Child magazine | PTA May 2014

P r e t o r i a’ s

b e s t

g u i d e

let’s

party your bumper

birthday guide

f o r

pa r e n t s

should you choose your child’s friends? dealing with a

shy child taking the sting out of

queen

bees

porridge brain www.childmag.co.za

May 2014

free

plus

health

is momnesia a myth?

magical themes and recipes birthday party etiquette at school

education

entertainment

Hunter House P UB L IS H ING

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

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

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

To mark the occasion, we bring you more features, more recipes, great books, something to laugh about and “the ultimate party guide” (page 19). Whether your child is celebrating at home, at school or having a mega bash, we’ve covered every party whim from baby to teenager. This issue is a keeper.

But parenting is not all fun and games, so we also explore difficult topics, such as fighting the urge to interfere in your child’s friendships (page 12), what happens when your daughter gets caught up in the manipulative world of the queen bee (page 18) and how to deal with a shy child (page 10). In this piece, Glynis Horning gives you

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

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

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10 tips to help your child. And then we get back to celebrating with the “finishing touch” column, which encourages parents to let loose once in a while by making time for their own little “party” (page 30) Enjoy this month’s issue and keep it close for when your child gets to wear their birthday crown and dish out the cupcakes.

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

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May 2014

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contents may 2014

14 upfront

regulars

3 a note from lisa

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

5 over to you readers respond

features

on momnesia or “porridge brain”

8 best for baby – wrap them with care Katherine Graham looks at the

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

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

16 chew on this Vanessa Papas dishes out the truth about processed foods

18 girl world your daughter needn’t

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

age-old practice of swaddling

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

17 a good read for the whole family 19 resource – the ultimate party guide Compiled by Marina Zietsman

26 what’s on in may

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

health 6 mirror, mirror... when children start showing an interest in beauty routines. By Marina Zietsman

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

classified ads 30 family marketplace

this month’s cover images are supplied by:

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May 2014

Joburg

Cape Town

Durban

Ackermans ackermans.co.za

Claudia De Nobrega Photography claudiadenobrega.com

shutterstock.com

Pretoria

shutterstock.com

magazine pretoria

over to you not just another glossy magazine We love the articles in Child magazine, not because we revel in others’ sorrow or problems, but because we learn to have patience when dealing with our struggles in raising a boy.

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

Helen

it’s a sensitive topic In response to “spirituality and school” (April 2014): I feel that education and spiritually should be completely

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

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letters

Let us know what’s on your mind. Send your letters or comments to marina@childmag.co.za or PO Box 12002, Mill Street, 8010.

separate. Spirituality is a personal choice and, until you can make that choice for yourself, it is up to your parents to teach and guide you. Why then are people still putting this role into the hands of our educators? They are there to impart knowledge, not guide a child on a spiritual path.

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

Cheryl

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

Heather T

erratum online feedback In response to “being classified” I am a divorced “single father”. I find it ridiculous that our child sees his parents at times in the same place but “miles apart”. I am trying now, as best I can, to embrace the “single parent” label. I travel abroad often with my child. I have been to Disney World and it was fantastic. This year it’s Lapland for Christmas, to prove that Father Christmas really does exist. Take a trip and enjoy every moment with your children.

JH

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

Naidoo is in fact a former director. We apologise for any inconvenience this error might have caused. subscribe to our newsletter and win Our wins have moved online. Please subscribe to our newsletter and enter our weekly competitions.

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We reserve the right to edit and shorten submitted letters.

The opinions reflected here are those of our readers and are not necessarily held by Hunter House Publishing.

Post a comment online at childmag.co.za

May 2014

5

health

mirror, mirror…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Young girls should not be concerned about getting pubic hair.

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

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

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

other beauty treatments Spray tans are not recommended.

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

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

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PHOTOGRAPH: shutterstock.com

puberty lurking

pregnancy news

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

PHOTOGRAPH: shutterstock.com

i

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

May 2014

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best for baby

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ensure enough room for her legs to move and bend.

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

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PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

a

is not without its detractors. KATHERINE GRAHAM investigates why.

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May 2014

9

dealing with difference

how to deal with a

shy child

Shyness can hold a child back in our outgoing culture, but there’s much you

m

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

Janine understands her daughter’s shyness – she experienced it herself as a child. “My dad died when I was five and my mom moved around, so we often changed schools and homes. I remember sitting at school with everyone talking around me and not feeling comfortable. I preferred to be on my own. I eventually got over it, but I don’t want that for my child.”

The causes are complex and unclear, and some researchers suggest they may include genetic factors or a chemical imbalance in the brain, but there is not enough proof of this, says Ladikos: “It’s rather a temperament trait.”

Left untreated, acute shyness can restrict a child’s social development and education and impact their work and personal lives. It can even trigger co-morbid conditions, such as depression. “The low self-esteem that often goes with it may also predispose youngsters to substance abuse,” says Ladikos. These children need to be professionally assessed and treated as early as possible. They generally respond well to cognitive behavioural therapy that progressively exposes them to social situations. “Medication is usually not as successful, and should only be given when the anxiety is overwhelming and therapy is not producing success on its own,” says Ladikos.

Most children, however, require only guidance and patience, outgrowing their shyness as they mature and acquire better social skills. There’s much parents can do to help.

unpacking the problem

refrain “Calling a child ‘shy’ encourages them to define themselves that way and resist change,” says Patricia Tau, an educational psychologist at Sunshine Hospital in Benoni and Dalpark 6 in Brakpan. Rather tell them and other people that they can be “a bit reserved at first” but will “soon warm up”, she advises.

Being shy is not a fault, it’s largely a personality trait – part of being an introvert, says Pretoria psychiatrist Dr Annemarie Potgieter. In some cases it may be linked to a traumatic event or to life experiences, such as Janine’s. These children feel awkward in social situations, but once they become desensitised to them they usually relax, says child psychiatrist Dr Androula Ladikos, also from Pretoria.

It’s only when they don’t, and extreme embarrassment or fear prevents them from socialising, that they need professional help. They may have an anxiety disorder or social phobia (though this usually shows up only in adolescence), or Asperger’s syndrome (an autism spectrum disorder that makes social interaction difficult).

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nurture Noticing a child’s needs from babyhood and responding to them teaches them to trust and feel secure, says Tau. Also, expose them early to the care of loving others, from relatives to baby-sitters, so they learn to trust them, says Ladikos. empathise Acknowledging how they feel without criticising builds confidence: “I know it can feel a bit scary magazine pretoria

PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

can do to help. By GLYNIS HORNING

starting a conversation with someone you don’t know, but that’s how I’ve made all my friends.” Pushing them builds resistance: “Go on, don’t be silly, Mr X won’t bite!”

Many parents need to be taught to resist the urge to say such things, says Tau. encourage “Encouraging and supportive parenting, where you allow a child to do things on their own without constantly correcting them, builds self-esteem, as opposed to controlled parenting,” says Ladikos. Also, help them to identify talents and interests that make them feel special, and develop them. “It gives them things to share with others, making it easier to connect,” says Tau. model Children learn most from watching us and role-modelling, says Ladikos. Smiling readily and making eye contact with others, greeting them, paying compliments, and chatting casually with check-out staff and car guards can all help foster a relaxed attitude to social interactions and teach your child social skills. “Also model tolerance, respect and forgiveness, as it teaches them that they don’t need to be perfect,” says Tau. facilitate Create opportunities for your child to socialise safely, stretching them slowly – from having one child over to play a few times, to having them visit that child, Tau suggests. Involve them in sport and cultural activities that interest them, from soccer to choirs, and remind teachers to involve them in class activities.

role play Ask what situations your child struggles with and act them out, from breaking into a play group to answering questions in class or coping with party nerves: “How would it be if you help serve the eats?” Also practise basic social skills, such as introductions, handshakes and making conversation.

Suggest questions that they can ask, says Ladikos. respect Don’t put the child on the spot: “Go on, sing for your aunt. You really do it so well.” Ask them in advance if they want to and accept it if they decline, says Ladikos. Not all children are born performers. applaud Praise every attempt they make to socialise on their own, says Tau: “I know it wasn’t easy asking Siyabonga to play, but you’ll have fun.

Well done.” Also teach them that failure is okay. It provides the feedback we need to grow. step back Whatever you do, don’t constantly speak for your child. It can be tempting when they’re shy, especially if you’re an extrovert. If someone addresses them, give them time to answer for themselves, Tau says, otherwise you are signalling that you don’t have confidence in them and could be keeping them from developing the very communication skills you want them to have. * Names have been withheld for privacy

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

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May 2014

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parenting

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

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

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

This is simply not true.

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PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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

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

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

GARY KOEN explains.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

May 2014

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education

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

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

every school celebrates their own way

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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magazine pretoria

PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

a

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

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

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

magazine pretoria

May 2014

15

health

chew on this We know that processed foods are bad for us, but so many foods are made that way.

VANESSA PAPAS dishes out the truth on what is acceptable and what should be avoided.

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

“As a general rule of thumb, processed food is anything that has sugar as one of the top three ingredients (or high fructose corn syrup), has been chemically altered from its natural state, has ingredients you cannot pronounce and has colours not found in nature,” explains Vanessa Ascencao, a nutritionist and wellness speaker from Cape Town. “The more refined something becomes the less it is in its natural whole-food state and therefore loses some, if not all, of its nutrient value.

A good example is oats. What we eat when we eat quick-cooking oats is actually far from what the oat groat looks like and the nutritional value it contains.” The same can be said for white flour, processed sugar and fruit juices, says Ascencao.

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

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May 2014

drinks, ice creams, sweets, chewing gum, jam, yoghurt and certain infant medicines.

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

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

There are other foods that should be avoided, such as chocolate, crisps,

The typical chicken nugget bought at a fast food outlet often contains more than 50% fat and more carbs than protein. unappetising additives Some of the most commonly consumed food products by children are ironically some of the most “chemically laden”: chicken nuggets, soft drinks, hot dogs, burgers and fries, sugary cereals, doughnuts, crisps and certain yoghurts.

“Food experts claim chicken nuggets are at the pinnacle of industrialised foods,” says Ascencao. “While you may think that chicken nuggets are mostly protein, the typical chicken nugget bought at a fast-food outlet often contains more than 50% fat and more carbs than protein. The vast majority of hot dogs and other highly processed meats on the market contain loads of salt (often labelled ‘sodium’), artificial flavours and cheap unhealthy fillers,” says Ascencao. She adds that most soft drinks include artificial sweeteners, which can alter brain neurochemistry and increase insulin levels, leading to obesity, gallstones, gum disease and cavities, bloating, migraines, arthritis, fatigue, weight gain, breast cancer, cardiovascular disease and lowered immune function.

“MSG – a food enhancer added to a number of foods attractive to children –

porridge and cornflakes, as these often contain something called GMOs (plants or animals that have had their DNA modified).

GMOs can increase food toxicity, allergy susceptibility, immune suppression, resistance to antibiotics, and the incidence of cancer. Takeaway outlets are notorious for serving foods fried in oil that has been used and left to cool and then re-heated and used again. The oil is often treated with something called butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), which prevents fat spoilage. BHA and BHT can cause insomnia in children and longterm health issues, including liver and kidney damage, baldness, behavioural problems, cancer, foetal abnormalities, and even growth retardation. Other preservatives commonly found in foods include sodium nitrate and nitrite (added to canned foods and many cold meats), which can cause colon cancer, and partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, commonly found in foods such as crackers, cookies, cakes, doughnuts and French fries. It’s associated with heart disease, breast and colon cancer, atherosclerosis and elevated cholesterol.

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

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

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

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

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

PHOTOGRAPH: shutterstock.com

w

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

books

a good read for toddlers

Rover

By Michael Rosen and Neal Layton (Published by Bloomsbury Publishing Group, R135) This is a tender and funny book about the adventures of a small dog and his pet girl. Meet Rover; no, not the dog, the little girl. She is the four-legged narrator’s pet human. Today they are going to play in the giant sandpit. The trouble starts when Rover wanders off while her parents are taking a nap on the beach. Pet human’s mom and dad get a bright idea: they let the dog sniff the little girl’s toy rabbit and send him off to help find her. This book, will delight children up to the age of five.

magazine pretoria

for early graders

for families

Dogtective William and the Poachers

By Elizabeth Wasserman and Chris Venter

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

By Gyles and Saethryd Brandreth

(Published by NB Publishers, R120) This is the third book in the Dogtective William series. In this edition Alex and his extraordinary dog, William, find themselves packed off to Aunt Ada’s game farm. Trouble brews right from the start – poachers are on the trail of the rhino on the farm, and have already wounded a bull. They are now using a helicopter to trace their prey. Can a boy and a dog get the better of these hunters?

William’s training as a dogtective has not prepared him for he African bush.

(Published by Hodder and Stoughton, R402) This book picks out over 250 games, guaranteed to make even the grumpiest child or adult laugh. With interesting stories and lovely illustrations, it shows you clearly how to play them. Nine chapters cover pretty much every eventuality: “Rainy Day Games”, “Car Journey”, “Analogue Fun in a Digital World”, “Music and Drama”, “Word Games and Brainteasers”, “Racing Games”, “Party Games” “Weekend-away Games” and “Seasonal Games”.

Mummy and Me Craft: Make and Learn Together Editor Jo Casey (Published by Dorling Kindersley, R177) Introduce your child to the wonderful world of crafting with this colourful and inspiring book of 20 fun craft projects for the whole family. From felt creatures, paper jewellery, T-shirt design to origami and paint projects.

Plus, little ones can learn about the materials they’re working with. Painting, drawing, cutting and pasting, and using a range of crafting materials such as scissors and glue sticks help children develop hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. The book also has templates of all the creatures.

May 2014

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your child’s life

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

s

one when you provide for her emotionally. By LUCILLE KEMP

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

This scenario is rife among girls at preadolescent age, when they are entering into “girl world”, which is often dominated by cliques led by queen bees – those girls in a position of power over their peers. Cape Town-based psychologist Mareli Fischer says queen bee behaviour is described as relational aggression, a subtle form of bullying. Rosalind Wiseman, in her book Queen Bees and Wannabes, illustrates the problem with this remark from a 12 year old: “Yes, we’re exclusive, but it’s just popularity. I’m the queen, but I’m not mean. People exclude themselves.

Nobody has the power to do that. I’m perfect and I’m not in denial.”

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

Lauren, being more an observer than a leader, found it difficult to stand up to Beth because, while Beth railroaded everyone, being friends with her brought Lauren status, popularity and a social compass. In an emotionally mature world, behaviour such as this carries no weight because friends value kindness and loyalty over being cool, pretty and popular. Until then, however, “friendship” with a queen bee can be devastating to your daughter – the not-a-girl, not-yet-a-woman.

boys. It is easy to miss, leaving everyone feeling confused as to what really just happened. Listen to girls who tell you that there’s a problem; don’t dismiss it or doubt what you saw.

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

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

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

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

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

dealing with it … the victim It can be difficult to tell when your child is being led by a queen bee because during the preteen years girls tend to be more in the presence of their friends than their parents, says Kathryn Muir, resident psychologist at a private all-girls school in Joburg. Listen to your intuition. Out of her own adolescent feelings of awkwardness and ineptitude, you may sense a loss of individuality and values and an almost obsessive “needing” what a particular girl or group has. Her words are not her own and you may see her being mean or acting in a way that you never expected of her.

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

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

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May 2014

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

profiling…

resource

accessories and services

ultimate

ILLUSTRATIONS: shutterstock.com

the

party guide Your comprehensive guide of everything party related. Compiled by MARINA ZIETSMAN

magazine pretoria

All Designs They design invitations, party stationery, printable table decor, party packs and graphic email invitations. Nationwide.

Contact: 083 324 7134, info@alldesigns. co.za or visit alldesigns.co.za Aloemore Decor Themed party decor that is easy to transport. Decor can be manufactured to order, time permitting.

They also make and sell cut-outs. Contact: 012 991 1713, 082 938 3434, decor@ aloemore.co.za or visit aloemore.co.za A–Z Creative Entertainment For chefs’ parties, drumming workshops, combo parties, catering, party equipment and operators. Nationwide. Contact: 011 682 2660 or visit creative-entertainment.co.za Candy Man A broad selection of party accessories, sweets and chocolates.

Centurion. Contact: 012 665 5997 or candyman@telkomsa.net Cosmo Balloons For balloon decor, balloon printing, helium gas, accessories, costumes, wigs, masks and face paint. Waterkloof Glen. Contact: 012 998 3596, baloons@ mweb.co.za or visit cosmo-balloons.co.za Crazy Concepts They sell playground equipment, ball ponds, rock climbing walls, mirrors, rides and jumping castles. Contact: 021 850 0102, info@crazyconcepts.co.za or visit crazyconcepts.co.za Crystal Print Designers of personalised invitations and stationery. Nationwide.

Contact: 031 205 7284, info@crystalprintsa. co.za or visit crystalprintsa.co.za Dzz Parties A party-planning business that provides a decor hire service and supplies party accessories. Atteridgeville. Contact: 082 302 9624 or dudu@dzzprojects.com E-Square Party Hire and Balloon Decor Rents out jumping castles, furniture, chocolate fountains, overlays, linen, and other party ware. They provide balloons, balloon arches, topiaries, cakes, party boxes, party ware and clowns. Contact: 083 297 8734, elna@esquareparties.co.za or visit esquareparties.co.za Funky Photo Booth They supply up to two photo booth butlers and props. Contact: 071 969 5769 or visit funkyphotobooth.co.za Gelli Baff A completely safe powder that turns ordinary water into colourful goo.

Nationwide. Contact: 031 502 6135, wendy.ekman@altiustrading.com or visit altiustrading.com In Good Company Shop online for imported and local tableware, decorations and party favours. Contact: 011 447 1628, 079 041 8927, contactus@ingoodcompany. co.za or visit ingoodcompany.co.za Its Mine Labels Invitations in a variety of themes. Fully magnetised invitation packs also offered as well as personalised ribbon and wrapping paper. Contact: 011 646 3640 or visit itsmine.co.za Jitterbugs For invitations (magnetic, sticker and digital), edible icing prints,

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resource party pack stickers and party favours.

Nationwide delivery. Contact: 031 261 1030, orders@jitterbugs.co.za or visit jitterbugs.co.za Just Labels Personalised stickers. Choose your own wording and pictures from their website. Nationwide. Contact: 031 266 1738, sales@justlabels.co.za or visit justlabels.co.za Kids Like Us Piñata Factory Offers a range of handcrafted piñatas, and they can custom make a design for you.

Contact: 072 228 0563, kids_like_us@live. com or visit kidslikeuspiñatas.com Kids Party Packs They supply and deliver themed party ware, party packs and piñatas. Contact: 082 887 4298 or info@kidspartypacks.co.za Kidz Cards and Party Buckets Personalised party buckets, party packs, invitations, piñatas and themed bottled water, juice or milkshake, and banners.

Nationwide. Contact: 072 584 7083, info@ kidzcards.co.za or visit kidzcards.co.za Labels Inc A range of personalised stationery including party invitations, gift labels and cards. Nationwide. Contact: 082 556 4232, lauren@labelsinc.co.za or visit labelsinc.co.za Matilda’s Partyware Designer paper party ware and decorations delivered to anywhere in SA. Contact: 084 777 5125, info@ partyware.co.za or visit partyware.co.za Mauve Stationery and Invites Personalised invitations, themed party decor and accessories. Nationwide. Contact: 084 701 1009 or kameshnee@mauve.co.za Money Box Party Packs Unique and affordable party packs with ranges that include blank, set designs, DIY chalkboard, DIY colouring-in, DIY scratch-art and DIY licensed stickers. Nationwide. Contact: 082 422 7872 or visit jorsam.co.za Parties 4 Africa A one-stop online party shop, supplying a wide range of party accessories. Nationwide delivery. Contact: 073 942 1730, info@parties4africa.co.za or visit parties4africa.co.za Party Freaks For themed decor, which include the furniture, banners, photo boards and more. Party packs are supplied and other party accessories are for rent.

Amandasig. Contact: 083 490 9429, info@ partyfreaks.co.za or visit partyfreaks.co.za

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May 2014

Party Packs and Piñatas Makes party packs to match your theme. Also supplies piñatas and jelly cameras. Nationwide delivery. Contact: 087 805 9977, 082 683 5766, info@partypacksandpinatas.co.za or visit partypacksandpinatas.co.za Pick and Party They can hire decor separately for your child’s themed party. Moreleta Park. Contact: 082 847 0921, pickandparty@gmail.com or visit pickandparty.co.za Piñata Africa They manufacture piñatas.

Choose a piñata and basher or a pull-string option. They can courier to anywhere in South Africa. Contact: 082 457 2276 Pretty Little Party They design and make party stationery. You can choose from one of their standard themes or let them design something. They also have a range of party printables. Contact: 084 586 2370, 082 410 9719, or lizelle@ prettylittleparty.co.za Rainbow Parties You can hire from jumping castles, tables and chairs, cakes, and piñatas to party packs, table and balloon decor, themed decor and more.

Contact: 012 362 2383, carmenyup@ iburst.co.za or visit rainbowparties.co.za Sensation Lab Manufactures and hires out Bedouin tents, furniture, dance floors, marquees, fairy and disco lights. Contact: 110 235 940, info@sensationlab.co.za or visit sensationlab.co.za Sky Toys A wholesale balloon company.

Nationwide. Contact: 011 837 3924, info@ skytoys.co.za or visit skytoys.co.za Stick With Us Design and printing of personalised party stationery. Contact: 082 377 0153 or mandy@stickwithus.co.za Sunshine Parties Get designed party printables. They sell bunting, digital invitations, cupcake toppers and can customise designs. Nationwide. Contact: 031 764 6350, parties@sunshineshabby. com or visit sunshineshabby.com The Crazy Store They offer a wide range of party essentials. Nationwide.

Contact: info@crazystore.co.za or visit crazystore.co.za Variatas Party Shop They stock various balloons, plates and cups, gift wrap, favours, gift boxes, serviettes and more.

Pretoria East. Contact: 012 992 6062, sw@variatas.com or visit variatas.co.za

Voila Kids Parties and Party Store An affordable party store with centre pieces, children’s furniture rentals, setups and a wide range of party goods and sweet buffets. Hermanstad. Contact: 082 426 5622, 082 085 6690, celestbairos@gmail. com or visit facebook.com/voilafunctions Willow Custom Prints They create personalised invitations and other party printables in any theme. Nationwide.

Contact: willowcustomprints@gmail.com or visit facebook.com/willowcustomprints Xtreme Fun Renting of mechanical bulls, jumping castles, pedal carts and a rocket shoot. Nationwide. 082 390 0900 or xtremefun1@gmail.com

animal parties Bester Birds and Animals Zoo Park They have several exotic animals and birds, which children get to feed. Party packs available. Willow Glen. Contact: 012 807 2574, admin@ besterbirdsanimals.co.za or visit besterbirdsanimals.co.za Croc City Crocodile and Reptile Park Touch or hold a crocodile hatchling under professional supervision. Catering and entertainment provided. Nietgedacht.

Contact: 083 657 7561, 083 321 1016, info@croccity.co.za or visit croccity.co.za Esperanza Riding School and Party Venue Party venue with farm animals, a playground, pony and donkey cart rides as well as quad bike hire. Pretoria East.

Contact: 076 184 5660, 072 261 8518 or esperanzaridingschool@yahoo.com Horseworx Party Venue They supply ponies for children, a slip n slide, organise swimming parties and a treasure hunt, and supply a jungle gym and themed cake. Pretoria East. Contact: 083 326 7787, ebands@horseworx.net or visit thepartyvenue.net Kinderplaas Zoo They have a small petting zoo. Gezina. Contact: 082 668 6970, suzette.kinderplaaszoo@gmail.com or visit kinderplaaszoo.co.za Lory Park Zoo Offers self-catering braai facilities or set menus. Free use of jumping castle, jungle gym and animal entertainment. Contact: 011 315 7307, info@lorypark.co.za or visit lorypark.co.za

Mobile Animal Farm They come to your venue with a miniature horse, bunnies, goats and lambs and provide entertainment. Contact: 012 666 8604, 084 512 4931, 082 266 9090, wccahill@ gmail.com or visit childrensfarm.co.za Mobile Zoo Interactive one- to two-hour sessions with a wide selection of special and exotic animals and creatures at your venue or theirs.

Transport is charged extra. Contact: 083 299 6900, info@mobilezoo.co.za or visit mobilezoo.co.za National Zoological Gardens Offers two party venues as well as picnic sites, and the zoo provides tailor-made party packs.

Contact: 012 328 3265, info@nzg.ac.za or visit nzg.ac.za Pony Parties They offer pony-themed parties at their stable yard or at a venue of your choice. Entertainment for the riders varies from “boeresport” activities on and off horseback, and feeding the horses. Choose from the DIY option or they can take care of everything. Pretoria East. Contact: 082 410 7262, info@ ponyparty.co.za or visit ponyparty.co.za Predator World Party venue offering piñatas, treasure hunts, party boxes, reptile demos, photos, ketty shooting and goat feedings. Children 10 years and older can interact with lion cubs. Sun City. Contact: 076 817 6869, info@predatorworld.co.za or visit predatorworld.co.za Rhino and Lion Park A party venue with all the necessary furniture. You can book a jumping castle, water slide and braai.

Bring your own eats or they can organise it for you, including cake. Children can view and touch several animals if available and you can book a session with a lion cub.

Kromdraai. Contact: 011 957 0106, zebra@ rhinolion.co.za or visit rhinolion.co.za The Pink Pony They offer themed pony parties at a venue of your choice or at their premises on Friday afternoon and Saturday. With the venue hire you get all the furniture, cutlery, crockery and braai facilities. They can help with party packs, platters and decorations.

Zwavelpoort, Pretoria East. Contact: 082 795 3267, 082 410 7262 or visit horsedynamics.co.za

magazine pretoria

Varkie Vang A children’s farmyard and play park that offers cuddly animals to pet and feed, and various playground equipment. Derdepoort Recreation Resort. Contact: 072 138 2249, 071 354 5727, info@varkievang.co.za or visit varkievang.co.za Wild and Earthly They offer an educational animal show for older children and a mobile petting zoo for all ages. Contact: 084 550 0120, lisa@wildandearthly.co.za or visit wildandearthly.co.za Willow Feather Farm They offer a farm-style setup with all furniture, decor, crockery and balloons. The entrance fee gives you access to the farmyard and play equipment. Each child receives a bag of animal feed. Doornkloof. Contact: 076 070 7015, ilze@willowfeather.co.za or visit willowfeather.co.za

art and craft parties Bambury A range of sticky mosaics to create diaries, mirrors, jewellery or cards. Nationwide delivery. Contact: 083 680 5976, nikiw@ bambury.co.za or visit bambury.co.za Beadworx Activities vary from making bracelets, cellphone and bag accessories to key rings and mobiles. Contact: 083 479 5527 or soul.worx@yahoo.com Cool Kidz/Crafty Kidz They offer crafty kits with all the tools and crafts to do a project. Nationwide postage. Contact: 079 873 0546, info@coolkidz.co.za or visit coolkidz.co.za Just Kidding Around Children six years and older can use Perler beads to create cards, bag tags or even jewellery. Host your own party or an agent can host it for you. Nationwide. Contact: 031 562 0200 or julie@justkiddingaround.co.za Kidz Only Sandart kits, gift packs, single card packs and party packs on offer. Nationwide delivery. Contact: 083 453 4032, admin@kidzonly.co.za or visit kidzonly.co.za Kreatiewe Jol Candle dipping and sandart for children 5 years and older. Contact: 082 920 4396 or snydersjj@telkomsa.net Mixed Media Art Parties Wilgers.

Contact: 083 662 8176 or theshedatkaroo@gmail.com

magazine pretoria

Soul Space Choose between decoupage, mosaic, painting on fabric, canvas and ceramics. Children can create their own puppet party, decorate a cupcake or opt for the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. Brooklyn.

Contact: 074 118 9184, myspace@sobinn. co.za or visit mysoulspace.co.za Studio 253 They set up a mobile art studio filled with acrylic paint and canvases. Gauteng. Contact: 079 162 8422, studiotwofiftythree@gmail.com or visit studio253.co.za The Clay Club They host paint-a-plate parties or you can opt for a mosaic party.

Menlo Park. Contact: 012 346 1751, 082 807 7357, info@theclayclub.co.za or visit theclayclub.co.za

cakes and catering All-the-Thyme Catering and Events They supply novelty and themed cakes and cupcakes, as well as other themed party food.

Centurion. Contact: 079 560 7963, esmari@ allthethyme.co.za or visit allthethyme.co.za Andrizaan Treats They specialise in cakes, cupcakes, muffins, sweet and savoury platters, and tarts. Montana.

Contact: 079 617 8031, 079 330 9475 or larovv3@gmail.com Bon Bon’s Kitchen They do novelty cakes and cupcakes. Costs vary. Orders must be placed three days before collection. Contact: 076 544 3983 or info@bonbonskitchen.co.za Bon Moment Bakers They specialise in decorated and themed cookies. Delivery nationwide. Contact: bonmomentbakers@ iafrica.com or visit facebook.com/ BonMomentBakers Cake Deco Mania Suppliers of edible cake image printing products. Contact: 083 657 9225 or sarel@inkredible.co.za Cake Freaks They specialise in scanned cakes and cupcakes with themes. Contact: 076 167 0598, cakefreaks@gmail.com or visit partyfreaks.co.za Cake Pops She specialises in cake pops and cupcakes. Contact: 082 460 6007 or traceyleighgarde@gmail.com Cake Studio Offers a variety of character cakes in 3-D. Contact: 012 997 4530, 082 331 9237 or sugarshop@telkomsa.net

Centurion Ice Cream and Sweets They supply a variety of ice creams, including dipped cones and ice-cream cakes.

Hennopspark. Contact: 012 654 2420 or visit centurionicecream.co.za Delite Foods Offers sugar-free, low-fat sweets, jellies, biscuits and chocolate drinks. Shop online. Contact: 021 702 0721/2, info@delitefoods.co.za or visit delitefoods.co.za Designer Bites They do the cake and the catering, the decor and everything else.

Contact: 011 022 4575, info@designerbites. co.za or visit designerbites.co.za DLish For novelty and specialised cakes and party and function catering. Contact: 082 378 5677, 082 940 6812 or graeme@ dlish.co.za Donut Cakes They supply a variety of doughnuts and confectionery. Contact: 079 497 4444 or madeleine@donutcakes.co.za Fruit Yummies They supply naturally sweet dried-fruit party packs. Contact: 081 483 0625 or visit facebook.com/ FruitYummies Just Chocolate They specialise in real couverture chocolate cakes and more.

Contact: 071 561 7459, info@justchoc. co.za or visit justchoc.co.za Kauai Wholesome food available in large quantities. Nationwide. For more info: visit kauai.co.za Lulu’s Cakes They specialise in cakes, party packs and cupcakes. Contact: 012 804 2565, 073 887 1881, info@lulucakes. co.za or visit lulucakes.co.za Made with Love A range of cakes and cupcakes. Centurion. Contact: 082 920 8605 or ronelle@galileobooks.co.za My Cupcake Wrappers Personalised cupcake wrappers to suite any theme. Contact: 072 891 2000 or mycupcakewrappers@gmail.com Sticky Fingers They specialise in themed cakes, cupcakes, cake pops and biscuits. Equestria.

Contact: 082 502 9181 or sticky. fingers@vodamail.co.za Sugar-free TLC They offer sugar-free confectionery. They also have a range of dairy-, gluten- and egg-free cakes and desserts. Nationwide. Contact: 082 601 6552, tracy@sugarfree-tlc.co.za or visit sugarfree-tlc.co.za

Sunrise Sweets Buy an assortment of treats, sweets and chocolate in bulk.

Hermanstad. Contact: 012 379 4748 or visit sunrisesweets.co.za Supacakes Gourmet and novelty cakes and cupcakes. Contact: 083 298 6178, info@ supacakes.co.za or visit supacakes.co.za The Bread Basket Customised cakes and platters. Contact: 012 992 6030 or visit breadbasket.co.za The Sweet Lady They specialise in 3-D cakes and cupcakes made to order.

Contact: 082 857 8451, natalie.har@gmail. com or visit thesweetlady.wozaonline.co.za The Wacky Cake Heaven Order themed cakes, cupcakes, cake pops, gingerbread and ginger biscuits. Contact: 072 650 2257, sally@thewackycakeheaven.com or visit thewackycakeheaven.com Whisk Away Ice Cream They supply homemade ice cream, sorbets and frozen yoghurts. Contact: 082 820 9902 or visit whiskawayicecream.co.za

cooking parties Antoinette’s Cooking School Mini chef parties. Cost includes an embroidered apron per child, chef’s hat, recipe book, sweetie pack, cold drink, ingredients and certificate. Lyttleton Manor. Contact: 012 664 8485 or visit cookeryschool.co.za Choc Delite Children learn chocolate moulding and they get to take home their creation. Contact: 083 554 6041 or info@ chocdelite.co.za Little Cooks Club New themes available such as spade to spatula, kids vs kitchen, liquorice and lime, frosting and fondant, and more. For children 2–15 years old.

Contact: headoffice@littlecooksclub.co.za or visit littlecooksclub.co.za Morgan Meals They host parties at your venue, organise the food and games, and oversee the party. For children 4−12 years old. Contact: 082 214 5271 or jade@ morganmeals.com Snyman Sjokolateur Children aged 8−13 years old spend a Saturday morning in the chocolate factory and build a chocolate pizza. Bring own eats and drinks. Contact: 012 347 8497, info@snymanchocolate.com or visit snymanchocolate.co.za

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resource Tots n Pots Offers tailor-made baking parties. Various packages available. For more info: visit totsnpots.co.za

educational parties Experilab Their science party activities kits are ideal for hosting a science party at home.

Suitable for ages 6 and up. Faerie Glen.

Contact: 012 993 4985, info@experilab. co.za or visit experilab.co.za Maropeng Birthday Parties A guided tour of the Sterkfontein Caves or visitor centre, followed by party games. Contact: 014 577 9000 or visit maropeng.co.za Puppets and More For ventriloquist and party puppet shows. Contact: 082 293 6097, parkersofbluehills@worldonline. co.za or visit puppetsandmore.co.za Toby Towers The range consists of creative activities, stickers, wall decor for gifts, party favours or party edutainment.

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

entertainers Aalwyn’s Funtainment A clown, ventriloquist, magician, mime and balloon artist. Contact: 083 354 8726 Andy’s Action Parties Action birthday entertainment for children from the age of 6. Themes include Survivor, Fear Factor and Amazing Race. Contact: 082 381 1051 or bronwyn@aaparty.co.za Blue Flame Events They supply face painters, balloon twisters, jumping castles and more. Nationwide. Contact: 072 599 2288 or visit blueflame.co.za Clamber Club Parties They bring a van load of obstacle courses and games to you. For children 1−9 years old. Contact: headoffice@clamberclub.com or visit clamberclub.com Creative Faces Professional artists offer face painting, body painting, airbrush tattoos and more. Contact: 073 631 0578 or info@creativefaces.co.za Drum Connection Interactive drumming parties for children and teens. Contact: 084 389 6814, info@drumconnection. co.za or visit drumconnection.co.za Faces 4 U Professional artists go to your party and paint faces. Contact: 071 863 4436 or facesforu@gmail.com Faerie Folk Entertainers in costume transport the children into a magical world through dress-up, face painting, games and stories in a fairy garden. Brooklyn.

Contact: 012 460 6894, faeries@faeriefolk. co.za or visit faeriefolk.co.za Game Van This is a high-tech mobile gaming (Xbox, Wii, PlayStation) theatre ideal for children 8 years and older.

Centurion and Pretoria East. Contact: 071 869 7753, info@gamevan.co.za or visit gamevan.co.za Gerard the Clown Events and Entertainment For clowns, magic shows, face painters, balloon sculptures, various rides, food and carnival games. Contact: 012 687 5179, gerard@gerardtheclown. co.za or visit gerardtheclown.co.za or carnivalgames.co.za

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Kulkuns Kapperjolle Magicians perform a show with illusions and comedy.

Contact: 012 687 5179, 082 979 1534, gerard@gerardtheclown.co.za or visit kulkuns.co.za Maddy Hatty They offer face painting, UV body painting and a mascot character act. Also pamper, art, creative recycling, paint-a-mural, ballet and recording parties. Contact: 072 632 5656 or bernicehurter@gmail.com Miss Pixi They come to your venue and hold an hour-long modelling photo shoot with your guests. Contact: 082 375 5025 or susanne@susannephoto.com Never Grow Up! Arranges face painting, balloon sculpting, party games, handmade party decor, photo backdrops and more.

Contact: 082 861 5185, monique.naude@ nevergrowup.co.za or visit moniquenaude. wix.com/never-grow-up PhotoBooth Inc They provide a photo booth with photo strips, an operator, props and a DVD with photos. Contact: 083 377 9449, rob@photoboothinc.co.za or visit photoboothinc.co.za Playworks They organise Survivor games, Lasertag, Minute to Play It, Disco, Awesome Race, House Mystery and Pirate Quest. Contact: 086 000 0330, 082 856 1018, info@playworks.co.za or visit playworks.co.za Puppetales A 40-minute show that includes ventriloquism, marionettes, music and two stories. Contact: 011 609 8158, 082 964 6189, machteld@ puppetales.co.za or visit puppetales.co.za Puppet World An interactive puppet show with music, lighting and characters to suit your party theme. Contact: 071 866 3204 or hayley@puppetworld.co.za Remember Me Specialist in face painting and in supplying themed cakes.

Kyalami. Contact: 083 305 1237 or cdedmondson@gmail.com Smilemakers Entertainment Specialists in entertainment, decor and full event planning.

Contact: 086 111 2877, party@smilemakers. co.za or visit smilemakers.co.za The Incredible Dog Show A world-class dog show presented in English, Afrikaans or both. Nationwide. Contact: 084 500 0415 or lloyd@dogzcool.co.za Themed Action Parties For children 4−12 years old. Themes include Survivor, Minute to Win it, Fear Factor and more. Contact: 079 696 9745, kim@themedactionparties.co.za or visit themedactionparties.com Wow Wee Magic Show Interactive magic show with mentalism and illusions. Contact: 082 336 9287 or visit wowweemagic.com

equipment for hire ABC Jumping 4 Kids They hire out various jumping castles. Contact: 082 368 0191 or abcjumpingkids@gmail.com Ace Jumping Castles They hire out jumping castles, carnival rides and water slides. Contact: 079 154 4391, info@acejumpingcastles.co.za or visit acejumpingcastles.co.za magazine pretoria

Bouncy Pals Jumping castles, a mechanical bull, slides, sky dancers, marquee, icecream and candyfloss machines and more.

Contact: 082 366 0140, info@bouncypals. co.za or visit bouncypals.com Candy Kids Fun Rides For swings, a boat and horse carousel, mini trains, water-ski rides and slides. Contact: 073 228 4180 or candykidsfunrides@gmail.com Centurion Jumping Castle They deliver, set up and collect jumping castles and water slides. Contact: 076 197 7888 or centurionjumpingcastle@gmail.com Crazy Water Balls They rent out water balls, grass zorb, roller and bumper balls.

Midrand to Centurion. Contact: 082 449 4197, shauny@crazywaterballs.co.za Enchanted Creations A shop with invitations, personalised banners, jumping castles, themed decor, accessories, themed bags, 3-D cakes and more. Contact: 084 567 5220, info@enchantedcreations.co.za or visit enchantedcreations.co.za Funtasia Party Decor Balloons, tables, chairs, tablecloths, party boxes, jumping castles and more. Nationwide. Contact: 021 914 6935, funtasiaparties@telkomsa. net or visit funtasiapartydecor.co.za Gummi’s Castles and Adventures Supplies jumping castles, gazebos, spit braais, candyfloss and popcorn machines, and chocolate fountains. Rooihuiskraal.

Contact: 083 676 5515, info@gummis. co.za or visit gummis.co.za Jeremy Kusner Productions Supplies party and event entertainment, from carousels to sound and lighting equipment. Contact: 011 608 1485, 0861 112 876, info@jkproductions.co.za or visit jkproductions.co.za Jumping Joy They offer a wide range of jumping castles, slides and gladiator pool slides. Lynnwood. Contact: 083 473 7252, info@jumpingjoy.co.za or visit facebook. com/jumpingjoy.co.za Kidz Fun Hire They rent out slush, candyfloss, popcorn and bubble machines; disco lights; helium and other balloons, children’s furniture and jumping castles. Contact: 082 705 6310 or visit kidsfunhire.co.za Kidz Party Zone They specialise in themed decor, tables, chairs, tablecloths, tiebacks, banners, flags, photo boards, party boxes and balloons. Pretoria, Centurion and Midrand. Contact: 012 331 3460, 072 562 8971, kidzpartyzone.biz@ gmail.com or visit kidzpartyzone.co.za McCastles They hire out a huge selection of jumping castles. Centurion. Contact: 079 771 2553, info@mccastles.co.za or visit mccastles.co.za Party Shop They provide and organise themed party decor, cakes, custom-printed party banners, invitations, tableware, equipment hire and more. Contact: 012 348 9600, 084 444 9600, sales@partyshop. co.za or visit partyshop.co.za Sweet Dreams Popcorn and candyfloss machines. Contact: 084 500 6855, 073 702 3395 or ntsweetdreams@gmail.com The Castle Man They hire out jumping castles and water slides. Midrand.

Contact: 083 965 0255, thecastleman6@ gmail.com or visit thecastleman.co.za magazine pretoria

Trippe Trappe Tone Renting out jumping castles. Contact: 012 377 1710, 082 677 1553 or trippetrappetone@telkomsa.net Unlimited Jumping Castles Different jumping castles for hire. They deliver on Friday and collect on Monday. Centurion.

Contact: 072 721 1675, unlimitedcon@ mweb.co.za or visit unlimitedevents.co.za

fancy dress hire Act Up Costume Hire They rent out costumes and can also provide entertainment with themed costumes and storytelling. Contact: 074 110 0145, info@ actstudios.co.za or visit actstudios.co.za Costume Castle They rent out costumes, wigs and masks. Lynnwood. Contact: 012 348 1124 or mignon.heroldt@gmail.com Creative Costumes and Masks For costumes, accessories, masks and wigs.

Centurion and Lynnwood Glen. Contact: 012 663 6229, support@creativecostumes. co.za or visit creativecostumes.co.za Kidsfancydress.co.za Themes include superheroes, Disney characters and more. Waterkloof Glen. Contact: 012 993 1370, info@kidsfancydress.co.za or visit kidsfancydress.co.za Las Vegas Costumes A huge selection of costumes to hire. Also offers various party supplies. Montana. Contact: 012 548 1145 or visit lasvegascostumes.co.za Scrooge and Marley’s They specialise in fancy-dress costumes and party lights.

They also stock candyfloss, popcorn and slush puppy machines and more.

Centurion. Contact: 012 653 5398, 084 804 0490, tshwaneyouththeatre@gmail. com or visit scroogeandmarleys.co.za Sweet n Sassy Creators of party dresses, tutus, hair accessories, tutu tops and more. Contact: 082 878 7544, lesley@ sweetnsassy.co.za or visit tutus.co.za

full party planning service AJ Projects They supply the A–Z of children’s parties. Monument Park. Contact: 082 994 5401, 082 998 9999, ajprojects@ vodamail.co.za or visit ajprojects. webs.com or visit facebook.com/ AJProjectsParties Barnyard Kids They have a huge play area, lots of toys and playground equipment, farm animals and a place for parents to relax. Midrand. Contact: 011 024 6062, info@barnyardkids.co.za or visit barnyardkids.co.za BT2 Kids Parties They supply everything from tables to a jumping castle, flower balloons to face painters and more. They travel to your venue and set up. Pretoria East and West. Contact: 084 253 3530, 084 564 7886 or info@bt2kiddies.co.za Die Windpompie Plaaspartytjie You can book the venue or let them organise everything for you. They have everything at their farm venue. Contact: 074 550 6446 or visit facebook.com/pages/DieWindpompie Events by Elana They plan the entire party for you. Contact: 082 880 7131, elana. vdeventer@gmail.com or visit facebook. com/eventsbyelana-purelyfortheloveofit May 2014

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resource Giggles and Glamour @ Villa San Giovanni Restaurant They do the party styling and planning at their venue. They also have an online store where you can purchase products. Wonderboom. Contact: 073 669 6363, 072 227 5835, gg@vsg. co.za or visit gigglesandglamour.co.za Graceland Fun Farm They have three equipped venues: Patio, Shed and Castle.

Cost includes 12 cow-train tickets for the children. There are different party packages to choose from and you have access to tables and chairs, a playground and various play equipment. They do the catering. A fee is charged for outside catering. Pretoria East. Contact: 081 043 2990, info@gracelandfunfarm.co.za or visit gracelandfunfarm.co.za Kids Party Stuff Organises all the food and fun for your children’s parties. Contact: 083 409 8003, info@kidspartystuff.co.za or visit kidspartystuff.co.za Laughing Ladybird Parties They organise bespoke parties with complete party planning. Contact: 084 589 8885, party@laughingladybird.co.za or visit laughingladybird.co.za Monkey Magic They organise the entire party for you. For a franchise near you: visit monkeymagic.co.za Monkey Tricks Party Venue They have indoor and marquee facilities with play equipment. Choose from different catering and decor options. Montana. Contact: 082 558 2928, info@monkeytricks.co.za or visit monkeytricks.co.za Peekaboo Events They specialise in the planning, design and creation of themed children’s parties. Centurion and Midrand. Contact: 071 299 1640, peekabooevents7@gmail.com or visit peekabooevents.co.za Planet Party They will help you choose a theme, supply the invitations and everything else. Contact: 083 446 7696, sammy.planetparty@gmail.com or visit planetparty.co.za Pretty Perfect 4 Parties They plan decorated children’s parties and offer mobile soft-play party equipment hire for toddlers. Free delivery in Midstream Estate. From R450. Contact: 083 283 7579, prettyperfect4parties@gmail.com or visit facebook.com/prettyperfect4parties

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Stace-Face Face Painting Party planners, entertainers and suppliers of all party-related goodies. Contact: 076 420 9209 or stacey@staceface.com Supakids They use fresh, modern ideas with a twist of vintage, and they assist and offer a full planning service. Nationwide.

Contact: 083 298 6178, office@supakids. co.za or visit supakids.co.za The Angels For themed parties, tents and gazebos, all the furniture and decor, party packs, games and entertainment. Contact: 078 114 1914, angelsmakeadream@gmail.com or visit angelmakeadream.com Twinz Kiddies Party They specialise in the planning and setup of themed children’s parties. Contact: 082 501 8367 or info@twinzkiddiesparty.co.za Where’s the Party @ They plan the entire party for you and take care of rentals, decor, party packs and more. Contact: 076 997 9538, info@partyplan.co.za of visit partyplan.co.za

indoor and outdoor parties Buddy Bear Choose your bear, stuff it, add a heart and dress and accessorise it. Nationwide.

Contact: 082 664 7107, leanne@ buddybear.co.za or visit buddybear.co.za Cafe du Soleil They supply the restaurant venue and set up the food and decor according to your theme. They have loads of play space and a swimming pool.

Lynnwood Glen. Contact: 082 745 8988 or visit facebook.com/pages/Cafe-du-Soleil Col’Cacchio Pizzeria They offer either indoor or outdoor play areas. For a pizzeria in your area: visit colcacchio.co.za Cradle to Crayons They offer a private party venue with jungle gyms, a sandpit and a climbing wall for up to 24 children. Silver Lakes. Contact: 012 809 0475, ctcrayons@gmail.com or visit cradletocrayons.co.za FlutterbyPartiez Arranges parties at Adega Montana and Green Olive. Offers party planning and more. There is a large play area with tricycles, a racing track, jumping castle and trampoline. Montana.

Contact: 072 010 2974 or carina. smit1967@yahoo.com

Goblin’s Cove A restaurant with a fairy grove where you can celebrate surrounded by sculptures of magical creatures and fairies. They have several catering options.

Magaliesburg. Contact: 081 043 1155 or visit thegoblinscove.co.za Isabella’s Petit A vintage themed venue with a sandpit and dolls’ house. Children are entertained and treated with candyfloss, ice cream and more. For girls between 4–12 years old. Menlo Park. Contact: 012 346 6366, 079 818 9246, greenlyn@ isabellas.co.za or visit isabellas-petit.co.za Isiphiwo Boutique Hotel The Stables venue has a playground with a jungle gym, bikes, sandpit and an lawn. Derdepoort, Pretoria North. Contact: 012 808 2328, info@isiphiwo.co.za or visit isiphiwo.co.za Jingle Jangle Tea Garden Themed parties set within a tea garden venue.

Moreleta Park. Contact: 012 997 0134, jinglejangle@vodamail.co.za or visit jinglejangle.co.za Kinderland Party Venue Indoor and outdoor facilities, which include three private party venues. Offers more than 100 themed parties. Pretoria East.

Contact: 082 680 1368, annelizelouw@ hotmail.com or visit kinderlandpv.co.za La Cantina Restaurant They arrange everything from the balloons and decor to the food. Saturdays only. Rietondale.

Contact: 012 329 6934, info@lacantina. co.za or visit lacantina.co.za Laser Tag Extreme Laser tag games at a venue of your choice. Contact: 084 542 8689, info@lasertagextreme.co.za or visit lasertagextreme.co.za Ludwig’s Rose Farm They offer a picnic spot, restaurant and a playground.

Wallmannsthal. Contact: 012 544 0144 or visit ludwigsroses.co.za More Restaurant Book a table, decorate it, take your own cake and party packs.

Order from their menu and children can use the play equipment. Centurion. Contact: 012 654 0507 or visit morerestaurant.co.za Pienk Olifant Tea Garden They have a tea garden for parents and a large playground with loads of equipment for children. Karenpark. Contact: 071 106 1834 or pienkolifantteetuin@gmail.com Rocky Ridge Estate Party Venue A self-catering venue with options of

renting a lapa or the Fantasy Mini Town.

Kameeldrift. Contact: 082 566 6360, bookings@rockyridgeestate.co.za or visit rockyridgeestate.co.za Vee’s Cakes They are a one-stop shop for all your children’s birthday party requirements. They provide everything.

Pretoria East. Contact: 061 435 8998, veescakes348@gmail.com, info@ veescakes.co.za or visit veescakes.co.za Wakaberry Frozen Yoghurt Bar Choose from different party packages and extras. Nationwide. For more info: visit wakaberry.co.za

indoor parties Climbing Barn Children enjoy bouldering in a cave.

Lynnwood. Contact: 082 335 3220, info@climbingbarn.co.za or visit climingbarn.co.za Dirk’s Entertainment Rent out go-karts and mechanical bulls. You can also book an indoor go-karting party at their venue in Menlyn Park. Contact: 072 877 3764 or isagofun@gmail.com Spur Each child gets a selected children’s meal, soda, ice cream and lunchbox.

Contact: 0860 007 787 or visit spur.co.za Toni’s Pizza You can book a table and order from the menu. They supply small party packs and have a huge play area.

Greenlyn Centre, Menlo Park. Contact: 012 329 9000 or visit tonipizza.co.za

music and drama parties Drama Dynamics Children tour the theatre, take part in improvisation games using props and costumes, and perform.

Barnyard theatres. Contact: 083 609 9679, dramadynamics@gmail.com or visit dramadynamix.co.za Tshwane Youth Theatre Enquire about their package options. Contact: 082 423 0603 or tshwaneyouththeatre@gmail.com Wing-it Stage Productions Children become part of the scene, with makeovers for the birthday child and party games.

Also book a drama workshop party or a stage production. Centurion. Contact: 084 492 8785, wingitstageproductions@gmail. com or visit wingitstageproductions.co.za

magazine pretoria

outdoor parties 19th Hole Putt-Putt They offer putt-putt, a jungle gym and a mini town with eats. Pretoria East. Contact: 082 463 2029, 072 720 6321, martieroux@yahoo.com or visit onestopentertainment.co.za Acrobranch There are four courses and they cater for a maximum of 20 children.

Bring your own sweet treats; food must be bought from them. Centurion. Contact: 072 957 5429, redbarn@acrobranch.co.za or visit acrobranch.co.za Adventure n Beyond Select a package deal with activities such as archery, rock climbing, paintball, a giant swing and air rifles. Krugersdorp. Contact: 083 449 9819, info@anb.co.za or visit anb.co.za Cedar Junction Train Theme Park They have a full mini-scale train track with three different types of trains. Five private venues, peddle boats, a jungle gym, jumping castles, mini bike tracks, mountain biking, a trampoline, an animal farm and a swimming pool with slide.

Pretoria East. Contact: 012 811 1183, bookings@cedarjunction.co.za or visit cedarjunction.co.za C’est la Vie They have four allocated venues. Centurion. Contact: 012 654 0220, 082 491 6000, partyclv@gmail.com or visit c-estlavie.co.za Crazy Cow Tea Garden and Party Venue They offer an outside play area with a jumping castle as well as a tea garden.

They provide light meals, party platters and cake. Irene. Contact: 083 272 0372 or naudene@mweb.co.za CSME Parties Centurion Society of Model Engineers has a track for the diesel or steam train to chug along. They supply you with tables, chairs, cutlery and can arrange a jumping castle. Centurion.

Contact: 012 643 0750, csome.09@iburst. co.za or visit centuriontrains.com Dipsy Dots Kids Parties They offer parents a one-stop facility to arrange children’s parties. They also have two party venues in Centurion. Contact: 012 654 1876, admin@dipsydots.co.za or visit dipsydots.co.za Farm Inn They offer game drives, a jumping castle, pony rides, a farmyard,

magazine pretoria

jungle gym, large grounds and more. They have several packages to choose from.

Menlyn. Contact: 012 809 0266, farminn@ farminn.co.za or visit farminn.co.za Forest Fun They offer pony rides, tractor trailer rides, jumping castles, jungle gyms, swings, roundabouts, sandpit, and pushbike and bike track in the forest.

Tree houses and foefie slide rides can be arranged. Tierpoort. Contact: 012 460 7373, 082 336 0893, forestfun@vodamail. co.za or visit dumpy.co.za Furrow Lane Hotel Use the play area with a jumping castle and a swimming pool.

They supply eats. Equestria. Contact: 012 807 7535, reception@furrowlanehotel.co.za or visit furrowlanehotel.co.za Gotcha Paintball Newlands. Contact: 086 146 8242, jacques@gotchapaintball.co.za or visit gotchapaintball.co.za Honeydew Mazes Explore their giant mazes that have pathways leading to a secret garden with brainteasers and puzzles. They supply you with a wooden bench. An adult must accompany children under 15 years old into the maze. Contact: 073 795 2174, enquiries@maizemaze. co.za or visit honeydewmazes.co.za Kidz Galore This outdoor venue offers various themed parties including boot camp action parties. Tiegerpoort. Contact: 083 657 8921, kidzgalore@webmail.co.za or visit kidzgalore.co.za Little Wonderland A large lapa can accommodate the party. The playground is equipped with a large jungle gym and more. Midrand. Contact: 084 240 8977, parties@littlewonderland.co.za or visit littlewonderland.co.za Picnics for Pixies Choose from a variety of picnic menus, decor and entertainment options and extras. Contact: 083 579 3689, pretoria@dialapicnic.co.za or visit picnicsforpixies.co.za Survive or Race – The Adventure Take part in Survivor or The Amazing Race. They offer catering, picnic or braai facilities and swimming pools. For children from the age of 6. Contact: 082 895 2513 or visit surviveorrace.co.za The Big Red Barn This party venue has an Acrobranch, mountain biking and a wooden pirate ship. Centurion. Contact: 078 343 6939 or visit thebigredbarn.co.za

The Party Yard Party venue with braai facilities, a mini train and play area.

Centurion. Contact: 071 419 8008 or bookings@kideup.co.za Wild Cave Adventures Children from 8 years old get dressed in overalls and mining helmets to explore the underground cave. Cradle of Humankind.

Contact: 011 956 6197, 082 486 2464, info@wildcaves.co.za or visit wildcaves.co.za Zwartkops Quad Rides They offer catering and there is a gazebo, quad rides, braai facilities and outdoor play equipment. Contact: 021 323 1932, 082 688 6046 or visit quadrides.co.za

pamper parties Dazzle Diva Pamper parties for girls from the age of 3 years old. They bring everything to your venue. Contact: 074 351 9927 or visit facebook.com/ dazzledivapamperparty Divine Divas Spa parties for children 2−14 years old. They have a mobile spa and a venue. Pretoria. Contact: 079 504 0528 or divinedivas7777@gmail.com Kids Pamper Party They specialise in organising mobile pamper and spa parties for girls. Contact: 082 906 2858, 071 477 5057 or botsebo@gmail.com Lil’ Miz Day Spa They supply the furniture and decor and you can choose from four treatment party options. Lynnwood.

Contact: 012 807 5799, info@lilmizdayspa. co.za or visit lilmizdayspa.co.za Little Lady Spa They do spa parties for children from the age of two. They have pampering birthday packages. Montana.

Contact: 012 548 5428, jullie.ann5@gmail. com or visit littleladyspa.co.za Pro Brush Princess Pamper Parties They offer their venue, which has a jumping castle. They do the children’s hair, mini manicures and pedicures and light make-up. Eldoraigne. Contact: 012 654 4673 or info@probrush.co.za Racing Cuts They offer the salon for a two-hour pamper party for girls. They supply all the eats; you bring the cake and drinks. Menlo Park. Contact: 082 829 6571, racingcuts@icon.co.za or visit racingcuts.co.za

sports parties Action Sports Offers a combination of netball, soccer or cricket with all equipment and an umpire provided. For children 5 years and older. Contact: 0861 122 8466 or visit actionsports.co.za AdrenalinX Adventure Park Children can safely play with laser and air guns, the slip n slide and paintball for children 10 years and older. Pretoria East. Contact: 073 271 3936, info@adrenalinx.co.za or visit adrenalinx.co.za K1 Racing An indoor go-karting track.

Montana Park. Contact: 082 929 0411, success4u-2@absamail.co.za or visit k1racing.co.za Let’s Go Bowling Bowling parties for children 6 years and older. Bring your own cake. Centurion. Contact: 012 661 5524 or visit letsgobowling.co.za Little Kickers Energetic football-related activities. For children from preschool to 8 years old. Contact: 072 222 4147 or visit littlekickers.co.za Master West’s Combat Taekwondo Karate The birthday girl/boy becomes an assistant karate instructor. Enjoys pizza and cake. Pretoria North. Contact: 073 242 9368 or combatkick@iburst.co.za Soccercise Starz Birthday Parties One hour of high-energy soccer fun and games with two coaches at a venue of your choice. Contact: 011 882 3428, info@soccerstarz.co.za or visit soccerstarz.co.za Stoke City Wake Park A water sports park for wakeboarding, waterskiing, knee boarding or wake skating. There is ample space, a volleyball court, skate ramp, huge pool, restaurant and private party room.

Midrand. Contact: 011 314 3589, info@ stokecity.co.za or visit stokecity.co.za The Fun Company They have various party packages based around tenpin bowling. The Grove Shopping Centre, Equestria. Contact: 083 419 4189, ashleigh@thefuncompany.co.za or visit the funcompany.co.za The Ice Rink Bring your own catering and party treats, and set up on the table they provide. Skate helpers can be arranged at R150 per hour. Equestria. Contact: 012 807 3060 or visit theicerink.co.za

May 2014

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calendar

what’s on in may

You can also access the calendar online at

childmag.co.za

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

Compiled by SIMONE JEFFERY

1 thu

special events

27

FUN for children

28

only for parents

28

bump, baby & tot in tow

29

how to help

29

SPECIAL EVENTS

FUN FOR CHILDREN

ONLY FOR PARENTS

bump, baby & tot in tow

how to help

Absolute Dance Attend an evening of dance with the Pro Arte Alphen Parks dance department.

Anna Davel and Mathys Roets Well-known songs have been adapted to be performed as duets.

A Kindermusik playdate This morning is packed full of instrument play, dancing, music and stories.

Host a Cuppa for Cansa Be creative when you gather your friends for a cup of your favourite beverage and support a great cause.

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May 2014

magazine pretoria

PHOTOGRAPHS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Antique Fair Find an interesting collectible on the grounds of the Melrose House Museum.

Hill, 257 Mooiplaats, N4 East Exit 18, Pretoria. Cost: R260 (pre-entries only). Contact: 083 326 6721 or visit like2bike.co.za Open day at Village Waldorf School An opportunity for interested parents to visit the school and find out more about a Waldorf education. Time: 9am–2pm.

Venue: The Village Waldorf School, Blue Crane Ave, Country Lane Estate, Pretoria East. Cost: free. Contact: 012 345 3771 or visit villagewaldorfschool.org.za

SPECIAL EVENTS 1 thursday Antique Fair An affordable antique market, held on the grounds of the Melrose House Museum. Time: 8am–4pm. Venue: 275 Jeff Masemola St, Pretoria. Cost: R10. Contact: 011 482 4259 Fijnwyn Food and Wine Festival The Cape Winelands has descended on Pretoria East. Festival goers can taste and buy quality wines while children are entertained by a jumping castle and pony rides. Time: 10am–7pm. Venue: Shokran, plot 99, Luiperd St, Tierpoort, Pretoria East. Cost: R100, children under 12 R40. Contact: 082 335 5659 or visit shokran.co.za Rockets Cansa Active Wally Hayward Marathon Money raised from the 1km children’s race goes towards the Tshwane SPCA. There is supervised entertainment for children 3–10 years old between 5:30am–11:30am. Time: 6:30am. Venue: Hoërskool Zwartkop, Mopani Rd, Centurion. Cost: 1km R15, 4,9km R26, 10km R68,40, 21,1km R79,80, 42,2km R114, children’s entertainment R30 per child. Contact: 012 654 8077, info@wally. co.za or visit entrytime.com Easter fun Children create Easter bunny containers, festive chocolate shapes, and decorate Easter eggs. They then search for chocolate treats during an Easter egg hunt. Booking essential. For children 4–12 years old. Ends 2 May. Time: 10am–12pm, 12pm–2pm or 2pm–4pm. Venue: Art Angels, Koedoeberg Rd, Faerie Glen, Pretoria East. Cost: R200 per child for 2 hours, R350 for 2 children, includes all materials, a cold drink and snacks. Contact: 071 675 2030, info@artangels.co.za or visit artangels.co.za

3 saturday Fairy open day Dress up in your best fairy, elf or pixie attire and enjoy a fun-filled day of painting, decorating and planting fairy pots to take home with you. Iced tea and cupcakes are served while you get creative.

Booking essential. Time: 9:30am–11:30am.

Venue: Margaret Roberts Herbal Centre, on the R513 near Silkaatsnek, Rd 16, 1,5km into the mountain. Cost: R20 per car, R120 per participating child. Contact: 012 504 2121 or visit margaretroberts.co.za Train trip to Cullinan A three-hour train trip from the bustle of the Pretoria CBD to the charming, tree-lined streets of Cullinan. Also 11 May. Time: 8am–5:30pm.

Venue: Hermanstad Railway Station, 152 Miechaelson St, Daspoort. Cost: adults R200, pensioners R175, children 13–18 years old R150, children 7–12 years old R125, children 2–6 years old R100. Contact: 012 767 7913 or visit friendsoftherail.com

10 saturday Calm, clarity and connection This yoga and mindfulness workshop involves having fun while learning yoga postures and mindfulness through games, songs, stories and artwork. Booking essential. For adults and children 8 years and older. Time: 2pm.

Venue: Yoga Harmony, Cape Connection, 59 Garsfontein Rd, Menlyn. Cost: R250 for magazine pretoria

25 sunday

1 May – Fijnwyn Food and Wine Festival

one adult and one child, R300 for one adult with two children. Contact: 072 645 2984 or thechilledoutchild@gmail.com Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Take a tour of this working observatory and learn more about radio astronomy and the Space Geodesy research currently being conducted there. Booking essential as space is limited. Time: 4pm–8pm.

Venue: HartRAO, R400, Hartebeesthoek.

Cost: adults R45, students and pensioners R35, preschool children free, family of four R120. Contact: 012 301 3100, aware@ hartrao.ac.za or visit hartrao.ac.za Winter Sculpture Fair Visitors can wander through the beautifully landscaped park while taking in some of South Africa’s best contemporary sculptures and visiting the 30 exhibitors offering food and wine produced by Franschhoek’s top chefs and winemakers. Also 11 May. Time: 10am–5pm. Venue: NIROX Sculpture Park, 24 Kromdraai Rd, Muldersdrift.

Cost: R100, children under 12 free. Book through Webtickets: 0861 225 598 or visit wintersculpturefair.co.za

11 sunday Mother’s Day lunch at Shokran Spoil your mom this Mother’s Day with a buffet lunch in a tranquil farm setting amid pecan nut and almond plantations. Booking essential. Time: 11:30am–3pm. Venue: Shokran, plot 99, Luiperd St, Tierpoort, Pretoria East. Cost: adults R185, children 8–12 years R95, children under 8 years R50.

Contact: 082 335 5659 or visit shokran.co.za Mother’s Day at the Maropeng Hotel Spoil your mom with a 15-minute head and neck massage in a Bedouin tent overlooking the Cradle of Humankind, and a threecourse meal. Time: 12pm–3pm. Venue: Maropeng Hotel, Cradle of Humankind.

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

Contact: mmathabom@maropeng.co.za or visit maropeng.co.za Rainbow tie-dye fun Join in the fun and make your own rainbow T-shirt or silk scarf. Booking essential. For children 3–21 years old. Also 25 May. Time: 11am–4pm.

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

15 thursday MamaMagic – The Baby Expo Everything you need, want and more for 0–6 years old, all under one roof. Ends 18 May. Time: 9am–6pm; Barney show times:

10:30am and 3:30pm Thursday and Friday.

10:30am, 1pm and 3:30pm Saturday and Sunday. Venue: Coca-Cola Dome, cnr Northumberland Rd and Olievenhout Ave, Northriding, Joburg. Cost: R70, pensioners R60, children under 10 years old free. For more info: visit mamamagic.co.za

17 saturday Jacaranda Day Pack a picnic and blanket for a day of South African music. Time: 12pm–7pm. Venue: Supersport Park, Centurion. Cost: adults R120, children under 12 years old R50. Contact: 087 985 2450 or visit jacarandafm.com Zoo fun run Enjoy a 5km run or walk around the animal enclosures at the zoo. No booking or registration necessary.

Time: 6am. Venue: National Zoological Gardens, 232 Boom St, Pretoria. Cost: adults R40, children under 12 years old R25. Contact: 012 328 3265 ext. 168 or visit friendsofthezoo.co.za

18 sunday CSME Club running day Pack a picnic and head to the Centurion Society of Model Engineers to see the miniature trains make their way around the 900m track.

Time: 9:30am–3:45pm. Venue: Centurion Society of Model Engineers, Meerpark Station, Kwikkie Crescent, Centurion. Cost: entrance R5 per person, R8 per train ride, children 2 years and younger free. Contact: 012 643 0750 or visit centuriontrains.com

24 saturday Kids FUNdamentals Skills Clinic This clinic aims at entrenching safety, bicycle control, and respect and appreciation for the bike they’re on.

Booking essential. For children 2–14 years old. Time: 10am. Venue: Rosemary

25 sun

Me-Nuts Like2Bike cycling series Children have the option of completing a 2,5 or a 12km cycle. This is the third cycling event out of a series of six. For children 2–14 years old. Time: 10am.

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

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

30 friday MTN Bushfire Festival A three-day festival that promotes creative expression and social responsibility and donates 100% of its profits to charity. There are various acts including art, theatre, storytelling, poetry and music. There is a Kidzone with a variety of organised games, fun rides and farm animals. Ends 1 June. Time: varies.

Venue: near Mahlanya Market, Swaziland.

Cost: full festival pass: adults R400, children R150, children under 5 enter free; day pass: adults R150–R200, children R50, children under 5 free. For more info: visit bush-fire.com Tekkie Tax Buy your sticker, wear your tekkies to school or to work, and help raise funds for a large mix of carefully selected welfare organisations, schools and institutions. Cost: R10 donation for the sticker. Contact: 012 663 8181 or visit tekkietax.co.za

Cellar rats Taste some of South Africa’s best port, sherry and dessert and red wines in a tranquil outdoor setting. Children can run and play on the jumping castles and enjoy the supervised entertainment that includes sport activities, and animal and plant displays.

Time: 11am–3pm. Venue: The Old Mill, Magaliesburg. Cost: adults R105, children R10, designated drivers free. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit winefestival.co.za

May 2014

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calendar

31 saturday

Princess Christian Home Mini Market A market to raise funds for the special needs of the residents in the Princess Christian Home, such as therapeutic items used to stimulate residents with Alzheimer’s, recliner chairs for frail care, and to spoil residents with a monthly birthday tea.

There will be stalls selling secondhand clothing, books, magazines, toys and games, pancakes and other baked goods.

9 May. Time: 8am–12pm. Venue: Princess Christian Home, 120 Middle St, New Muckleneuk. Cost: free entry. Contact: 012 460 2221 or manager@pch24.org

Mampoer festival An annual cultural festival and mampoer tasting with food stalls, antique tractors, a market, family mountain bike ride, camel rides, a beer tent and live entertainment. There are demonstrations of traditional farming activities such as bread and candle making. Time: 9am–5pm.

Venue: Willem Prinsloo Museum, R104 Old Bronkhorstspruit Rd, Rayton. Cost: adults R50, children R15. Contact: 012 736 2035/6, prinsloo@ditsong.org.za or visit willemprinsloomuseum.co.za

FUN FOR CHILDREN

on stage and screen

art, culture and science Da Vinci – The Genius A thoughtprovoking, interactive exhibition featuring full-scale models of his inventions, a replica of the Mona Lisa, and studies of his iconic art. 2 April–22 June. Time: 9am–7pm, last admission is at 5:30pm. Venue: The Amazing Place, Woodmead, Sandton. Cost: R80–R140. Book through Webtickets: 0861 225 598 or visit davinciexhibition.co.za Having fun with science At the Sci-Enza Centre you can conduct experiments at the various stations, receiving assistance from the volunteers on the floor, and wander around the maze of mirrors. Tours can be arranged for groups of five or more. For children 6–13 years old. Time: 8am–4pm Monday– Friday. Venue: Sci-Enza Centre, University of Pretoria, cnr Prospect St and Festival St, Lynwood. Cost: R10–R20. Contact: 012 420 3767 or visit web.up.ac.za Kinderkuns Artwork created by preschoolers through to Grade 12 learners are on display throughout the mall. Individuals wishing to submit their artwork via their schools need to do so before 2 May. 12–25 May. Time: 9am–7pm Monday–Friday, 9am–6pm Saturday, 9am–5pm Sunday. Venue: The Grove Mall, cnr Lynwood Dr and Simon Vermooten Rd, Equestria. Cost: free. Contact Marietjie for submissions: 084 585 8494 or visit thegrovemall.co.za

classes, talks and workshops Chocolate creations for Mother’s Day Children decorate a slab with chocolate flowers and write a personal Mother’s Day message in chocolate. They also create Rice Krispies cakes and decorate a mini pizza with chocolate. Booking essential. For children 8–13 years old. 2, 9 and 10 May. Time: 2pm–4:30pm Friday, 9:30am–12pm Saturday. Venue: Snyman Sjokolateur, Waterkloof Ridge. Cost: R120 per child, per event (take your own drinks and salty treats). Contact: 012 347 8497, 074 140 1087 or visit snymanchocolates.com Kids’ Craft Club Children learn in a no-pressure, light-hearted, free-to-becreative environment where they work with mosaics, painting, decoupage, pottery and more. For children 4–16 years old. Time: 2pm–4pm, every Friday. Venue: Art Angels, Koedoeberg Rd, Faerie Glen, Pretoria East.

Cost: R200 per class, R450 for three classes per month, including materials. Contact: 071 675 2030 or visit artangels.co.za Little Cooks Club classes Fun, hands-on cooking classes. For children 2–15 years

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May 2014

18–22 May – Shakespeare’s Othello

old. Time: varies. Venue: 870 Koedoeberg St, Faerie Glen, or 60 Mtumvuna Crescent, The Meadows, Moreleta Park. Cost: varies.

Contact: 082 896 1758, 071 118 6549 or visit littlecooksclub.co.za Sewing lessons Younger children are given a bag to embroider and are taught to familiarise themselves with the needle-andthread concept before they start sewing.

Adults and older children can tackle a bigger project and learn how to take measurements, understand a commercial pattern and create their own item. Booking essential. Time: 9am–2pm, every Saturday. Venue: 742, 27th Ave, Villieria. Cost: R50 per student, per hour. Contact: 072 720 5307

family outings Tour of Van Gaalen Cheese Farm Guided tours combine a demonstration of the cheese making process with a special Dutch cheese tasting. The tour is conducted in English, Afrikaans, German and Dutch, and includes cheese tasting, a cup of coffee or juice, and a slice of Dutch apple cake.

Time: 9:45am for 10am, every Wednesday and Saturday. Venue: Van Gaalen Cheese Farm, Hartbeespoort. Cost: adults R85, children under 12 years R55. Contact: 012 207 1289 or visit vangaalen.co.za

markets Brooklyn Square Antique Fair A monthly fair that features many wonderful items for you to collect, from silver and art to glass and jewellery. 3 May. Time: 9am–3pm. Venue: Brooklyn Square, cnr Middle and Veale St, Brooklyn. Cost: free entry. Contact: 011 482 4259 or visit ssaf.co.za Capital Urban Market A market that showcases the work of local designers and talented artisans, alongside fine food. 4 May. Time: 10am–3pm. Venue: Menlyn Maine, cnr Constellation St and Aramist Ave, Menlyn. Cost: free entry.

Contact: info@marketcapital.co.za or visit marketcapital.co.za

Absolute Dance An evening of striking dance, showcasing the astounding talents of Pro Arte Alphen Parks dance department.

17 May. Time: 3pm and 7:30pm. Venue: South African State Theatre. Cost: R90– R150. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com Beauty and the Beast An imaginative production based on the classic tale but with a fun twist. 3 May. Time: doors open at 12:30pm, show starts at 2pm.

Venue: Barnyard Theatre Parkview, Parkview Shopping Centre, cnr Garsfontein Rd and Netcare St, Moreleta Park. Cost: R90. Contact: 012 368 1555 or visit barnyardtheatre.co.za Premiere of Steven Universe Steven is the proverbial little brother to a team of magical guardians of humanity, the Crystal Gems. Watch as he goes on magical adventures and saves the day. Premieres 5 May. Time: 4:15pm Monday–Friday; with repeats at 7am, Saturday–Sunday on Cartoon Network, channel 301 on DStv. For more info: visit cartoonnetwork.com Shakespeare’s Othello With its central themes of love, envy and betrayal as relevant today as ever before, Othello continues to draw packed houses. 18–22 May. Time: school performances 9am and 12pm, Monday–Friday; public performance 7pm, Tuesday. Venue: Brooklyn Theatre, Greenlyn Village Centre, cnr Thomas Edison St and 13th St, Menlo Park. Cost: R55–R80.

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

sport and physical activities Little Kickers Girls and boys are introduced to soccer through fun games and activities.

Bookings essential. For children 18 months–8 years old. Time: 9am–11am, every Saturday. Venue: Club Sport Maritimo, cnr Richard and Park St, Hatfield; or Sport Park, cnr Kruger and Sport Rd, Lyttleton, Centurion. Cost: free. Contact: 072 222 4147, centurion.hatfield@littlekickers.co.za or visit littlekickers.co.za Magalies Canopy Tour A two-and-a-half hour tour over the canopy of the Ysterhout Kloof. For children 7 years and older.

Time: 7am–5pm, daily. Venue: Sparkling Waters Hotel and Spa, Rustenburg. Cost: R495. Contact: 014 535 0150 or visit magaliescanopytour.co.za Yoga and mindfulness course Children’s yoga and mindful meditation classes involve having fun while learning yoga postures, playing games, singing songs and listening to stories. Booking

essential. For children 6–12 years old.

8 May–26 June. Time: 6–8 year olds: 2:30pm, 9–12 year olds: 3:30pm, every Thursday. Venue: Yoga Harmony, Cape Connection, 59 Garsfontein Rd, Menlyn.

Cost: R480 for eight weeks. Contact: 072 645 2984 or visit the-chilled-out-child.com

only for parents classes, talks and workshops Biodanza open class Biodanza is a system of music, movement and dance that stimulates joy, vitality and wellbeing.

Absolutely no steps to learn. For 28 years and older. Time: 7:30pm–9pm, every Thursday.

Venue: Yoga Connection, 243 Brooks St, Brooklyn. Cost: R80. Contact: 082 481 9434 or biodanza.pretoria@gmail.com Educational Workshop Practical workshops aimed at supporting and igniting a love of learning in children 4–9 years old. Aimed at parents, teachers, au pairs, grannies and nannies. Booking essential. 26 May. Time: 2pm–4pm. Venue: St Mary’s DSG, Duxbury Rd, Hillcrest.

Cost: R150. Contact: 011 453 6799, 083 731 0897 or simpson@mailone.co.za Pewter beginner workshop Learn the basics of pewter repoussé and create gifts and decorations for your home. For adults and children 12 years and older. 10 May. Time: 1pm–5pm. Venue: Koedoeberg Rd, Faerie Glen. Cost: R550 (excluding tools); R750 (including tools). Contact: 071 675 2030 or visit artangels.co.za Sonic meditation A calming meditation enriched with live sounds and music. Bookings essential. 4 May. Time: 9:30am–11:30am.

Venue: Meerhof Lodge, 1 Dr Kolbe Lane, Hartbeespoort Dam. Cost: R150. Contact: 071 682 2548 or visit soundtherapy.co.za Stop, think, breathe This workshop is aimed at parents and teachers who wish to have a greater understanding of the benefits of using mindful meditation and breathing techniques with children.

Booking essential. 10 May. Time: 10am–12pm. Venue: Santosha Yoga Studio, cnr Okapi and Skilpad Rd, Monument Park.

Cost: R280, includes refreshments and an introductory manual. Contact: 072 645 2984 or visit the-chilled-out-child.com

on stage and screen Anna Davel and Mathys Roets They perform their greatest hits. The audience can look forward to well-known songs by Sting, The Carpenters, Leonard Cohen and Joni Mitchell. 23–24 May. Time: 8pm.

Venue: Centurion Theatre, 123 Amkor Rd, Lyttelton Manor. Cost: R140–R150. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit centurionteater.co.za Kaleidoskoop acoustic covers Kaleidoskoop is a 14-piece Afrikaans band that is launching their third album. Their songs are filled with messages of hope and are created using instruments such as the accordion, mandolin, cello, double bass, ukulele, glockenspiel, and many more. 9 May. Time: 8pm. Venue: Atterbury Theatre, 4 Daventry St, Lynnwood. Cost: R120– R140. Contact: 012 471 1700 or visit atterburyteater.co.za magazine pretoria

Doep is Nie Dood Nie A one-man show about the life of Koos du Plessis, a prominent South African singer-songwriter who died in 1984. 7 and 8 May. Time: 8pm. Venue: Centurion Theatre, 123 Amkor Rd, Lyttelton Manor. Cost: R130. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit centurionteater.co.za French music masterpieces in ballet The Crown of the Russian Ballet presents a repertoire of classical masterpieces and modern dance. 23–24 May. Time: 7:30pm Friday–Saturday; 3pm Saturday–Sunday.

Venue: South African State Theatre. Cost: R150–R280. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit computicket.com

support groups Alzheimer’s caregiver support group The aim of this support group is to share information and experiences. 19 May. Time: 5:15pm–7pm. Venue: Princess Christian Home, 120 Middel St, Nieuw Muckleneuk. Cost: free. Contact: 082 401 9546 or visit pch24.org Single parent social event Single parents socialise while their children play.

2 May. Time: 10am. Venue: Papachinos, cnr Lynnwood Rd and Silver Lakes Rd, Pretoria East. Cost: varies. Contact: 076 054 5510, soloparenting@talc.co.za or visit facebook. com/soloparenting

bump, baby & Tot in tow

classes, talks and workshops Baby massage Bond with your baby and meet like-minded moms. Bookings essential.

For babies up to one year old. 1 May. Time: 9:30am–10:30am. Venue: Empowering Mothers, 366 Snowy Walker St, Garsfontein.

Cost: R500. Contact: 084 220 0548 or info@ empoweringmothers.co.za Baby Gym with Christine An easyto-follow stimulation programme for babies from birth to 2 years old. 16 and 30 May. Time: 9:30am–10:30am or 11am–12pm. Venue: Empowering Mothers, 366 Snowy Walker St, Garsfontein. Cost: R680. Contact: 084 220 0548 or visit babygym.co.za Clamber Club Babies Introduce your baby to the joys of movement and exercise. For babies 2 months–1 year old. Time: varies.

Moms, babes and tots workshop

Venue: Hillside St, Lynwood. Cost: varies.

Contact: 082 563 4522, lynnwoodbabies@ clamberclub.com or visit clamberclub.com Moms, babes and tots workshop Activities that help to stimulate gross and fine motor milestones, sensory development, progression of play, emotional and social development and parental education.

For babies 2–36 months. Time: varies.

Venue: 757 Volksrust St, Faerie Glen. Cost: varies. Contact: 083 399 2667 or visit momsandbabes.co.za

playtime and story time Kindermusik Playdate The morning is packed full of instrument play, dancing, music and stories. Bookings essential. For children from birth–7 years old. 10, 17 and 31 May. Time: 9am–10am. Venue: Dipsy Dots, 54 Henri Rd, Eldoraigne.

Cost: free. Contact: 083 400 8802 or visit kindermusikmeerkats.co.za

support groups Hi Hopes A free support programme for families who have babies with mild to profound hearing loss. They offer information, resources and support in the home environment. Venue: Wits University, Braamfontein. Contact: 011 717 3750 or visit hihopes.co.za Little Miracle Products and Services They offer specialised premature baby products as well as a unique emotional support service to the parents of premature babies. Venue: 1242 Haarhoff St East, Moregloed, Pretoria. Contact: 0861 548 853, info@littlemiracle.co.za or visit littlemiracle.co.za

how to help Heifer You can help the rural communities to be self-sufficient by purchasing chickens, goats, pigs and cows from the Heifer website. These are then donated and farmed by the communities. Contact: 015 295 8827 or visit heifer.org.za Host a Cuppa for Cansa Gather your friends for a cup of your favourite beverage and support this cause by giving a donation to Cansa. For more info: visit cansa.org.za Pet Photo Competition Take photos of your pet and enter them into the Tshwane SPCA’s My Pet and I competition to stand a chance to win prizes. Entries close 30 June.

Cost: R50. Contact: 012 664 5644 or visit spcapta.org.za The Sunflower Fund Golf Day A fourball to help raise funds for those suffering from leukaemia and other life-threatening blood diseases. 9 May. Time: first teeoff 10:30am. Venue: Silver Lakes Golf Estate, La Quinta St, Silver Lakes. Cost: R4 000 per four-ball (includes dinner and entertainment). Contact: 011 781 4200 or visit sunflowerfund.org.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 2 May for the June issue, and must include all relevant details. No guarantee can be given that it will be published. To post an event online, visit childmag.co.za

magazine pretoria

May 2014

29

finishing touch

a time to party i

t was my son’s birthday recently.

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

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

Cassandra and her son

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

family marketplace

30

May 2014

magazine pretoria

PHOTOGRAPH: MENKE BONNEMA

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

book extract

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

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

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

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

PHOTOGRAPHS: BERNA COETZEE

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

step 2 Ice the cake with white butter icing. Cut off a piece of the sponge cake that is as long as the back of the cake and is approximately 5cm wide. Place it on the back of the cake and secure with kebab sticks to form the cabin. Ice this with white icing too. step 3 Push pieces of pretzel stick around the edge of the “deck”. Make a railing by winding string around the sticks. Stick two wafers on the front of the cabin and another on the bow.

Put the “figurehead” in place. Push two kebab sticks into the deck for masts and slip a straw over each. Make flag poles in the same way: cut straws in half and put the flags in them. step 4 Decorate the cake with Astros, small sweets and Liquorice Allsorts (see the photo). Cut sails out of red cardboard and curl the edges.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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