different types of fruit and vegetables, what they taste like and the names of the different kitchen appliances, while creating delicious dishes. For children 2–6 years. 28 May–23 June.

Time: 9am–10am, Monday–Saturday.

Venue: Little Cooks Club, Centurion. Cost: registration R150, R90 per lesson, R900 per term. Contact Michelle: 082 783 7737, michelleg@littlecooksclub.co.za or visit littlecooksclub.co.za

family outings Camping tours Fall asleep to the sound of a roaring lion, in the heart of the city, after you’ve enjoyed a night tour around the zoo and a bring-and-braai. Bring your own tents and camping equipment. Booking essential. All ages. Time: 5pm, every Friday.

Venue: National Zoological Gardens, 232 Boom St. Cost: adults R135, children R90.

Contact: 012 339 2700, info@nzg.ac.za or visit nzg.ac.za Zoo night tour Take an informative walk around the zoological gardens with a helpful guide, who shares information about the magazine pretoria

Mad Hatter’s Tea Garden

nocturnal animals, their origins, habits, adaptations and conservation. Minimum of eight people. All ages. Time: 6pm, every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Venue: National Zoological Gardens, 232 Boom St. Cost: adults R90, children R75. Contact: 012 339 2700, info@nzg.ac.za or visit nzg.ac.za

finding nature and outdoor play Cooper’s Cave picnic Explore a living museum and enjoy a light picnic lunch.

Bring a torch, hat, jersey and sunscreen.

2 June. Time: 9am. Venue: Sterkfontein Caves, Cradle of Humankind. Cost: R350, includes a light picnic lunch. Contact: 014 577 9000, childmag@maropeng.co.za or visit maropeng.co.za Mystic Monkeys and Feathers View a private collection of 44 primates, as well as a large number of beautiful exotic birds and predators. 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 threehour tour); playing with cubs R50 for 10 minutes. Contact Christa: 012 723 0315, blouduiker@mweb.co.za or visit mysticmonkeys.co.za

holiday programmes Equal Zeal holiday programme Throughout the week, a host of interesting topics is covered, ranging from “Sibling Success” to “Taking the Blues out of Bullying”. Registration closes 15 June. For children 5 years and older. 25–29 June.

Time: 9am–3:30pm. Venue: Centurion.

Cost: R650 per day. Contact Christa: 083 304 0303, christa@equalzeal.com or visit equalzeal.com Holiday art club Children can enjoy a bit of art therapy during the winter holidays by taking part in varied art workshops such as mosaic, decoupage, fabric painting and painting on canvas. 22 June–16 July. Time: 9:30am–11:30am and 2:30pm–4:40pm, Monday–Saturday. Venue: Soul Space, 78

Murray St, Brooklyn. Cost: R150–R220 per child for a two-hour creative session.

Contact Eunice: 074 118 9184, 083 400 5545, myspace@sobinn.co.za or visit mysoulspace.co.za Holiday fun with Artjamming During the winter holidays children can unleash their inner Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock and Georgia O’Keefe as they learn the style and history of popular artists. Booking essential.

22 June–13 July. Time: 9am–11am and 2pm–4pm, Monday–Friday. Venue: Irene Village Mall, shop 152–156, cnr Nellmapius Dr and Ryneveld Ave, Irene. Cost: R155 per class. Contact: 012 662 1511, irene@ artjamming.co.za or visit artjamming.co.za Swimming course The classes are 20 minutes in length and get your children more confident in the pool, building their upper body strength and equipping them with basic safety skills. Intensive swimming course for children 3 years and older and classes for babies from 6 months.

Intensive swimming course: 25 June–6 July.

Time: 7am–6pm, Monday–Friday. Venue: Centurion Swimming & Aqua Centre, cnr Lenchen Ave and Migmatite Ave, Centurion.

Cost: intensive swimming course: R800 for two weeks; baby swimming: annual registration R120; lessons once a week: R660 a term (R220 deposit), twice a week: R990 a term (R330 deposit). Contact: 012 663 6035 or visit centurionswim.co.za

markets Antique and collectables market Go treasure hunting among the goods of yesteryear. 16 June. Time: 9am–3pm.

Venue: Voortrekker Monument, Eeufees Rd, Groenkloof. Cost: picnic R25, heritage levy R10 per person. Contact Geraldine: 012 326 6770 or visit voortrekkermon.org.za Irene Village Market There is a large selection of knick-knacks, antiques and collectables and scrumptious deli food available. Children can bounce away the morning on the jumping castle and ride around the market on a pony or camel. 9 and 30 June. Time: 9am–2pm. Venue: Irene Market, Jan Smuts House Museum, Jan Smuts Ave, Irene. Cost: free entry. Contact Josene and Corlia: 012 667 1659 or visit irenemarket.co.za Mother, baby and toddler festival Parents can enjoy the tea garden and live music while children are entertained with face painters, animal feeding and jungle gyms. Every last Sunday of the month. 24 June. Time: 10am–4pm. Venue: Cornish Kettle Tea Garden, cnr Cornwood Dr and Nellmapius Dr, Cornwall Hill Estate. Cost: free entry. Contact: 012 667 2883 or visit thecornishkettle.co.za

Abseiling and caving adventure Dress up in an overall, helmet and torch and abseil through the roof of a wild cave for a 1,5hour guided tour by torchlight. For children 8 years and older. Time: 11am–2pm, every Sunday. Venue: meet at EnGedi Lodge, plot 22, cnr Protea Ridge Rd and Honingklip Rd, Kromdraai. Cost: adults R300, children R220.

Contact Sandy: 011 956 6197, 082 486 2464, info@wildcaves.co.za or visit wildcaves.co.za

magazine pretoria

24 June – Mother, baby and toddler festival

Pretoria Boeremark Gather under the trees, enjoy the traditional food and watch the farm animals graze. There is live music, fresh produce and a selection of art and crafts. Time: 5:30am–9am, every Saturday. Venue: Pioneer Museum, Keuning St. Cost: free entry. Contact: 082 416 3900, ptaboeremark@tlu.co.za or visit pretoriaboeremark.co.za The Fig Platter Market A new food market where you are able to purchase fresh organic produce, dried fruit and nuts plus freshly made pesto, as well as children’s clothing. Time: 9am–2pm, every Saturday.

Venue: Fig Platter Market, Village Shopping Centre, Wekker St, Moreleta Park. Cost: free entry. Contact Diane: 082 647 4642

some cake and a coffee. Time: 9am–10pm, daily. Venue: Purple Cow Restaurant, ground floor, Midfield Clubhouse, Midway Boulevard, Midstream. Cost: varies. Contact: 072 128 9374, info@thepurplecow.co.za or visit thepurplecow.co.za Safari Garden Centre Children can enjoy a pony ride and safari train ride on the weekends, and monkey around on the large jungle gym where they can view a menagerie of cute animals. Time: 8am–5:30pm, Monday–Saturday; 9am–5:30pm, Sunday.

Venue: from the N1 take the Lynnwood Rd off-ramp, turn right into Lynwood Rd, drive for 2,9km. Cost: free entry. Contact: 012 807 0009 or visit safarigardencentre.com

on stage and screen

KayT-Pop dance classes The dance classes are 45 minutes in length and combine modern, contemporary and hiphop dance. Boys are welcome. For children 5–14 years. Time: 2pm for 5–9 year olds; 3pm for 10–14 year olds, every Tuesday and 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 Survive or Race The Adventure Take part in “your own” reality show where you might get roadblocked, sent on detours, have to decipher clue cards or get voted out in the tribal council. Bookings essential.

For children 6 years and older. Time: 9am, 12pm and 2pm, Saturday–Sunday. Venue: Pelindaba, Hartbeespoort Dam. Cost: adults R220, children R165. Contact Debbie: 082 895 2513, admin@surviveorrace.co.za or visit surviveorrace.co.za

Disney on Ice Watch your favourite Disney characters as they perform spectacular skating routines with special effects. All ages. 26 June–1 July. Time: varies. Venue: Coca-Cola Dome, cnr Northumberland Rd and Olivenhout Dr, Northriding. Cost: R180–R300. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com Madagascar 3 Follow the escapades of Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Gloria the Hippo and Melman the Giraffe as they continue to try to get home to the Big Apple. This time they’re making their way through Europe with a travelling circus. 13 June. Venue: cinemas nationwide. Cost: varies per cinema Selmaats and Swart Bessies A production by the learners of St Alban’s College, which follows the lives of teenage boys and girls under the influence of technology. 11–12 June. Time: 7pm.

Venue: Atterbury Theatre, 4 Daventry St, cnr Lynnwood Rd and Daventry St, Lynnwood. Cost: R120. Contact: 012 471 1700, info@atterburytheatre.co.za or visit atterburytheatre.co.za

playtime and story time Mad Hatter’s Tea Garden A venue where children can enter into a fantasy world while you socialise at the tea garden. Children over 10 can take part in paintball. Time: 9am–5pm, Saturday–Sunday. Venue: plot 48, R511, Doornrandje, Hennopsrivier. Cost: paint ball R120 for the full kit and 100 balls; tea garden costs vary. Contact Tamsin: 082 353 3320, 084 911 1906, tamsinrhind@ gmail.com or visit facebook.com/MadHatters-Tea-Garden-at-Tatz-Junction Purple Cow Restaurant They offer an indoor and outdoor play area for the children as well as a make-your-own pizza experience while you sit back and relax with

sport and physical activities

only for parents classes, talks and workshops Basic childcare course This practical course covers all aspects of your baby’s daily care, health and safety in their first year.

Booking essential. 26 June. Time: 9am–1pm.

Venue: EduCare, 576 Gouda St, Elardus Park.

Cost: R450. Contact: 082 951 8129, info@ t4u.co.za or visit edugroup.co.za Cooking and nutrition for tots to teens This course is tailored to suit the needs of domestics, moms or grannies. It covers recipes, cooking methods, hygiene, feeding tips and more. Booking essential.

25 June. Time: 9am–1pm. Venue: EduCare, 576 Gouda St, Elardus Park. Cost: R450.

Contact Claudette: 082 951 8129, info@ t4u.co.za or visit edugroup.co.za June 2012

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9 sat

Developmental stimulation course Equip yourself or your childminder with skills to boost the development and brain power of your child. Booking essential. 28 June. Time: 9am–1pm. Venue: EduCare, 576 Gouda St, Elardus Park. Cost: R450.

Contact Claudette: 082 951 8129, info@ t4u.co.za or visit edugroup.co.za Diabetes focus group Vision disturbances and footwear for people with diabetes is discussed. Bookings essential. 9 June. Time: 9:30am–12pm. Venue: Rubenstein Centre of Excellence, 886 Rubenstein St, Moreleta Park.

Cost: free. Contact Louise: 082 451 0706 First-aid course This course is registered with the Department of Labour and the Resuscitation Council of South Africa and covers CPR for adults, children and infants, together with a full first-aid syllabus on child injuries. 23 June. Time: 9am–1pm.

Venue: EduCare, 576 Gouda St, Elardus Park. Cost: R400 per person, R700 for couples. Contact Claudette: 082 951 8129, info@t4u.co.za or visit edugroup.co.za Sonic meditation group Release the pent-up stress and replace it with a deep relaxation, achieved through meditation.

Booking essential. 3 June. Time: 9am–11am.

Venue: South African Centre for Sound Therapy, Meerhof, Hartbeespoort Dam. Cost: R150. Contact Wilna: 071 6822 548, wilna@soundtherapy.co.za or visit soundtherapy.co.za

on stage and screen Ballet Gala You can enjoy classical solos and pas de deux from ballerinas from the Mzanzi Productions. 1, 3 and 6 June. Time: 8pm, Wednesday and Friday; 3pm, Sunday. Venue: Brooklyn Theatre, Greenlyn Village Centre, cnr Thomas Edison Rd and 13th St, Menlo Park. Cost: R60–R200. Contact: 012 460 6033 or visit ticketspace.co.za Echoes of Paris A romantic evening with performances of favourite French café music, accompanied by the acclaimed Sergio Zampolli on the accordion. 13, 15 and 17 June. Time: 8pm, Wednesday and Friday; 3pm, Sunday. Venue: Brooklyn Theatre, Greenlyn Village Centre, cnr Thomas Edison Rd and 13th St, Menlo Park.

Cost: R85–R150. Contact: 012 460 6033 or visit ticketspace.co.za Jeff Dunham ventriloquist He’s back in South Africa with a fresh show and brand new characters to rival that of Achmed, the Dead Terrorist. 9 June. Time: 8pm. Venue: Superbowl, Sun City, North West. Cost: R250–R500. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com

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Bone detectives Expand your knowledge of human evolution as you learn more about the hominoid skeletal anatomy and learn how to identify fossils. 9 June.

Time: 9am. Venue: Sterkfontein Caves, Cradle of Humankind. Cost: R350, includes the presentation, tour, exhibition and a light picnic lunch. Contact: 014 577 9000, childmag@maropeng.co.za or visit maropeng.co.za

Second season of the JPO You can enjoy the delightful sounds of Schubert, Beethoven and other popular composers performed by the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra.

3 and 10 June. Time: 3pm. Venue: ZK Matthews Great Hall, Unisa. Cost: tbc. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 5000 or contact the JPO: 011 789 2733, info@jpo. co.za or jpo.co.za

out and about Little Oak Montessori open day View the facilities and meet the teachers. For parents of children 18 months–6 years.

2 June. Time: 9am–1pm. Venue: Little Oak Montessori, No 5, The Oval, Irene. Cost: free. Contact: 012 667 2426, littleoak@ vodamail.co.za or visit littleoak.co.za Makeover morning Get a few helpful tips on what hair, make-up, jewellery and clothes look best for your body shape and face. Booking essential. 30 June.

Time: 10am–12pm. Venue: Soul Space, 78 Murray St, Brooklyn. Cost: R120, includes breakfast. Contact: 074 118 9184, 083 400 5545, myspace@sobinn.co.za or visit mysoulspace.co.za Soul Mates book club Get together with a group of bookworms to read and discuss the month’s book selection. 26 June. Time: 6:30pm, last Tuesday of every month.

Venue: Soul Space, 78 Murray St, Brooklyn.

Cost: R350, includes your monthly book, dinner and dessert. Contact: 074 118 9184, 083 400 5545, myspace@sobinn. co.za or visit mysoulspace.co.za Swartkrans Walking tour Enjoy a privileged look around a working fossil excavation site with scientist Morris Sutton and enjoy a light lunch. Booking essential.

16 June. Time: 9am. Venue: Sterkfontein Caves, Cradle of Humankind. Cost: R350.

Contact: 014 577 9000, childmag@ maropeng.co.za or visit maropeng.co.za Treat-me Tuesdays Enjoy something to eat and an informative talk with helpful tips.

Space is limited. 26 June. Time: 9:30am.

Venue: upstairs at Mugg & Bean, Irene

Village Mall, cnr Nellmapius Dr and Van Ryneveld Dr, Irene. Cost: varies, parking free between 9am–12pm. Contact Rentia: 012 662 4446, rentia@mseed.co.za or visit irenevillagemall.co.za

bump, baby & Tot in tow

classes, talks and workshops Moms and tots dance classes Learn basic dance routines with your child 5–9 years old.

Time: 10am, every Saturday. Venue: Dancing Divas, Atterbury Boulevard, cnr Atterbury Rd and Manitoba Rd, Faerie Glen. Cost: adult and one child: R80 per class, R360 for five classes, R20 per additional child. Contact Tish: 083 331 6200, tishagrinz@gmail.com or visit dancingdivas.co.za Prenatal aqua yoga Maximum of eight moms per class. Booking essential. Time: 8:30am–9:10am, every Friday. Venue: The Yoga Tree, 621 View St, Rietvalleirand, Erasmuskloof. Cost: from R40. Contact: jo@ theyogatree.co.za or visit theyogatree.co.za Toddler dance classes Children can learn hip-hop, ballet, jazz, acrobatics and take part in body conditioning. Suitable for children 2 years and older. Venues: Waterkloof Ridge, Pretoria East and Wierda Park, Centurion. Cost: varies. Contact: 071 604 2249, contact@studioofmotion.co.za or visit studioofmotion.co.za

playtime and story time Mungolistix An indoor playground where children can monkey around in a safe and secure environment. For children 0–7 years.

Time: 9am–5pm, daily. Venue: shop 342A, upper level, Centurion Mall, Centurion.

Cost: children R35 per hour, R25 for groups of four; drop and shop R40 per hour.

Contact: 074 122 2787, info@mungolistix. co.za or visit mungolistix.co.za Playtime at Villa San Giovanni Children can enjoy the outdoor play area with a jungle gym, jumping castle, swings and a sandpit, while you nibble on pizza.

Time: 7am–9:30pm, Monday–Thursday; 7am–10pm, Friday; 8am–10pm, Saturday; 8am–5pm, Sunday. Venue: Wonderboom Airport, main terminal building. Cost: varies.

Contact: 012 543 0501, info@vsg.co.za or visit vsg.co.za

support groups Bedwetting support group 8am–5pm, Monday–Friday. Contact: 083 289 6640.

Child Emergency Services 0800 123 321 Diabetes in the Youth (D.I.Y) The group is split into three age groups: up to 12; 13–17 years; and young adults from age 18 to their late 20s. 16 June. Time: tbc. Venue: tbc. Cost: free. Contact Elize: 072 607 0201 or diypretoria@gmail.com Diabetes support group For adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, as well as their family and friends. 23 June.

31 May – National Soup Day

Time: 2pm. Venue: Lyttleton Library, cnr Cantonment Rd and Union Rd, Lyttleton, Centurion. Cost: free. Contact Louise: 082 451 0706 or visit diabetessa.co.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 People Opposing Women Abuse Contact: 083 765 1235 or visit powa.co.za Poison control 0800 333 4444 Postnatal Depression Support Association of South Africa Contact: 082 882 0072, help@pndsa.org.za or visit pndsa.org.za PSARU Efficiently assists with locating missing persons. Contact: 0860 287 223 or visit psaru.co.za

how to help Child Trace A non-profit organisation that aims at developing a child identification and verification system in South Africa to help combat child trafficking. They are in need of volunteers (aged 18–25 years) and CIDI Diplomats (children between the ages of 10 and 18 years) to spread the message of child safety. Venue: 546 John Scott St, Constantia Park. Contact: 012 755 9471/3, diplomats@ childtrace.org or visit childtrace.org Choc Support The Childhood Cancer Foundation of South Africa through volunteering as a caregiver, assisting with the art and crafts programme, monetary donations or through purchasing items in their online shop. Contact: 012 323 3490, pretoria@choc.org.za or visit choc.org.za Knit-a-square for charity Knit a 20cmx20cm square and after you cast off, leave a one-metre length of yarn so the squares can be joined to create blankets.

They need clothes, stationery and soft toys.

Send squares to: Soweto Comfort Club, Private Bag X900, Bryanston, 2021. Contact: 011 462 2922 or visit knit-a-square.com National Soup Day For every can of soup sold from April to August, Denny donates 40c to FoodBank SA, a non-profit organisation and the only food-banking network that secures food for the hungry.

For more info: visit nationalsoupday.co.za

don’t miss out!

For a free listing, email your event to pretoria@childmag.co.za or fax it to 011 234 4971. Information must be received by 24 May for the July 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 9 June – Jeff Dunham ventriloquist

magazine pretoria

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

childmag.co.za/resources/birthday-parties

magazine pretoria

June 2012

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finishing touch

on the move It rates as one of the most stressful things you can do... And moving house while heavily pregnant, is not for the faint-hearted, says ANÉL LEWIS.

s

Anél and Erin

ome people bungee jump for kicks, others get their adrenaline boost from rock climbing or diving with sharks. I get mine from moving house when heavily pregnant, usually in summer. Except, unlike the adventure junkies, I don’t tackle the move voluntarily or with any enthusiasm. In fact, I would rather watch The Golden Girls reruns while hanging from a trapeze than move house when pregnant. Unfortunately, our life pattern has conspired against me and I have been forced to attempt this extreme feat not once, but twice. And just for added thrills, I’ve done it in two cities.

The first move was in Johannesburg, and I was about seven months pregnant.

All I can remember of that experience was the heat and the downpour at about 4pm as I scrambled to get the last of the boxes into the house before the daily thunderstorm. I could at least still see my toes, so my unpacking and cleaning capabilities were not as hamstrung as with the second move. This time, I was eight months pregnant, and very uncomfortable at the height of the Cape Town summer.

Fortunately my husband did most of the packing and heavy lifting. But on moving day, I was on my feet for several hours. By the end, I was convinced that I was going to give birth on one of the moving company’s trolleys.

The day started off well enough, with my husband and I packing the last of the odds and ends before the movers arrived at 9am. I was tasked with taking our Ridgeback, Vida, and her mixed-breed

partner in crime, Chloe, to the vet for a check-up while Craig did the “heavy” work. I thought I had it easy.

But I had forgotten that Vida, who weighs more than 30kg, has delusions of being a contender for the next J&B Met. And Chloe, who has only one eye, semiblindly follows Vida wherever she runs. I managed to get them into the car, but by the time we arrived at the vet, they were ready to break land-speed records. As I opened the door, they bolted, leaving me standing with two pink leashes in my hand. I attempted to waddle in their direction. But when I noticed the children at the next door primary school pointing in my direction, I realised how absurd I must have looked – like a giant beach ball, marooned in the parking lot while two gregarious dogs ran donuts around me. I decided to give in gracefully. I would explain to Craig that the dogs had run off to greener pastures, and that we would

save a good few rand each month in dog food. But fortunately, a kind gentleman stepped in to help, and after about 20 minutes of cajoling and some tears, from me, we got the errant hounds into the vet.

The rest of the day was spent directing the movers around the new house and keeping an eye on Erin, who was intent on climbing into the boxes as we unpacked them. When the final box was dropped off, at about 7pm that evening, I felt as if I had completed a Cape Epic and a Dusi Canoe Marathon back-to-back.

And I vowed again that I would never move when pregnant. In fact, the next time I pack a box, bubble-wrap an ornament or lift a couch, the children had better be old enough to help out.

Anél Lewis has now settled into her new home. Conor Sean Lewis was born on 10 April at a healthy 3,6kg. Anél has embraced being the mom of two little ones, but admits she misses the office vibe.

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