Child magazine | PTA September 2014

P r e t o r i a’ s

b e s t

g u i d e

f o r

pa r e n t s

spring

into action

low carb, high fat

it’s just not cricket (a guide for moms)

is this diet for you?

recycling

tastes of italy a family culinary getaway

making it part of the school day

www.childmag.co.za

September 2014

free

also in this issue

family-friendly rides and runs are antihistamines safe for children? common reasons for speech therapy

health

education

entertainment

Hunter House P UB L IS H ING

September is a great month to find the fun.

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

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

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

Client Relations Megan du Toit • ptasales@childmag.co.za

Subscriptions and Circulation Nicolene Baldy • subs@childmag.co.za

PUBLISHER’S PHOTOGRAPH: BROOKE FASANI

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

Child magazine Online

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It comes easily to children, but adults seem to forget what it means to “go and play”. At a recent routine medical checkup, my doctor asked me what I do for fun. “Well, I go to Pilates twice a week, run on the treadmill every so often… um, walk the dogs.” With an annoyingly knowing look, she replied, “Let me ask you again, what do you do for fun?”

And there it was – the sad state of my seriously fun-lacking life laid bare. What seemed to come so naturally to me as a child has been shelved, hidden by more important work, community and parenting pursuits. It wasn’t a conscious decision, but over the years the serious side of life

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has clouded the lighter side, leaving little room for spontaneity. Clearly, it’s time for a change, and this issue may be just what I need to put a spring in my step, thanks to our features editor. In “follow the crowd” (p 21), Marc has found the fun for me in the form of group fun runs and bike rides that encourage spontaneous exercise purely for the fun of it – and they’re free. Just what the doctor ordered.

I hope you find loads of inspiration in this issue to get out there and enjoy yourself.

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September 2014

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contents september 2014

21 upfront

health

3 a note from lisa

7 little wonder drug antihistamines

6 over to you readers respond

are still the safest, most effective option to relieve allergy symptoms.

By Marina Zietsman

features

regulars

12 against the grain everyone

8 pregnancy news – it’s raining love Tamlyn Vincent looks at the

is talking about the Banting diet.

Lucille Kemp explains how it works

14 comfort objects Donna Cobban observes why some children form lingering attachments to lifeless objects

15 rethink recycling Tamlyn Vincent shares tips on how schools can get in on the “going green” action

16 experiencing the tastes of italy Catherine Janse van Rensburg went on a gastronomic getaway to the home of pizza and pasta with her family

18 fabulous farm food winner of MasterChef Australia season five, Emma Dean, shares delicious, fresh recipes from her new book

20 a short guide to cricket the laws of the game can be intricate.

Greg Castle explains them in layman’s terms

21 follow the crowd Marc de Chazal points you in the direction of fun, free group activities where you can get outdoors and get fit

relevance of baby showers

9 best for baby – mind the gap Marina Zietsman discusses the procedures to fix so-called tongue-tie and lip-tie in babies

10 dealing with difference – words don’t come easy children may need speech therapy for a host of reasons. Marc de Chazal speaks to some experts

23 resource – to your door... consult these experts when things get out of hand at home. Compiled by Simone Jeffery

26 what’s on in september 30 finishing touch Cassandra Shaw’s household has learnt that early morning is great for bonding

31 a good read for the whole family

classified ads 29 let’s party 29 family marketplace

this month’s cover images are supplied by:

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September 2014

Joburg

Cape Town

Durban

Pretoria

Sarah-Jane Photography sarahjanephotography.co.za

Joli Jacqueline Photography facebook.com/ jolijacquelinephotography

Mr Price mrp.com

Tara Kelly Photography tarakelly.co.za

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September 2014

5

letters

over to you the other side of miscarriage In response to the article “living with loss” (August 2014), What happens if the miscarriage is prevented? Most parents would beg the doctor to save the baby, and everything is then done to stop the loss. But early in my career I became aware of what life is like for the little ones who are pushed to survive.

I was a teacher at a special needs school for children who desperately struggled through life. I was shocked to discover that about 95% of the children’s mothers were threatened by a possible miscarriage. Modern medicine may have saved their babies from dying in the womb, but possibly not from a worse fate; often these children die at a young age. I’m not sure what the right or ethical thing is to do, but the doctor should at least warn a parent that by interfering with nature, they might be setting their child up for a life of disability.

Anonymous

thanks for your support Thank you for the invaluable contribution and assistance in The Sunflower Fund’s first children’s colouringin competition and Miss Sunflower Beauty Pageant in

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

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September 2014

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.

association with N1 City Mall in Cape Town. Your support towards this campaign is greatly appreciated. All proceeds will be used to pay for potential donors to be included on the South African Bone Marrow Registry and will directly give more hope to children and young adults diagnosed with leukaemia. Thank you so much for being prepared to “Share a Little, Save a Life”.

Janine le Roux and Rachel Kotu – The Sunflower Fund

what’s next?

I thought the article on “wireless hazards” (August 2014) was poorly written. Leaning away from science with fearmongering could deprive children of the magic of the internet. What is next? Vaccines cause autism?

Stephen Childmag says We always try to strike an objective balance when tackling a contentious topic, which we believe Glynis did in her article about the potential health risks of Wi-Fi to children – the jury is still out.

Internet connectivity was never the issue, just doing so via Wi-Fi.

your voice on childmag.co.za “learning digitally” What an interesting article. The links mentioned are simply superb. You’ll get lost for a few hours as you take a digital stroll through the fascinating pockets of information.

Juliet “how family pets can benefit your children” We just adopted a two-year-old Yorkshire terrier for our foster child who is involved with social workers and attorneys during our difficult adoption case. He was having nightmares almost every night and would crawl into our bed. Since Teddy joined us, his nightmares have lessened and he has even stayed in his own bed for most nights.

Anonymous subscribe to our newsletter and win Our wins have moved online. Please subscribe to our newsletter and enter our weekly competitions.

To subscribe, visit childmag.co.za

We reserve the right to edit and shorten submitted letters.

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

Post a comment online at childmag.co.za

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little

wonder drug

Antihistamines help to alleviate allergy symptoms, but are they safe for children?

PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

MARINA ZIETSMAN finds out.

a

t any given time of the year, many South Africans suffer from severe allergies, specifically allergic rhinitis, when their nasal airways become inflamed.

Whether caused by pollen, dust or certain animals, allergic rhinitis can be a debilitating condition, affecting the quality of life for sufferers. Because of the common occurrence of these allergy symptoms, many parents rely on antihistamines to relieve the symptoms. “They are recommended by physicians as the first line of therapy for childhood allergies, especially seasonal allergies,” says Dr Adrian Morris from the Allergy Clinic Cape Town and principal allergist at Surrey Allergy Clinic in the UK.

how they work The body produces histamines to attack allergens, but these histamines cause sneezing, watery eyes, itching and congestion. Antihistamines in turn counter the histamines that our bodies produce. They can be taken as tablets, syrups, nasal sprays or eye drops. Antihistamines are also divided into categories according to how long they’ve been on the market – first-, second- and third-generation antihistamines. “First-generation antihistamines are the older, sedating types of antihistamine that need frequent dosing throughout the day and can make children ‘bad tempered’,” says Morris. Second-generation antihistamines are less sedating, and according to Morris they are even safe to take during pregnancy and when breast-feeding.

Morris’ first recommendation, however, is third-generation, non-sedating antihistamines.

how harmless are they?

Morris says most antihistamines can be used by toddlers as young as one year old, and even babies can be administered a reduced dose, but he warns that apart from drowsiness, most first-generation antihistamines

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health can cause weight gain, a dry mouth, urine retention, headaches, muscle spasms and confusion in some children.

“Third-generation antihistamines are well tolerated, and though there are no absolute contraindications to their use, they should be used with caution in children with severe heart disease, liver and kidney disease, epilepsy and porphyria.”

Morris also points out that third-generation antihistamines can help to prevent allergies, not just treat symptoms. “Certain European clinical trials have shown that they slow the progression from eczema to asthma,” he says. “The Early Treatment of the Atopic Child (ETAC) group conducted a study that supports their recommendation for using antihistamines for 18 months from age six months to 2 years old on a daily basis to prevent allergies in highallergy-risk children.”

the bottom line There is nothing quite as effective as antihistamines for seasonal allergies. Inhaled steroid sprays work, says Morris, but need to be used continuously and may cause thrush. “Oral steroids should not be used for prolonged periods in children as they may stunt growth, cause cataracts, glaucoma and infections and even trigger stomach ulcers and diabetes,” he adds. “Homeopathy, herbal treatments and acupuncture seem less effective and results of international clinical studies have been disappointing.” He adds that antihistamines have a good safety profile, that they are almost all available over the counter without prescription and there are very good generics available in South Africa. “They should, however, only be used at the recommended dose and if prolonged use is needed (more than a few weeks), a doctor should review the symptoms to check that the antihistamine is the most appropriate treatment,” he concludes.

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pregnancy news

it’s raining love Whether you’re planning a trendy shower or a quiet sprinkle, baby showers should

he food and drinks table decor is pink and white.

So are the food and drinks. My friend balances gifts on what little is left of her lap, opening each to a chorus of “oohs” and “aahs”. At my own baby shower – a fun but anxious event – I was terrible at guessing who gave what. Why do we need to guess, anyway? And do we really need all those clothes, gadgets and toys?

Traditionally, baby showers were an opportunity to give advice and help new parents prepare, but with today’s parents often waiting until they can afford everything, is it still necessary?

taking account Baby showers can be expensive. Tarryn Livsey, an event and party organiser from Durban, says that showers can cost between R3 000 and R10 000. That price tag is for everything from invitations and favours to food and drinks, and the event planner, but baby shower presents can be valuable. One mom, Adele, says she received baby things that others had found useful. “I got goodies that lasted pretty much throughout my daughter’s first year,” adds Adele, commenting that her surprise shower made her feel special at a time when she felt uncomfortable. Knowing that your baby is loved and supported by friends and family is an invaluable gift for a new mom.

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September 2014

top trends Livsey says baby showers are getting bigger as social circles expand and the traditional baby shower is being reinvented. “Themes are a big focus,” says Livsey, with novelty cakes and other decorative touches being added.

Occasionally fathers-to-be have man-showers, a braai or drinks where mates bring nappies. An international trend is the sip-and-see, held after a baby is born, where friends and family meet the baby and drink champagne. For those who don’t believe in throwing baby showers before a child is born, this is one way to celebrate.

Gender reveal parties are also popular. Instead of telling you the gender, your doctor writes it on a piece of paper, which you give to your baker, who bakes a pink or blue cake accordingly, covered with neutral icing.

The couple, close family and friends find out the gender together when they cut into the cake. Alys, a mom who found out this way, said she wanted it to be a surprise, and the gender reveal party became a special memory. They wanted a boy, so were thrilled to see a blue cake, but Alys would have been just as excited had it been pink. If you do have your heart set on a particular gender, however, you may want to find out privately.

Showers for second or third children are on the rise, especially if you’re expecting a different gender, says Livsey. Fay, mom to a son and daughter, says it’s normal among her friends to have a meal and presents for second children. Most of her presents were clothes and all included something for her older child. If second- or thirdtime moms do have everything they need, but still want to celebrate, host a sprinkle – a smaller shower where guests aren’t expected to give as much.

Baby showers can be tailored to suit a budget and the mom-to-be, whether it’s a themed shower or a quiet sip-andsee. Regardless of how you celebrate, the most value comes from celebrating the new arrival and in offering support.

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PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

t

be about helping new moms prepare for the journey. By TAMLYN VINCENT

best for baby

mind the gap Babies who struggle with breast-feeding may require a common dental procedure to fix what is known as a tonguetie or lip-tie. MARINA ZIETSMAN takes a closer look.

PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

i

grew up with a slightly long maxillary labial frenum (the tiny muscle in the mouth that attaches the lips to the gum). Inevitably this forced a gap between my two front teeth. In my early 20s, my wisdom teeth were removed, and as an added “bonus” so was this small obstacle. Recently I asked my mom why this procedure was not done years earlier, sparing me from “the gap”. Her nonchalant answer was that it was a nightmare to get me to the dentist, “and besides, people with a gap between their front teeth are considered lucky…” I’m waiting patiently for my ship to come in, but should something have been done about this when I was a baby?

big word, small problem “A frenum is a band of fibrous tissue situated in various sites of the mouth,”

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explains Dr Meenakshi Iyer, a Pretoria dentist with a special interest in paediatric dentistry. “The frenum in the upper lip and the frenum under the tongue are usually the ones causing problems,” says Iyer. “In the upper jaw it attaches the lips/cheek to the gums and the lingual frenum attaches the tongue to the floor of the mouth.” With an abnormal frenum the lip and tongue can have very limited mobility, depending on the severity of the attachment. Iyer says these conditions are sometimes referred to as a lip-tie and a tongue-tie.

teeth erupt, the upper incisors maintain a gap, or midline-diastema, because of the frenum’s attachment. It’s also difficult to brush teeth properly in these cases, so tooth decay can set in.”

A severe tongue-tie can also be detrimental. “It has an effect on breastfeeding, as a baby with a tongue-tie cannot create a proper seal around the mother’s nipple, resulting in painful nipples for the mom and the baby’s failure to thrive. Depending on the severity, swallowing and speech are also affected. Some children even struggle to lick ice-cream,” says Iyer.

why it needs to be fixed Iyer says both are developmental abnormalities and are usually not associated with other developmental problems, “but a heavy lip-tie can result in speech impediment and difficulty smiling.

Also, as a child grows and the permanent

the procedure An obstructive lingual frenum is usually “snipped” without any problems before the infant is four months old. With older children the frenum has developed and surgery becomes necessary (scalpel or laser). “The

healing time with the laser removal is quicker, but there is a certain recovery period and associated pain with both procedures.” Iyer says the final decision to remove the frenum depends on individual cases.

signs of lip- or tonguetie in your baby • reflux or colic • difficulty latching (breast or bottle) • gumming or chewing nipples (when breast-feeding) • gas • not gaining weight • excessive drooling • choking when drinking • releasing the breast or bottle to gasp for air

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dealing with difference

words don’t come easy Mastering speech and language is an important life skill, but many children require speech therapy to overcome stumbling blocks.

MARC DE CHAZAL speaks to some experts.

encounter include fluency difficulties (such as stuttering), and language delays (when a child develops speech and language skills slower than their peers). By the age of five or six years old, your child’s speech should be fluent, even if he occasionally reverses sounds or is still developing the “s”, “r” and “th” sounds. Children with auditory processing difficulties, on the other hand, find it difficult to understand speech in noisy environments, follow directions and discriminate between similar-sounding speech sounds, says Skinner.

elephant in the room It’s true that nowadays there is a greater awareness of speech and language development in our schools than in the past, but teachers and parents still overlook difficulties and their indicators or

Nowadays there is a greater awareness of speech and language development in our schools than in the past.

Five-year-old Samantha* was referred to speech therapy by her class teacher because of her lisp and possible auditory processing difficulties, which is not unusual for typically developing children.

A child with a lisp will often substitute “th” for “s” when articulating a word – they will say “yeth” rather than “yes”. Samantha’s mom, Wendy*, says her daughter went to speech therapy for a year and her lisp was fully remediated. There was also a marked improvement in Samantha’s ability to follow more complex verbal instructions, thanks to sensory integration occupational therapy and auditory processing therapy.

According to Joburg-based speech and language therapist Mandy Skinner, many children like Samantha have difficulties other than special needs conditions that require her assistance. She explains that some of the common difficulties children

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September 2014

they are misdiagnosed. “The child is often labelled as lazy, naughty, hyperactive, rude or shy in these instances,” says Skinner.

Cape Town-based speech and language therapist Catherine Barry agrees. “Children who have difficulties communicating are often very frustrated, and this can lead to challenging behaviour,” she adds. “In typically developing children, difficulties with social interaction and social skills, delayed play skills or poor listening skills are often not seen as areas that require intervention, or parents are just unsure how to develop these skills and where to find help. But they are essential building blocks for effective communication.”

Your first port of call if your child is struggling in this area is to visit a qualified audiologist. Once any hearing problems have been ruled out, a speech therapist can begin to form a more comprehensive

picture of what’s likely going on by means of interviews with the parents, standardised tests and consultations with any other professionals involved.

“Once we have a clear profile of the child and have a baseline to measure progress, therapy begins,” explains Barry.

“This usually takes place once or twice a week for half an hour at a time. Parents, grandparents, nannies and au pairs often sit in on the sessions so that the therapy targets and skills can be practised at home. The type of therapy depends on the age of the child and the nature and severity of the difficulties. Much of the time, therapy is based on play with specific aims and activities planned for each session incorporated into play or games.”

how you can help There are a number of things you can do at home to help your child’s speech and language development.

Nursery rhymes are important for developing auditory discrimination skills and lay the foundation for reading and spelling skills. “Sing nursery rhymes with your child.

It’s important that he sings the words rather than makes them up,” says Barry.

Reading with your child is an excellent way to develop listening and language skills.

“Read books with a small amount of print and lots of pictures at first,” advises Barry.

“Repetition is very helpful.” As they get older, progress to books with more print and start conversations around the book’s topic.

Model listening behaviour by looking at your child when he speaks, listen actively and respond appropriately. Try to make time to focus on your child each day without the distractions of TV and household chores.

“You can also develop sequencing and planning skills by talking your child through an everyday sequence such as making a sandwich,” explains Barry.

Play empowers your child. “Communication skills overlap with play and social interaction skills,” points out Barry, “and play provides multiple and varied opportunities for learning.

Through play a child will be able to observe, explore, reflect and discover, as well as work through certain emotions.” Provide enough stimulating resources appropriate to your child’s age and stage of development.

Develop expressive language by encouraging your child to tell you rather than show you. Also, add to what your child says by repeating then expanding on it, says Barry. Child: “Mommy go shop.”

Adult: “Mommy is going to the shop.”

And remember that your child will need to hear a new word in various situations before they fully understand its meaning.

Just don’t bombard your young child with too much language – give them time to process and respond. “When you take your child to the shops, talk about what you are seeing and doing so that they learn to make a connection between the word they hear and what they observe happening,” says Barry. *Names have been changed.

indicators that your child needs speech therapy • • • • •

Your child is saying fewer words, phrases or sentences than his/her peers.

You cannot understand what your child is saying.

Your child does not understand what you are saying.

Your child has difficulty remembering things that you say.

Your child has multiple, involuntary dysfluencies in their speech, such as sound and/or syllable repetitions (“l-l-like this”; “li-li-like this”); prolonged sounds (“llllllike this”); or blocks (“l---ike this”).

Source: Mandy Skinner

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PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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t can be rather endearing to hear a young child mispronounce a word or come up with a truly toddleresque way of saying something. After all, young children are still learning to express themselves. Eventually, if all goes well, they will master speech and language so they can effectively communicate with others. It’s a really important life skill, so it goes without saying that any developmental problems affecting your child’s speech should be checked out and appropriate therapy prescribed where necessary.

Children with conditions such as autism or who have cognitive and other developmental delays often require speech therapy, but let’s focus our attention on the typically developing child to find out what potential problems may hide in the wings.

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September 2014

11

health

against

the grain

Prof Tim Noakes has been the passionate mouthpiece in South Africa for low-carb high-fat living, and garnered as much opposition as support.

LUCILLE KEMP explains the eating plan.

total sugars and modified corn starch will all be under the spotlight, and you’ll be planning ahead skilfully, from making sure your fridge is always stocked with the right ingredients to packing rescue foods such as cheese, nuts, olives and biltong. This is especially necessary when you’re new to the diet and still used to quick fixing hunger with carbs.

how it works Quite simply, in the absence of carbs the body burns fat for fuel and you lose weight. Eenfeldt says LCHF works because when you avoid sugar and starch your bloodsugar stabilises and the levels of insulin, the fat storing hormone, drop. While many dieticians are reluctant to prescribe a LCHF lifestyle because it still needs to stand the test of a long-term trial, they do agree on reducing carbs. Paediatric dietician Claire McHugh says her hyperactive and overweight young patients are almost always found to be eating lots of refined carbohydrates.

The high-fat part of the eating plan satisfies in a way that a low-fat diet doesn’t, says Noakes, making it sustainable. This is a huge plus for a family; the tasty menu makes it easier to train your children to replace pastries, sweets and processed foods with healthy options.

what to expect Let’s face it, a diet that is low in carbs, moderate in protein, high in fat and considered healthy probably seems contradictory to most of us, but the way Swedish doctor Andreas Eenfeldt describes it, it doesn’t seem like such an outrageous notion. “You’ll eat meat, fish, eggs, vegetables growing above ground and natural fats such as butter, and you’ll avoid sugar and starchy foods; you’ll eat when you’re hungry until you are satisfied; you won’t count calories and you’ll forget about industrially produced low-fat products.”

In Noakes’ book The Real Meal Revolution, pregnant women are also considered. “Particularly good LCHF foods to eat during pregnancy include liver, meat, fish, eggs, chicken, game and duck.”

The LCHF foods are good quality, so you eat whole foods, never processed, prepacked or wrapped. This means for breakfast on-the-run, buy an apple not a cereal bar.

Noakes calls the eating plan a lifestyle change in that your food preferences and eating patterns will be transformed. There’ll be no 3pm slumps or need for cheat days. Though you may feel it in the beginning as you wean yourself off carbs and sugary products, this eating plan won’t leave you feeling deprived. You’ll become a dab hand at reading food labels – glycaemic carbohydrate,

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September 2014

the benefits South Africans have adopted this eating plan in their droves and describe it as the easiest way to lose weight because they don’t feel hungry. “Taking hunger away is a huge factor in weight loss,” says Noakes. Cape Town-based dad, Andy Milne, 41, decided to do a public 100-day test of the low-carb high-fat diet, with a team of doctors tracking his progress. At eight weeks his feedback included “significant weight loss with a body shape better than it’s been in 15 years.” If you have an overweight child and have tried everything with little success, LCHF would certainly be worth investigating with a dietician, especially as the low-carb high-fat principles already have their place among children through the Ketogenic diet, an effective treatment for autism and epilepsy.

Dr Russell Thomson, who assesses LCHF eating, notes that it seems to benefit those who suffer from metabolic syndrome, diabetes and carb intolerance. The aspect of the diet that cuts out grains, such as wheat, has been a revelation for many. Dr William Davis, an American cardiologist and author of Wheat Belly, says when he asked his patients to eliminate wheat, including whole grains, which increases blood sugar more than most

other foods, the results included weight loss, improved cholesterol values and reduced blood pressure. Lowcarb eating during pregnancy protects against the risk of high blood pressure and gestational diabetes as long as, according to Noakes, “there is sufficient fluid and intake from protein, healthy fats and nutritious vegetables.”

Many have adopted the LCHF lifestyle because they have sought more satisfying food to eat, my health-conscious friend being one. She reports running her fastest times ever and finally losing those “stubborn two kilos” – something years on a low-fat, somewhat bleached, diet couldn’t do.

is it for your family?

Consult your GP and dietician first and consider each family member’s medical requirements before starting on the eating plan. Noakes explains that people digest carbs differently – the more carbohydrate resistant you are, the stricter you must be; if not, then the occasional sweet potato is allowed.

Although there is more evidence that sugary and starchy foods are responsible for raising the cholesterol that may cause heart disease, there is still a fear that eating all the fat that a LCHF lifestyle requires can’t be good for you. However, while one of Noakes’ biggest opponents, Prof Lionel Opie of UCT’s Hatter Institute for Cardiovascular Research in Africa, can’t vouch for the long-term benefits of LCHF eating, he isn’t able to ignore how effective the diet is for weight loss and recommends going on the LCHF eating plan for a short period of time.

Whatever LCHF eating lacks in proof it certainly makes up for in relevance – the testimonies of those who’ve experienced life-changing results on the eating plan can’t be passed up easily by those seeking the same change.

The discerning parent in you requires you to assess the need for change in your home, research both sides of the LCHF debate, ask your healthcare practitioner probing questions, and, if you see it as a viable avenue, adopt a willingness to try.

you may be carbohydrate resistant if: • Y ou feel sleepy two hours or less after eating a sugary or starchy meal/snack • You tend to gain weight around your middle • You feel hungry when you don’t need more food • You get irritable, restless or anxious before dinner • You are very hungry first thing in the morning

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PHOTOGRAPHS: shutterstock.com

a

low-carb diet is nothing new. It first came into prominence in 1863 when William Banting wrote about his weight loss on a diet of mostly meat and greens that excluded sugar and starch.

Renowned UCT professor of sport science and exercise Tim Noakes’ discovery of the Banting diet, or the low-carb, high-fat (LCHF) lifestyle, came from a personal need to improve his health. He specifically wanted to find an eating plan that would address his carbohydrate resistant needs and relieve his pre-diabetic symptoms. It worked for him and he has been researching the topic ever since, launching the Noakes Foundation to fund independent studies into low-carbohydrate nutrition.

Not able to ignore the drastic improvement in his health and fitness thanks to a LCHF lifestyle, Noakes became outspoken on the topic as he came to believe that we really should not be consuming so many carbs.

Dietician Rael Koping agrees saying, “Many people are not able to tolerate the level of carb intake that the modern diet advises, so their body overproduces insulin, which effectively locks the metabolism in the storage cycle.” This storage spells weight gain and compromised health.

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September 2014

13

your child’s life

comfort objects

DONNA COBBAN explores the reasons why many children form lingering attachments to inanimate things, such as a beloved blanket or a tattered stuffed animal.

one could find the “transitional object”. Winnicott went on to describe these transitional objects as the infant’s first real possessions, which gave the infant warmth, texture or something that shows it has a vitality or reality of its own.

Pauline Mawson, a Joburg-based clinical psychologist, says that “transitional objects are vitally important in the child’s psychological as well as mental and physical development.” She also points out that transitional objects are common in babies, toddlers and even older children. “They are generally considered a source of comfort when the primary caregiver is not available and teach the baby, toddler or child self-soothing and coping techniques,” says Mawson.

I have often wondered why as a child I was firmly attached to my transitional object while my own son has never bothered with a similar devotion to any of his inanimate furry friends. “Some children carry their object around with them, others are happy to just use the object from time to time,” explains Mawson. This may depend on a variety of factors, some of which may include the type of relationship (or attachment) they have with their primary caregiver and what’s happening in the environment around them.

Mawson says that exposure to trauma may also result in an increased attachment, but this is largely dependent on an individual’s coping mechanisms.

While most of us grow out of the need to rub a softened piece of fabric against our face or to clutch a teddy bear tightly while we sleep, some of us do not easily move away from our object of affection.

attachment issues There seems to be no telling pattern within families – one child will develop an attachment, another child won’t. Certainly the dogged determination in some children to remain attached has caused some consternation in adults over the years.

Donald Winnicott, an English paediatrician and psychoanalyst working largely in the middle of the last century, is regarded as the expert voice on what he came to name “transitional objects”. He believed that there was a “space” within a person’s psychic and external reality, which he called the “transitional space”. He believed that in this space

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in transit

While most of us grow out of the need to rub a softened piece of fabric against our face or to clutch a teddy bear tightly while we sleep, some of us, as Robin earlier conceded in her own case, do not easily move away from our object of affection. If your child is particularly fond of their transitional object and struggles to “grow out of it”, Mawson suggests that you explore what is keeping your child so attached to the object, as it can be traumatic to just take it away. Families may need the help of a professional to assist with this. Eventually, learning to cope without the transitional object is part of a normal developmental process, explains Mawson.

While most children slowly grow out of their objects of deep affection, some have them removed suddenly. Perhaps a well-meaning adult has had enough of the filthy creature whose ears are eternally sodden and whose fur is stiffly matted. In my case a London cab took off with my transitional object still inside the vehicle – a small red and white rabbit of no real consequence to the finder, but the loss of which felt so severe that my childhood years were eternally wracked with the loss. I would remember him over Sunday lunch, at a friend’s birthday party, or while out walking in the bush with my grandmother.

While I soon got used to the weight of his loss, his abrupt absence from my life informed many emotions to come. I wish to this day he had not been lost, but I am grateful for the emotional wherewithal learnt over the years… perhaps now making the comings and goings of life in adult years somewhat easier. magazine pretoria

PHOTOGRAPH: shutterstock.com

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obin was five when her granny took her on a road trip from Pietermaritzburg to Harare in a little grey Beetle, whose slow progress eventually met with success and they spent a happy week there. On the return journey they stopped off at Great Zimbabwe, a distance of some 250 kilometres from Harare. It was here that the young Robin discovered the alarming absence of her beloved blanket. Her grandmother, realising the gravity of the situation, swung that old Beetle right around and headed straight back to Harare, no questions asked and no convincing needed.

Over 40 years have since passed, but Robin still feels a rush of gratitude towards her late grandmother for understanding, without question, just how important that blanket was to her. She remembers the emotional attachment as if it was yesterday. “I was totally inseparable from that little tartan blanket. I could not go to sleep without it. I loved the feel and smell of it. If I was sad, I went to my room and lay on my bed holding my blanket next to my face and everything in the world felt safer and better. I was totally beside myself if I had to sleep without it.”

The day her grandmother returned to Harare to fetch the blanket was also the day the blanket was cut in half; one half was held in a safe place, while Robin kept the other half nearby. Robin goes on to explain that she only managed to detach herself from the extremely worn out half-bit of blanket when she was 14 years old – she believes this delayed ability to part with her comfort object was due to growing levels of internal anxiety that she eventually, in the absence of her blanket, treated with an ever-increasing alcohol dependency. Robin stresses that this is her own personal perspective on her early blanket attachment and later alcohol dependence.

Others I speak to tell of fine fleecy blankets rubbed softly against noses, the enhanced awareness of which seems to make them more aware of their own children’s experiences.

In the case of Emma, her eldest son ignored objects of replaceable affection, but her middle boy developed an obsession with the soft muslin cloths she used to wipe up daily spills. He refers to them as “munnies” and in times of tiredness and distress is easily comforted by the proximity of one.

education

rethink recycling

PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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TAMLYN VINCENT looks at how schools can do their bit for the environment.

eptember is all about getting people involved by making a difference to our environment. There’s Recycling Day, Arbor Week, coastal cleanups and many more initiatives for everyone to pitch in and help out.

But how can schools get more involved and work to ensure recycling becomes part of their culture? make it easy Making recycling accessible means that children won’t have to go out of their way to do it. Place recycling bins outside the tuckshop, or put an e-waste bin in the computer room. If children bring in paper or plastic, get the recycling collected from the classroom once a week. turn it into a competition If it’s fun, chances are it will keep children interested. So, have inter-class or inter-grade competitions to see who can bring in the most recycling. It needn’t be the same every month either. Find out what local community projects need, such as plastic bottles, bottle tops or wire for crafts, and get children to bring these items to school. use it for fundraising Put your recycling to good use by having an upcycling market. Each class, or groups within each class, can make items from recycling and then sell them.

The opportunities are endless: you can make birdfeeders from plastic bottles, mats from old T-shirts, baskets from paper or vases from cans. Children can also get creative and make art from junk. You may like to theme the exhibition to

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create awareness, such as a save-the-ocean theme, where children work with plastic bags and other items polluting the ocean. Once the class, grade or school has enough art, host an exhibition evening and ask visitors to make donations. make something useful Recycled items can be put to good use in and outside the classrooms. Upcycled cans become pencil holders or pots for plants. Plastic milk bottles can be turned into containers for stationery, old tyres can become chairs or swings, and there are plenty of creative ways to use recycling for storage. use it to help others Many community projects rely on donations of specific items, so that they can create usable products to sell. Charities such as Cotlands encourage people to make toys from recycled goods, and donate the toys to orphanages, crèches or other places in need. Turn this into a class project by getting children to make toys from recycling they’ve collected. For ideas on how to make these toys, visit cotlands.org.za/get-involved/

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the average number of minutes a plastic bag is used the number of years it can take for a plastic bag to disintegrate

initiatives, days and projects • Rethink the Bag encourages people to stop using plastic bags that are only going to be used once and then thrown away. Greyton in the Western Cape has embraced this philosophy and has become a bag-free town. Visit rethinkthebag.org • Recycling Day is dedicated to recycling: Visit recyclingday-sa.co.za • Beach, river or dam cleanups are a way for children to learn about nature, while helping to save it. You can join in an organised cleanup or take the class on an educational outing to an area that needs cleaning up. Visit cleanup-sa.co.za • Get involved in Arbor Day, Arbor Week and Arbor month by planting and maintaining indigenous trees in South Africa. Visit greenworks.co.za/ arborday.html

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getaway

experiencing the

tastes of italy Stunning scenery, historic locations and, most of all, deliciously flavourful food – CATHERINE JANSE VAN RENSBURG

e left on a very long flight to Europe with our daughter, Nina. Being under two she didn’t pay for a ticket, something which worked considerably in our favour – along with the fact that her vocab and expression of her own opinion is still pretty limited.

And so began our family adventure to Italy with my sister and her husband.

We landed in Pisa, loaded up the bags in our rental car and headed straight for the Leaning Tower. I literally gasped as we rounded the corner and the tower came into view – a feeling of awe that I was to experience over and over again.

Our first night was in Lucca – a beautiful, medieval walled town in Tuscany.

Our first mission was to find pizza, wine and gelato. The next day’s mission was more challenging – a 15km hike with a toddler. We got up early and headed to La Spezia, where we boarded a train and were soon winding our way along the picturesque Italian Revere, to Cinque Terra, an area of rugged coastline between five remote seaside villages. My husband was amazing and carried Nina in the backpack, which worked well. The walk was longer and harder than expected, but the views were breathtaking and we finished with a swim in the sparkling Mediterranean Sea.

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By now everyone was over pizza and we were ready for some real Tuscan cuisine and a change of pace. We rented a beautiful villa on a working farm, Podere Magione, near San Gimignano in Tuscany.

Our farm-style kitchen with shutters and terracotta floors, bathed in late summer sun, was the perfect setting for all sorts of culinary experiments. Peter (my brotherin-law, an avid chef in his spare time) treated us to homemade spinach and

prosciutto, Parmesan cheese, basil pesto, salad greens, mozzarella balls and fresh figs. We lathered this with balsamic vinegar and olive oil – produce from the farm where we were staying.

One of my favourite memories from our trip was eating in the garden overlooking the Tuscan countryside of sprawling hills, villas, vineyards and vegetable gardens.

While we spent afternoons cooking or sprawled out on the lawn basking in the

I literally gasped as we rounded the corner and the tower came into sight – a feeling of awe that I was to experience over and over again. ricotta ravioli. He also made mushroom risotto from local chanterelle, porcini and oyster mushrooms and a really delicious carpaccio salad. We had tortellini (pasta stuffed with meat) one night and gnocchi another. Gnocchi are soft dumplings made from potato flour, which I covered with a rich tomato sauce and Parmesan shavings. I also made caprese salad for the first time, by layering slices of juicy vine tomatoes, mozzarella, fresh basil pesto and olive oil. For lunch we always had a spread of warm Tuscan bread, which has a thin crust and soft centre,

summer sun, Nina was happy with a big bowl of water and a collection of containers and spoons – her own café on the grass, from which she served us copious cups of leaf tea and flower soups.

My sister and I spent hours walking through the Tuscan farmlands. None of the farms have boundary fences and we felt quite safe wandering along the footpaths and fields. Being the end of summer, the fruit trees were laden with fruit and the vines were thick with bunches of red grapes, ready for harvest. I was charmed and inspired by the number of vegetable gardens, brimming

with aubergines, tomatoes, artichokes, herbs and courgettes. I saw our neighbour harvesting a basketful of courgette flowers from her garden early one morning. I later discovered that these flowers make a popular starter – either stuffed or fried in batter.

The local co-op was the best place to buy most food, as it offered a wide range of fresh food at reliable prices. One of my favourite things to do in a new country is check out the supermarkets. In Italy the fresh produce is similar to South Africa, as the climate is much the same. I was, however, intrigued by the choice of classic Italian foods such as mozzarella, pastas, Parma hams and pestos. Almonds are used in many of the biscuits and cakes, such as biscotti and panforte – a dense cake made with almonds, raisins, cinnamon and cloves. The range of completely different wine cultivars was also a novelty.

We visited a few markets where farmers sell fresh fruit and vegetables, breads, cured meats, cheeses, baked goods and even seafood. Italians eat a lot of pork. They make thinly sliced, dry cured Parma ham from pigs that are fattened on the whey left over from making Parmesan cheese. Porchetta, or roasted pork, is also sliced and stuffed into fresh rolls, something we tried at

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PHOTOGRAPHS: CATHERINE & ernst JANSE VAN RENSBURG

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describes her family’s culinary journey through Italy.

Opposite page: The farm-style kitchen in San Gimignano, Tuscany, bathed in late summer sun. This page, from left to right: Juicy caprese salad with local fare; Nina shares a gelato with Mom; the Leaning Tower of Pisa; Nina took part in culinary walks backpack-style; Nina was especially keen on pizza.

one of these markets. The locals found my blue-eyed, blonde haired daughter fascinating and all stopped to say “bella bambina” (pretty little girl) and give her bits of food, which she loved. She ate most of what we ate and was especially keen on the pizza. I always had snacks in my bag for when we ate late or the food wasn’t toddler-friendly. Popping into a corner shop for a banana and some yoghurt was a quick meal for Nina, when I was desperate.

We didn’t have to lug our camp cot to Italy as all three places we stayed at provided one (on request). We could use the extra baggage allowance to bring home a few bottles of Tuscan wine, which we are looking forward to sharing with our wine club. We went wine tasting at Tenuta Torciano. A delightfully flamboyant Italian character, Luigi, was the presenter.

The last 13 generations of his family have been making wine at this farm for over 300 years. Having just had lunch at our villa, we were greeted with a four-course food-andwine pairing. Luigi was very persuasive and we couldn’t say no to his mama’s lasagne – so we ate and drank on. The Tuscan region is known for its white wine, Vernaccia, and a red wine, Chianti, made from the Sangiovese grape. Interestingly, Chianti pairs well with tomato, which is

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used in many Italian dishes. We started with an antipasto of cheeses and cold meats. Next was ribollita – a Tuscan soup made from bread, beans and vegetables and then Luigi’s mama’s lasagne (say it with an accent). Dessert was a generous bowl of almond biscotti served with sweet wine, for dipping. Nina was remarkably well behaved. Perhaps the wine took the edge off my stress, but she was happy enough to sit in her high chair next to me,

My sister and I, with a craving for all things Italian, loads of enthusiasm, limited ingredients and absolutely no recipe, embarked on making it. We mixed 700g of mascarpone cheese and half a bottle of sweet wine with a little sugar. We then soaked a huge bag of boudoir biscuits in mugs of rich Italian coffee. We layered these mixtures with a slab of grated dark chocolate and coco powder and set it in the freezer. It was

Our farm-style kitchen with shutters, terracotta floors, bathed in late summer sun, was the perfect setting for all sorts of culinary experiments. sip her water like a connoisseur, scribble all over my tasting notes and then explore my handbag and cellphone.

After rolling home from our wine tasting experience, Peter insisted we keep to our scheduled braai that evening and, given the menu, none of us could refuse. It was beef carpaccio with rocket and Parmesan salad for starters. We also braaied marinated pork ribs and made our own version of Italian braai broodjies with ciabatta, basil pesto, mozzarella and tomato. The dessert won my heart – a huge bowl of homemade tiramisu.

so completely delicious that my husband had two huge helpings and couldn’t face gelato in Siena the next day, which says a lot.

Pizza was the most cost-effective way to eat on the go in the bigger towns. We had pizza in Pisa, Lucca, Siena, Florence and Rome. We would get takeaway pizza and treats from a bakery and then find a park or patch of grass to sit and eat, where Nina could run around and get rid of some energy.

We stayed at the Salvation Army Hotel in Rome, which was clean, central and

by far the cheapest option. As travelling parents, we had to adjust and do some things differently from home. For instance, none of the accommodation had baths, so Nina bathed in basins. Toddler behaviour is not predictable, but we found that Nina was generally interested in all the activity going on around her. Although she was sometimes stretched in terms of her normal routine, I think the new experiences were good for her. Being on holiday we had more time and emotional energy for her, which she thrived on, and her vocab improved considerably over the two weeks.

We made the most of our short stop in Rome, which has to be my favourite city in the world. In one day we saw Vatican City, St Peter’s Church, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, the ancient ruins, and took the audio tour of the Colosseum, had a picnic lunch in a park and enjoyed dinner in a charming Italian pizzeria. Ironically, if it wasn’t for Nina we would never have seen the Sistine Chapel. Having her with us, we were allowed to skip the 900m queue, which would otherwise have taken hours.

Thanks to our travelling toddler, we were able to see Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam, another highlight that I’ll remember forever. Travelling with little ones has its benefits.

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book extract

fabulous farm food

Bring local produce to your table with these delicious, earthy recipes from EMMA DEAN’s A Homegrown Table.

mussels my way serves 2 ingredients • 1 eschalot (shallot), peeled, sliced • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped • 1 tablespoon olive oil

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method 1. Heat a wok or a wide pan over mediumlow heat. Sauté the eschalot and garlic in the olive oil. Add the chilli and sauté for a minute or two.

2. Add the mussels and samphire. Turn the heat up and add the white wine. Put a lid on and shake the pan while still on the heat. As soon as the mussels open, remove the pan from the heat – this should take only a few minutes. Take out all mussels that haven’t opened and discard. Toss in the parsley and butter and serve with freshly baked bread.

baked farm eggs with wild mushrooms, spinach and parmesan serves 4 ingredients • 2 knobs butter • 250g wild mushrooms • ½ bunch English spinach leaves • 1 clove garlic, to taste • salt and pepper, to taste • 150g thickened cream • 4 eggs • 4 large shaves parmesan (about 35g) • 4 tablespoons tomato kasundi (optional) method 1. Preheat the oven to 190ºC. 2. In a deep frying pan, heat the butter and sauté the wild mushrooms with the spinach.

Pierce the garlic clove with your fork and use the fork to stir in the mushrooms and spinach together, to give a hint of garlic.

Cook until wilted and season to taste.

3. Splash in the cream.

4. Pour the mixture into individual ovenproof pans or ramekins or across the bottom of one ovenproof dish. Crack the eggs on top.

Bake for 10 minutes or until the egg white is cooked and the yolk is still runny. You may have to watch this carefully so it doesn’t overcook.

5. Once they are ready, remove the ramekins from the oven and add the parmesan shaves over each egg.

Serve with a dollop of tomato kasundi on top.

magazine pretoria

PHOTOGRAPHS: sue stubbs

• ½–1cm long red fresh chilli, deseeded and chopped • 1kg mussels • few handfuls of samphire, if you can find it • 1 cup white wine • 2 handfuls flat-leafed parsley, chopped • 2 tablespoons butter, to serve • 1 loaf freshly baked bread, to serve

honey thyme cake serves 10

ingredients • 90g butter, melted • 4 eggs • 185g caster (superfine) sugar • zest of 2 lemons • 60ml cream • 90g self-raising flour, sifted topping • 2 cups flaked almonds • 90g butter • 90g caster (superfine) sugar • 60ml cream • 2 tablespoons honey • 2 heaped teaspoons fresh thyme leaves method 1. Preheat the oven to 180ºC. Grease and line a deep 20cm round pan.

2. Beat the eggs and sugar in a large bowl until thick and pale. Using a spatula, fold in the lemon zest, butter and cream in batches. Fold in the flour. Pour into the prepared tin and bake for 40 minutes until firm in the centre.

3. When the cake is nearly ready, make the almond topping by combining all the ingredients in a saucepan.

4. Stir over a medium heat and bring to the boil. Turn off the heat and pour the hot mixture over the top of the cake.

5. Put the cake back in the oven for 10 minutes or until the topping turns golden.

Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool in the tin.

6. Once cool, remove the cake from the tin and place on a serving plate. This is fabulous with whipped cream.

about the book With over 80 nourishing recipes, Emma Dean combines the familiar with the unusual in A Homegrown Table (New Holland Publishers). This collection of recipes showcases different cuts of meat, heirloom vegetables and wild greens with her farmto-table approach to food. Her book proves that seasonal produce, treated with love, will always be the most delicious. A Homegrown Table is available at all good bookstores for R330.

magazine pretoria

September 2014

19

sport

a short guide to cricket Do you ever find yourself on the sidelines watching your child play, but you’re clueless about the intricacies of the game? Become an aficionado with the help of GREG CASTLE.

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am one of the fortunate fathers privileged enough to have attended most of my sons’ sports games over the years. I’ve found myself mostly surrounded by moms on the sidelines (perhaps fortunate in and of itself), and even the odd youthful au pair. I usually get suckered into spending a great deal of the match as purveyor of the rules of the game (especially cricket and water polo). The expectation that I must automatically know the rules may be some elaborately sexist, stereotypically caring way of making me feel less conspicuous among the more intuitive sex. Nevertheless, I embrace the banter, as it inevitably drifts to far more intriguing “women’s talk” a few moments later. At least I’m contributing something to the social sidelines.

Despite my generally boosted status and morale, I feel compelled to offer this short guide to cricket for moms (and au pairs). It’s no easy task, but I’ve selected a few things that pop up more frequently than others, with some useful tips to improve your cricketing prowess. (Note that I have refrained from including “…for dummies”.)

bat

/noun 1. An implement with a handle and a solid surface, typically of wood, used for hitting the ball in games such as cricket

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cricket myths To start with, let’s dispel a few cricketing myths: • A box is not something to wrap presents in, no matter how precious the package.

• A slip is not a woman’s undergarment worn beneath a dress or skirt.

• An extra cover is not a coat for your son to wear over his jersey.

• You don’t need a magnificent figure to field at fine leg.

• If your son is asked to field at backward point, that doesn’t mean he is in any way being chastised for making a silly point.

• Deep mid-wicket is not an innovative name for a follow-up sequel to 50 Shades of Grey.

ball

/noun 1. A solid or hollow spherical or eggshaped object that is kicked, thrown, or hit in a game: a cricket ball

Test cricket is usually played over five days at professional level. However, at school level in order to teach the “proper” game to children with limited attention spans, “time or declaration” cricket is often played to emulate Test cricket instead. This is when there is a strong chance of a draw and when the first side to bat doesn’t have sufficient time left to bowl the other side out, no matter how few runs the latter side may have scored.

Difficult to comprehend, but stay with me here.

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You may feel that your son is a talented all-rounder, and that may be delightfully true, but genuine allrounders are rare commodities. It would be nice for your son to do a bit of everything (like Jacques Kallis or AB de Villiers), and in the junior age groups that should be encouraged. But as he moves up the prep or primary school ladder, it will become evident as to what he is most likely to excel at. Remember, less than 1% of our darlings will ever play professionally.

A box is not something to wrap presents in, no matter how precious the package.

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Limited overs or 50/50 cricket was introduced back in the 80s to offer those with limited attention spans a chance to enjoy the game and put bums on seats, as time and appreciation for the original form of the game had started to wane. Even the essential “whites” were replaced by some rather colourful gear. This form of the game creates much hype and opportunity for marketing, sideline distraction, TV coverage and most importantly, for many spectators.

Some people poo-poo cheering on the sidelines, but there are differences in etiquette in the various forms of the game. The stiffest rules apply to Test cricket.

However, today shouting encouragement from the sidelines is no longer out of place, so long as you do so during breaks in play. “Bravo!” is a firm favourite as is “jolly good cricket all round, chaps”, but comments such as “take his head off” and “moer him!” are generally still frowned upon.

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Finally moms, a box is something your son should choose for himself. Although he is bound to choose one that’s way too big for his package, it’ll give him some sense of satisfaction even if he has to make readjustments after every shot.

Cricket is brilliantly character-building for those who persevere. My advice is: be brave, be very brave, as your sons have to be in order to enjoy this challenging, complex, yet extremely gratifying game.

Howzat!? magazine pretoria

PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Now that we’ve got that out of the way, here are a few tips to help you appear extremely knowledgeable during idle chatter (but only between breaks in play), just enough to make your friends marvel and cricket-savvy dads treat you with a newfound level of sideline respect.

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Annoyed moms on the sidelines often want to know why their sons are not bowling or why they are batting lower down the order. The most likely reason is team strategy and tactics. Your son may be a great opening batsman, but not much good at scoring quick runs required in limited overs. Much like chess, cricket is a game requiring a great degree of strategic planning and tactical adaptation.

Similarly, on any given day, your beloved son who is generally a marvellous little bowler may not be the most appropriate chap to bowl in this particular game.

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sideline savvy

There are three main types of cricket: Test cricket, limited overs cricket and 20/20 cricket. This knowledge alone will score you incredible points on the sidelines with impressed eyebrow lifting and nodding to boot.

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If the above form wasn’t enough to disgust true cricketing aficionados, T20 or 20/20 cricket most certainly was. As instant gratification became more prevalent among sport enthusiasts in the late 90s, and advertising revenue ruled the roost of professional sport, this form of cricket was introduced to offer sheer entertainment.

Batsmen are enticed to take much greater risks in order to score big runs and there is as much entertainment off the field as on it. Scantily clad dancing girls gyrate after every boundary, jiving to the beat of a loud cacophony of music and pyrotechnics. To cricket snobs, this is “just not cricket!”

But bums on seats is what counts, and this form of the game has made cricket far more accessible and a great day or night out for the entire family.

how to

follow the

crowd Get out, get fit and have fun.

MARC DE CHAZAL lists some spontaneous

Parkrun

PHOTOGRAPHS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM / BRENDA GARTH-DAVIS

outdoor activities happening in your community.

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ome things are a lot more fun to do in a group than to go it alone.

There are a number of pop-up outdoor activities drawing thousands of enthusiasts around the country, which you can participate in with your child. The beauty of these informal events is that you don’t have to be an Olympic athlete to take part, they’re free and beginners are welcome. If you have a bicycle, running shoes, rollerblades or a longboard, you can join the happy masses of young and old as they peddle, jog or skate their way around your city.

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getting started Social media and word of mouth are probably the best ways to find out about group activities that you can take part in with your child. Before you do, however, ask yourself what you’d like to get out of the activity. Do you want to connect with like-minded people? Do you want to get fit? Do you want to do something fun with your child in a non-competitive environment? There seems little point if you’re not having fun.

Besides the fun factor, you should also consider the age-appropriateness of the

activity; fitness levels required, especially if your child is running; and safety. If you’re cycling or skating, ensure everyone in your family always wears a helmet.

for runners Parkrun is a free, weekly 5km timed run that caters for people of every ability. It’s an easy, safe run you can do at your own pace with your child. There are currently 33 Parkrun locations around South Africa, including Bryanston in Joburg and the Voortrekker Monument in Pretoria. Because the runs are timed the organisers request

that participants register once-off, and that parents or guardians register children if they would like them to receive a time.

“We heard about Parkrun and I thought it would be something fun for us to do together,” says Chris Haynes, who regularly takes part in Parkruns with seven-year-old Sam. “My son enjoys the vibe and it’s not competitive at all – he can stop when he’s tired and walk. Sam ran his first one when he was five. At first he was the only child his age, but now some of his friends join us.”

Jenna van der Merwe, a Durbanbased biokineticist and one of the

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how to

organisers of the North Beach Parkrun, says they are primarily a family fun walk or run. “Participants must remember that it’s not a race, but a fun event open to all. Children from six can participate, but with an adult at their side,” says Van der Merwe.

Parkruns are for everyone, irrespective of speed, so you can walk the routes if you want to. They do permit moms and dads pushing children in buggies to run at the back of the pack.

for cyclists Critical Mass is aimed at enhancing bicycle usage and democratising our city streets.

It takes place on the last Friday of every month. Like Moonlight Mass in Cape Town, it’s free and everyone is welcome. The pace is relaxed, so you can join the other cyclists as a family. There are Critical Mass events in Joburg and Pretoria. Check their website for times and routes.

sensory trails Children who are blind or wheelchair-bound can also get out and explore nature thanks to the various braille and sensory trails in wildlife reserves and parks around the country. These trails tend to be self-guided paths with guide rails and storyboards in large print and braille, which allow people to touch, feel and smell plants and trees.

• The Sasol Sensory Trail in Joburg’s Delta Park is an accessible 103m trail.

Critical Mass

• Moreleta Kloof Discovery and Sensory Trail is a 2km long trail in a 100ha reserve in the eastern suburbs of Pretoria.

If you’re travelling to Durban or Cape Town, check out these options:

for pioneers If the times and days of these events don’t quite suit your family, why not start a group activity of your own? To get things going and to let people know about your activity, you can use social media; before long you’ll have friends asking if they can join you. If you keep the focus on the social connection and the sheer enjoyment of getting out and about, you can’t go wrong.

• Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens’ Fragrance Garden accommodates the sight-impaired. The plants are grown in raised beds within easy reach for touching, feeling and smelling. The Kirstenbosch Braille Trail is a short selfguided tour that starts and ends in the Fragrance Garden.

• Durban Botanic Gardens’ Sensory Garden also offers sensory encounters with plants.

links • parkrun.co.za • criticalmass.co.za

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resource

to your door…

If things get a bit too hectic at home, contact one of these lifesavers to take care of daily chores and tasks. Compiled by SIMONE JEFFERY

au pairs Aupair Love and Care Placement of experienced full- or part-time au pairs, babysitters and tutors. They will place the candidate with the right personality and qualifications for the family’s requirements.

There are no registration fees. They operate in Joburg and Pretoria.

Contact: 011 465 5119, 072 511 9033, 081 268 5252, terry@aupairloveandcare.co.za or visit aupairloveandcare.co.za Call An Au Pair They assist parents in finding reliable part- or full-time au pairs, governesses, tutors, night nurses, lift services and personal assistants. Their candidates have a matric certificate or higher, formal au pair, teaching or tutoring experience, and have a safe, reliable car with a valid driver’s licence. They operate in Gauteng as well as surrounding areas.

Contact: 071 999 2945, info@callanaupair.co.za or visit callanaupair.co.za Tutor Box Tutor Box is an au pair placement agency that also provides qualified educators and private remedial teachers. Their au pairs are screened to ensure their suitability for childcare, and all have a matric (or equivalent) and a driver’s licence. Many have, or are working towards, tertiary qualifications. The au pair’s duties and times can be tailored to suit your needs and can include fetching children from school, supervising homework, taking children to extramurals, preparing their meals, shopping and more. Their duties do not include housework. They operate in Joburg and Pretoria.

Contact: 011 450 4528, info@tutorbox.co.za or visit tutorbox.co.za

baby specialists Baby Love They specialise in sleep guidance programmes for pregnant couples and parents of babies two years and younger. A consultant will show you how to guide your baby towards daytime routines and healthy sleeping patterns, with the aim of teaching your baby to self-soothe, fall asleep unassisted and to link his sleep cycles. They offer workshops, private consultations and Skype consultations.

Contact: 082 851 2141, jacqui@baby-love.co.za or visit babylove.co.za or Facebook: Baby Love

PHOTOGRAPHS: shutterstock.com

Babyproofessionals They will make your home safe for your toddler. They offer online estimations, home consultations and product installations. A qualified consultant will look for potential dangers, give you their professional advice and install your selected safety products. They also offer a basic first aid and CPR course.

Contact: 083 254 8785, 083 273 0411, info@babyproofessionals.co.za or visit babyproofessionals.co.za Good Night Sleep consultants help parents to teach their babies and children to sleep. They offer private consultations, stay overs and telephone/Skype consultations. They will tailor-make a sleep plan that provides you with a step-by-step guide of the changes you will need to make. They are affiliated with the Association of Professional Sleep Consultants (APSC), International Association of Child Sleep Consultants (IACSC) and the South African Society of Sleep Medicine (SASSM).

They also assist clients nationally and internationally via Skype.

Contact: 082 079 1382, 082 646 3991, info@goodnightbaby.co.za or visit goodnightbaby.co.za Sleep Matters Sleep training for babies and toddlers, conducted in your home. Lee-Ann has years of experience. The intensive, hands-on training usually takes four to 10 days. The sleep consultants are on call 24/7 to help parents apply the technique.

Contact: 011 867 1644, leeann@sleepmatters.co.za or visit sleepmatters.co.za

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catering and cooked meals Baby Tastes Their meals don’t include preservatives, additives or stabilisers. Baby Tastes is ideal for babies from six months.

The Toddler Tastes range is ideal for children from 10 to 12 months up to six years old. Parents and older children are also catered for with the Exquisite Tastes range of prepared meals. You can place your orders online or visit one of their outlets. They deliver in Joburg, East Rand, West Rand and Pretoria.

Contact: 011 466 3112 or visit exquisitetastes.co.za, babytastes.co.za or toddlertastes.co.za Chef Direct They offer a range of ready-made meals, which are free from preservatives and additives, freshly made, vacuum-sealed and delivered in a refrigerated truck.

Register online and see their delivery options. Deliveries by appointment only.

Contact: 011 796 5220, info@chefdirect.co.za or visit chefdirect.co.za Food Wagon Home-cooked meals delivered to your home from Monday to Friday. The five-, four- and three-day meal plans were designed by a dietician.

Contact: 012 661 8861, 083 431 9081, alida.swanepoel@foodwagonza.com or visit foodwagon.co.za Ginger Apple Home-cooked meals delivered to your door – daily or weekly. The menu rotates weekly and changes seasonally. They cater to vegetarians, meat lovers, the health-conscious, those who follow the Banting diet and children. They deliver daily in Pretoria and Midrand. Their delivery fee depends on your area.

Contact: 082 377 7903, gingerapple@parfitt.co.za or visit gingerapple.co.za

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resource

diy

Entire Maintenance Solutions They provide a trusted maintenance service for residential, corporate and industrial clients. Their services include general home maintenance, electrical services, plumbing, small renovations, painting and flooring, carpentry and home automation. They also supply and fit electric fencing as well as gates and garage motors.

They don’t charge a call-out fee and service Joburg, Midrand, Centurion and East Rand.

Contact: 011 869 1620, info@emshome.co.za or visit emshome.co.za The Maintenance Guru With over 17 years’ experience, Elmar and his team will cater to all your maintenance and construction needs. Whether you need them to replace a cracked tile or tap washer or build a new timber deck, they strive to provide an efficient and quality service. These include construction, carpentry, plumbing, paving, painting and more. They operate in Pretoria, Centurion and Midrand.

Contact: 083 644 4628, info@themaintenanceguru.co.za or visit themaintenanceguru.co.za

garden services Jet Set Garden Services Offering an extensive selection of services from weekly garden and pool maintenance and landscaping, to installing irrigation systems and tree felling. A horticulturalist will visit your home to assess your maintenance needs and will then work out a suitable monthly package. For garden makeovers, or when creating a new garden, they utilise 3-D software to give you a sneak peak at what your garden will look like as the plants age and mature. They operate in Pretoria Moot.

Contact: 012 329 2255, 083 805 9874, info@jetsetgardens.co.za or visit jetsetgardens.co.za Over the Edge They will design an outdoor space to suit your needs, whether you’re in need of a garden makeover, a new garden, water features, irrigation or a deck. They also specialise in synthetic turf. They operate across all suburbs in Joburg, Midrand and Centurion.

Contact: 082 375 1346 or visit overtheedge.co.za or follow them on Twitter: @overtheedge

home organisers Cloud 9 Organised As professional organisers for your home and office, they assist people to clear clutter and implement simpler lifestyle- and paper-management systems with the focus on reducing stress, organising time and saving money.

They then change chaos into order, convert paper piles into filing systems, organise memorabilia, photos and collections, and supervise moves. They belong to the Professional Organiser Association Africa (POAA).

Contact: 012 654 3058, 073 621 3316, heidi@ cloud9organised.co.za or visit cloud9organised.co.za My Life Organised They offer a personalised service that will simplify your life and save you time and money. After an initial consultation to discuss your needs, they will help you to select the services and packages that suit you. Their services include general household chores, errands, shopping (from gift buying to grocery shopping), making holiday or travel arrangements, organising entertainment (birthday parties or dinner parties) and dealing with unattended home services.

Contact: 082 456 2865, 084 641 1290, nicky@ mylifeorganised.co.za, ciska@mylifeorganised. co.za or visit mylifeorganised.co.za

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nanny and first aid training Help at Home They specialise in the training and placement of skilled nannies and domestic workers. The course teaches your nanny the basics in caring for your children, administering medicine, CPR, dealing with common childhood ailments, as well as emphasis on the development and stimulation of your children. They also offer DomestiCare, a health insurance package for domestic workers.

Contact: 087 808 9433, 084 870 8544, ruth@helpathome.co.za or visit helpathome.co.za Nannies in Training As a recruitment and placement agency for domestic workers, maids, nannies and childminders, they specialise in training with specific emphasis on baby and toddler care, first aid and CPR training, baby stimulation, home care cleaning courses and domestic cooking courses. The training is practical and hands-on, with a separate how-to section specifically focused on looking after babies. Their trainers speak several African languages to ensure the material is understood. The American Heart Association accredits the first aid and CPR course.

Contact: 086 107 7777 or visit nanniesintraining.co.za Super Nannies They cater for working parents who are on the go and in need of a nanny to help them manage their families and busy schedules. They will either help you find the right nanny for your home, or they will train your nanny in childcare, child safety, or first aid and CPR. The training material focuses on children from birth to three years old and covers hygiene and sterilisation, understanding milestones, sensory motor stimulation, child-safety awareness, essential baby care and more. The American Heart Association and the Resuscitation Council of Southern Africa accredit their CPR and first aid module.

Contact: 0861 4 NANNY (0861 462 669), info@supernannies.co.za or visit supernannies.co.za

school lifts Chicago Shuttles They provide transfers for sporting events, family day trips, holidays and airport transfers. Their buses are wheelchair accessible and come equipped with on-board DVDs, baby car seats and refreshments. All the drivers have professional driving permits and police clearances. They operate in Centurion, Midrand, and Pretoria.

Contact: 082 998 5133, 076 177 0604, lisa@chicago-shuttles.co.za or visit chicago-shuttles.co.za Kidos Cabbie They provide a permanent and temporary transport service for children by reliable women drivers. Parents can interview drivers and choose someone they like.

A backup driver is also assigned in case of emergencies. All the drivers have professional driving permits and do not have a criminal record.

Contact: 074 621 6227, info@kidoscabbie.co.za or visit kidoscabbie.co.za Randbond Shuttles and Tours A door-to-door transfer service that get children to and from school safely. All the drivers have a PrDP license and the cars are equipped with baby seats. They also offer airport transfers, tours and safaris. They service the whole of Pretoria.

Contact: 012 751 1179 or rbs@randbond.net Soccermom This driver placement agency will help you find a personal driver (plus vehicle) to transport your children safely. All the drivers are carefully chosen, responsible and reliable and make use of their own roadworthy vehicles. They have have had their driver’s licences, references, roadworthy certificate and criminal records checked.

Contact: 012 343 4045, 083 651 8166, pta@soccermom.co.za or visit soccermom.co.za

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calendar

what’s on in september

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

27

FUN FOR CHILDREN – p27

ONLY FOR PARENTS – p28

Treetop adventure Acrobranch has obstacle courses suitable for children 3 years and older.

Standard Bank Joy of Jazz An annual jazz concert featuring international and local artists.

bump, baby & tot in tow – p28

how to help – p28

Jump, jive and jam Discover the joys of playing with your little ones.

World Prematurity Day Purchase a purple bracelet and help Groote Schuur Hospital expand its NICU.

SPECIAL EVENTS – p27 National Cupcake Day Pop into a participating mall and purchase a cupcake or host a Party of Hope for children suffering from cancer.

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September 2014

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PHOTOGRAPHS: shutterstock.com

sat

SPECIAL EVENTS 1 monday National Skin Cancer Screening Day For prevention advice and more information: visit skincancerfoundation.org.za

4 thursday Old Crawfordian Alumni Society The society is celebrating 21 years of excellence with an evening of entertainment where you can reconnect with old classmates and teachers. Time: 6:30pm. Venue and cost: tbc. Contact: 0860 SCHOOL (724 665) or visit oldcrawfordians.com

5 friday Art in the Dark Take in the exhibitions while enjoying wine and great food along the way. Time: 6pm until late. Venue: The Art of Silver, 8 Oak Ave, Cullinan.

Cost: free. Contact: 082 642 0900 or visit artofsilver.co.za Casual Day Buy a R10 sticker and dress differently to help raise funds for people with disabilities. Stickers are available at Absa, Game stores, DionWired, Edgars, Red Square, Boardmans, CNA, Jet, JetMart and Legit. For more info: visit casualday.co.za

6 saturday High Hopes Montessori Preschool open day Catering to children 2½–6 years old. Time: 10am–1pm. Venue: High Hopes Montessori Preschool, 92 Golf Ave, Clubview, Centurion. Cost: free. Contact: 012 654 5588 or visit highhopesmontessori.co.za Kids FUNdamentals MTB skills clinic This clinic is aimed at entrenching safety, control and respect for the bike. Booking essential. For children 2–14 years old.

Time: 9am. Venue: Northern Farms, R114, Diepsloot. Cost: R250 pre-entry. Contact: 083 326 6721 or visit like2bike.co.za Launch of the Love Bridge Couples can place a lock on the newly erected bridge as a symbol of their everlasting love. The launch of the bridge takes place during Marriage Week, an initiative that strives to make people aware of just how important stable marriages are. You can bring your own locks or purchase one from Huckleberry’s. Time: from 9am. Venue: Huckleberry’s, Nicolson St, Magnolia Dell.

Cost: R200 per couple. Book through iTickets: 0861 000 291 or visit itickets.co.za Lavender Festival The Margaret Roberts Herbal Centre is open for you to wander around its many nooks and crannies.

Margaret lectures at 12pm on smart food for smart people. Booking essential. Time: 8:30am–4pm. Venue: on the R513 near Zilkaatsnek, Hartbeespoort. Cost: R20 per car, lecture R100 per person. Contact: 012 504 2121, 071 161 6441 or visit margaretroberts.co.za

Ice cream for breakfast Funds go towards the running of the SOFFT Family Wellness Centre. Booking essential. Time: 9am. Venue: Section 92 Mooiplaats, Boschkop. Cost: R20 entrance fee, R5 per scoop. Contact: 074 120 0279 or visit sofftsa.org Spring Wine Festival A family festival with entertainment for children while parents relax and enjoy the wines in the countryside. The event is held in aid of the Woodland School in Magaliesburg. Time: 11am–3pm. Venue: Old Mill, Magaliesburg.

Cost: adults R105, children over 3 years R10. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit winefestival.co.za

12 friday Giftz Expo Gifts are on display and for sale. Proceeds from the expo go towards the Transoranje School for the Deaf. Ends 14 September. Time: 9am–5pm. Venue: Voortrekker Monument. Cost: adults R50, pensioners R25, children free. Contact: 012 386 6072/3 or visit giftzexpo.webs.com Oktoberfest With numerous games for little ones, an oompah band, German food, and imported and local beers. Ends 13 September. Time: 5pm until late on Friday, 10am–11:30pm Saturday. Venue: Deutsche Schule Pretoria, Simon Vermooten Rd, The Willows. Cost: R80–R120, family packages are available. Contact: 012 803 4106 or visit dspretoria.co.za

13 saturday Farm Festival There are ploughing demonstrations, mealie shelling and grinding, hay baling and milking. Food stalls and braai facilities are available.

Time: 9am–6pm. Venue: Willem Prinsloo Agricultural Museum, Old Bronkhorstspruit Rd, Rayton. Cost: adults R20, children R5. Contact: 012 736 2035/6 or visit willemprinsloomuseum.co.za Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Take a tour of this working observatory and learn more about radio astronomy.

Booking essential. Time: 4pm–8pm. Venue: HartRAO, R400, Hartbeeshoek. Cost: adults R45, students and pensioners R35, preschool children free, family of four R120. Contact: 012 301 3100 or visit hartrao.ac.za The Discovery Jacaranda FM Spring Walk Take part in a sunset walk that is suitable for the entire family. There is a 5km, 8km and 15km route. You need to enter beforehand; no entries are accepted on the day. Time: 3pm–8pm. Venue: Union Buildings. Cost: R110–R140, pensioners and children under 16 years old R60. Contact: 086 722 7006 or visit springwalk.co.za

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sat

B-Fit and Fab Expo A wellness, weight-loss, beauty, nutrition and multisport expo. Ends 21 September.

Time: 9am–10pm Saturday, 9am–7pm Sunday. Venue: Heartfelt Arena, cnr Eeufees and Voortrekker Rd, Thaba-Tshwane. Cost: adults R110–R130, children under 12 R50–R60. For more info: visit bfitandfabexpo.co.za

Pretoria Sailing Club casual day Join PSC for their monthly casual day and try your hand at dinghy sailing. Suitable for adults and children 8 years and older who can swim. Time: 11am–5pm. Venue: Rietvlei Dam, Rietvlei Nature Reserve, Nelmapius St, Irene. Cost: R50 for the hire of a dinghy for the day, youth coaching is free. Contact: 012 660 2016, 081 866 8831, admin@psc.org.za or visit psc.org.za

21 sunday

14 sunday

Fijnwyn Innie Lente A food and wine festival with live music, food stalls and entertainment. Time: 10am–7pm. Venue: Shokran, plot 99, Luiperd St, Tierpoort, Pretoria East. Cost: adults R120, children 12–18 years R50, children under 12 free.

Contact: 082 335 5659 or visit itickets.co.za Yesterday’s treasures Find quality items at the Antique and Collectibles Fair. Time: 9am–3pm. Venue: Voortrekker Monument Heritage Site. Cost: R10 heritage levy.

Contact: 012 326 6770 or visit vtm.org.za

Me-Nuts Like2Bike cycling series There is a 2,5km and 10km cycle as well as an XL course of 15km. This is race number five out of a series of six events. For 2–14 year olds.

Time: 9am. Venue: Northern Farms, R114, Diepsloot. Cost: R110 pre-entry, R120 on the day. Contact: 083 326 6721 or visit like2bike.co.za Old Mutual Music in the Gardens With The Parlotones and Naming James. Tickets are available at the gate or through their Facebook page. Time: gates open 11am.

Venue: Pretoria National Botanical Garden.

Cost: R120–R150. For more info: visit dogreatthings.co.za/music

18 thursday Homemakers Expo For the latest home improvement, decor, furniture and lifestyle trends and products. Ends 21 September.

Time: 10am–7pm Thursday–Friday, 9am–6pm Saturday and Sunday. Venue: Parkview Shopping Centre, Pretoria East.

Cost: adults R50, pensioners R30, children under 12 years old free. Contact: 012 661 7003 or visit homemakersonline.co.za

20 saturday

7 sunday España A feast of modern and traditional Spanish dance brought to you by Helena and Maria Lorca Montoya. Time: 11am Saturday, 3pm Sunday. Venue: Atterbury Theatre, 4 Daventry St, Lynnwood. Cost: R140–R180. Contact: 012 471 1700 or visit atterburytheatre.co.za

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14 September – Me-Nuts Like2Bike cycling series

AFB Waterkloof’s airshow Ends 21 September. Time: 6am–5pm. Venue: Waterkloof Airforce Base, Centurion. Cost: R70. For more info: visit aadexpo.co.za Pick n Pay Women’s Walk Pretoria A 5km walk in aid of the PinkDrive. Tickets can be bought online or through Pick n Pay in Hatfield and Hillcrest. Time: 8am. Venue: LC De Villiers Sports Grounds. Cost: adults R40, children under 18 R20 (includes a T-shirt, medal and goodie bag). For more info: visit picknpay.co.za

CSME Club running day 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 under 2 years old free. Contact: 012 643 0750 or visit centuriontrains.com

24 wednesday

27 saturday National Cupcake Day Buy a cupcake for children with cancer to help raise money for Cupcakes 4 Kids with Cancer. Time: 9am–3pm. Venues: Centurion Mall, The Grove, Kolonnade Mall and Woodlands Boulevard. Cost: from R5. Contact: 073 208 6757 or visit cupcakesofhope.org WetNose homeless animals day Take your socialised dogs for a 1,6km bush walk or walk one of the shelter’s dogs.

There are dog shows, a market, food stalls and a beer tent. Time: 9am–4pm. Venue: WetNose, plot 75, Vaalbank, on the old Bronkhorstspruit Rd. Cost: adults R20, children under 12 free. Contact: 013 932 3941/2 or visit wetnose.org.za

FUN FOR CHILDREN art, culture and science Coin World See various artefacts and pieces of equipment used to manufacture coins and dies. Booking essential. Time: 9am–3pm Monday–Friday. Venue: Old Johannesburg Rd, Centurion. Cost: free. Contact: 012 677 2324 or visit samint.co.za September 2014

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calendar Fort Klapperkop Military Museum Enjoy the views from this fort, which was erected before the outbreak of the Anglo-Boer War. Time: 10am–5pm Tuesday–Sunday. Venue: Johann Rissik Dr, Groenkloof. Cost: R5–R20. Contact: 012 346 7703 or visit tshwane.gov.za Sammy Marks Museum Book a guided tour of this Victorian mansion that originally belonged to 19th-century agricultural, industrial and mining tycoon Sammy Marks. Time: 9am–5pm, daily. Venue: Old Bronkhorstspruit Rd, Donkerhoek. Cost: R15–R45. Contact: 012 755 9542 or visit ditsong.org.za/sammymarks.htm

classes, talks and workshops Chocolate class to celebrate spring For children 8–13 years old. Booking essential. 6, 9 and 13 September. Time: 2pm–4:30pm Friday, 9:30am–12pm Saturday. Venue: Snyman Sjokolateur, Waterkloof Ridge. Cost: R120 per event.

Contact: 012 347 8497, 074 140 1087 or visit snymanchocolates.com Gymathstics Classes Children learn maths by using a multisensory approach and fun clip counter kits. For 4–10 year olds. Time: 9am–10am Monday–Saturday. Venue: Centurion. Cost: R400 per term. Contact: 083 443 1507 or visit gymathstics.co.za I love sewing One-hour sewing lessons with a licensed Sew Southern Africa instructor. Booking essential. All ages. Time: 9am–2pm, every Saturday. Venue: 742 27th Ave, Villieria. Cost: R50 per student per hour. Contact: 072 720 5307

family outings All aboard Cedar Junction Theme Park offers 1,2km train trips through a tunnel, over bridges and around a lake. The park also has pedal boats, a zip-line, animals, bicycles and pony cycles, a trampoline and more. For children 2–10 years old.

Time: 8:30am–4:30pm Wednesday– Sunday. Venue: Plot 404 Graham Rd, Zwavelpoort. Cost: R10–R20. Contact: 012 811 1183 or visit cedarjunction.co.za Pretville’s film set Visitors can walk around the original film set. Dress up in the studio and have your photos taken, pop into the diner for a hotdog, and watch the movie.

Booking for film essential. Time: 8am–5pm Saturday and Sunday; the movie is screened at 9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm. Venue: Pretville in Hartiwood, Hartbeespoort Dam. Cost: R50, children under 12 R30, pensioners over 70 and children under 2 free; movie ticket R30. Contact: 083 266 8567 or visit pretville.co.za

finding nature and outdoor play Abseiling and caving adventure For brave 8 year olds and older. Time: varies.

Venue: Cradle of Humankind. Cost: R250– R350. Contact: 011 956 6197, 082 486 2464 or visit wildcaves.co.za Bush Babies Monkey Sanctuary They offer guided tours through indigenous forests on elevated wooden walkways where you can view a variety of primates. Time: 9am–4pm daily. Venue: R512, Hartbeespoort. Cost: R95–R195. Contact: 012 258 9908/9 or visit monkeysanctuary.co.za

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September 2014

26 fri

The 100-year-old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared The film adaptation of Jonas Jonasson’s novel follows healthy 99-year-old Allan Karlsson, who embarks on a hilarious and entirely unexpected journey days before his 100th birthday. Premieres 26 September at cinemas nationwide. For more info: visit sterkinekor.com or numetro.co.za

Treetop adventure An outdoor obstacle course for adventure lovers. Suitable for children from 3 years old. Time: 9am–5pm daily. Venue: The Big Red Barn, 7 Nelson Rd, Sunlawns AH, Olifantsfontein. Cost: R80–R200. Contact: 072 957 5429 or visit acrobranch.co.za

markets Capital Urban Market Showcasing over 60 food and design artisans, live music and a cocktail bar. 7 September. Time: 10am–3pm.

Venue: Menlyn Maine, Aramist Ave. Cost: free entry. Contact: info@marketcapital. co.za or visit marketcapital.co.za Faerie Glen community market The market consists of organic and wholesome food, freshly baked goods, organic produce, vegan treats and gluten-, dairy- and sugar-free products. 26 September. Time: 10am–4pm.

Venue: Gariep Plants, cnr Cliffendale and Old Farm Rd, Faerie Glen. Cost: free entry.

Contact: 084 6073 762 or 083 272 5268 Princess Christian Home Morning Market All funds raised will be allocated to the renovation of the bathrooms for the frail care and Alzheimer’s residents.

27 September. Time: 8am–1pm. Venue: Princess Christian Home, 120 Middel St, New Muckleneuk. Cost: free entry. Contact: 012 460 2221 or visit pch24.org

on stage and screen Bieber and Buddies – Never say Never You can take your own food or order a pizza from the deli. 6 September.

Time: doors open 12:30pm, show starts 2pm. Venue: Barnyard Theatre Parkview, Parkview Shopping Centre, Moreleta Park.

Cost: R90. Contact: 012 368 1555 or visit barnyardtheatre.co.za Planes: Fire and Rescue (3-D) A new comedy adventure. Premieres 26 September in cinemas nationwide. For more info: visit sterkinekor.com or numetro.co.za

Alzheimer’s caregiver support group 15 September. Time: 5:15pm–7pm. Venue: Princess Christian Home, 120 Middel St, Nieuw Muckleneuk. Cost: free. Contact: 082 401 9546 or visit pch24.org Support group for type 2 diabetics 6 September. Time: 2pm. Venue: Lyttelton Library Hall, cnr Cantonment Rd and Union Rd, Lyttelton, Centurion. Cost: free. Contact: 082 451 0706 or visit diabetessa.co.za

bump, baby & Tot in tow

classes, talks and workshops

Gymathstics workshop 19 September.

Time: 10am–4pm. Venue: Centurion. Cost: R1 500. Contact: 083 443 1507 or visit gymathstics.co.za Sonic meditation With live sounds and music. Booking essential. 7 September.

Time: 9:30am–11:30am. Venue: Meerhof, Hartbeespoort Dam. Cost: R150. Contact: 071 682 2548 or visit soundtherapy.co.za Yoga 4 women For beginners and seniors.

Time: 6:15pm–7:15pm every Monday and Wednesday. Venue: Cullinan Sports Centre, Main Rd, Cullinan. Cost: R55 per class; per month: R200 for once a week, R290 for twice a week. Contact: 072 645 2984 or mindfullivingacademy@gmail.com

Babynastics stimulation classes For babies 2–12 months old. Time: 3–6 months old 10:30am–11:30am, 6–9 months old 1pm–2pm, 9–12 months old 2:30pm–3:30pm, every Monday. Venue: Parentwood Baby and Family Wellness Centre, 103 North St, Rietondale. Cost: first class free, R80 per class. Contact: 072 787 0608 or visit babynastics.co.za Johnson’s Baby Sense Seminar 2014 Get the latest parenting advice from well-loved baby experts Meg Faure (Baby Sense co-author), Sister Ann Richardson (Toddler Sense author), Tina Otte (midwife) and paediatrician, Dr Claudia Gray. 6 September. Time: baby seminar 8:30am–12pm, birth and newborn seminar 1:30pm–5pm, Johnson’s Baby Massage workshop 12:15pm–1:15pm. Venue: Woodmead Country Club, Lincoln Rd, Sandton. Cost: R240 per seminar, R80 for the massage workshop. Contact: 021 671 3245 or visit babysense.com

on stage and screen

playtime and story time

Standard Bank Joy of Jazz No under 18s.

25–27 September. Time: 7pm until late.

Venue: Sandton Convention Centre. Cost: R750. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or visit standardbankarts.com

Jump, jive and jam Instrument play, moving, singing and stories. Booking essential. For 1–7 year olds. 6 September.

Time: 9am–10am. Venue: Move-it Meerkats at Dipsy Dots, 54 Henri Rd, Eldoraigne.

Cost: R30. Contact: 083 400 8802 or visit kindermusikmeerkats.co.za

only for parents classes, talks and workshops

out and about Coffee tasting Learn about the history of coffee and taste the flavours. Booking essential. 20 September. Time: 10am–1pm.

Venue: Simo’s Coffee Roastery, Karoo Café, Plot 141 Lynnwood Rd, The Willows. Cost: R250 (includes lunch). Contact: 082 562 3121 or visit simoscoffee.co.za

playtime and story time Tea at the farmyard Children can run and play in a large, established garden and meet the resident animals. There is a tea garden and prepacked picnic baskets can be arranged. Time: 8am–5pm daily.

Venue: Willow Feather Farm, portion 37, Doornkloof, Irene. Cost: R10 entrance fee. Contact: 072 219 4831 or visit willowfeather.co.za

support groups

6 September – Johnson’s Baby Sense Seminar

how to help Read Educational Trust An NGO that strives to develop a culture of reading in South Africa, and highlight the importance of literacy. Sponsor a Red Reading Box for a child or buy one. The theme is underthe-sea and comes with creative posters, interactive books and hands-on activities.

For more info: visit read.org.za World Prematurity Day Buy a bracelet and raise awareness of preterm birth on World Prematurity Day on 17 November.

Proceeds go to the Groote Schuur Hospital’s Newborn Trust Fund. Cost: R15– R30. Contact: 083 286 9582 or tanya. clarke@draeger.com

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magazine pretoria

September 2014

29

finishing touch

you snooze you lose CASSANDRA SHAW explains how waking up a bit earlier

30

September 2014

Cassandra and her son

after 5am and we were relying, a little too much, on early morning TV. After a while, we noticed a change in his behaviour – he was moody, uncooperative and bored – so we decided it best to try and spend some time with him during the early hours of the morning instead of letting the TV babysit him.

Instead of catching those extra few moments of shuteye, however needed they were, my husband “took one for the team” and started waking up super early to do the things he had always planned on doing with his son – teaching him the alphabet, how to write his name, playing games and doing crafts together. They even take their

tea together at our son’s desk in his room, which he calls his “office”.

Now, after doing this for a month, our son seems happier in the mornings. When we are all running around the house trying to get him ready and ourselves out the door, he is chatty, cooperative and back to his real self again.

A little bit of effort on my husband’s part seems to have made a real difference in our son’s life. That extra bit of time spent with him in the mornings has almost doubled the amount of quality time we are able to spend with him and, as a result, despite our busy schedules, we’ve managed to take part in the things we had always hoped to teach our child. Well, at least my husband has. I on the other hand am still currently working on waking up at 5am…

Cassandra is seriously thinking about putting her alarm clock in another room to escape the ease of pressing snooze.

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PHOTOGRAPH: MENKE BONNEMA

a

s parents, we consistently have a lot on our plate. We wake up, get our loved ones ready for school, make breakfast, taxi everyone to school, go to work, sit in meetings, work with deadlines, commute home, make dinner, get our children ready for bed and then have about an hour left for ourselves before sleep overtakes us. It’s all pretty exhausting. I’m sure I’m not the only parent who wonders if I’m doing enough for my child at the end of it all.

With all of the madness in the day, it leaves little time for parents to spend with their children doing all of the things they dreamed they would one day do together – sharing their favourite stories, teaching them how to write, how to play a particular sport, learning to sing and so on.

Recently, my husband and I thought we weren’t spending enough time with our son. He regularly wakes up a little

has improved the lives of her husband and son.

books

a good read for preschoolers

for toddlers

for early graders

The Dark

By Lemony Snicket and Jon Klassen (Published by Little Brown Books, R123) Laszlo is afraid of the dark. The dark lives in the same house as Laszlo. Mostly, though, the dark stays in the basement and doesn’t come into Lazslo’s room. But one night, it does. This is the story of how Laszlo stops being afraid of the dark. With emotional insight and poetic economy, two award-winning talents team up to conquer a universal childhood fear. This book should find a solid fan base in the five- to eight-year-old age group. The UK’s Sunday Times says: “The combination of text by Lemony Snicket and pictures by Jon Klassen makes this a picture book not to miss.”

the joy of reading

The Midnight Library

By Kazuno Kohara (Published by Macmillan Children’s Books, R193) Once there was a library, which opened only at night. When we are fast asleep in bed, the Midnight Library opens its doors to all the night-time animals. The little librarian and her three assistant owls help each and every animal to find the perfect book. But tonight is very busy. Will the little librarian have enough time left for a cosy bedtime story with her assistants?

Jojo’s Wire Car

By Veronica Lamond (Published by Random House Struik, R81) Beautifully illustrated and with a heart-warming story, this book with African flavour will appeal to a wide range of children. Jojo lives with his old granny in a shack. He has to help out with many chores after school, including selling fruit at the roadside to help make ends meet. A wire-toy-making competition offers him the chance of winning a big prize, but his packed schedule means he has less time than his friends to look for wire and other scraps. With its colourful, evocative drawings, this book will have young readers sharing in Jojo’s plight – and rejoicing in the happy ending.

for early graders Explorers: Insects and Minibeasts and Planet Earth

By Jinny Johnson and Daniel Gilpin (Published by Kingfisher, R70 each) Explorers is designed to appeal to readers aged six to eight years old – those who are just starting to read alone and more confident readers who are beginning to exercise wider cross-referencing skills. Lively artwork scenes draw children into a subject, and each scene is followed by a photographic spread that gives extra detail. As a fun additional element, the reader can follow themed links to access information on related topics. In Planet Earth, young readers take a trip around the globe and examine the core subject of the earth. In Insects and Minibeasts, young readers get an up-close view of life in a variety of insect habitats.

for preteens and teens Mortality Doctrine: The Eye of Minds

By James Dashner (Published by Doubleday, R251) The Eye of Minds is the first book in Mortality Doctrine, a series set in a world of hyperadvanced technology, cyber terrorists, and gaming beyond your wildest dreams – or your worst nightmares. For Michael and the other gamers, the VirtNet can make your fantasies become real. And the more hacking skills you have, the more fun ensues.

Who wants to play by the rules anyway? But some rules were made for a reason. One gamer has been taking people hostage inside the VirtNet, with horrific consequences. The government needs Michael to track down the rogue gamer, but the risk is enormous and the line between game and reality could be blurred forever. This edge-of-your-seat adventure is recommended for children from the age of 12 years old.

One Day: Around the World in 24 Hours

By Suma Din and Christiane Engel (Published by Bloomsbury, R248) One Day follows 15 different children from around the world through a 24-hour period.

Not only will readers learn about their different lives and cultures, but they will also discover how time zones work, and what’s happening on one side of the world while the other sleeps. This is a fantastic and accessible introduction to the concept of time and time zones for a younger audience.

It also contains extra material exploring how time is measured and why. The book includes cultures from the USA, Peru, Turkey, South Africa, China and Australia.

parenting book

for us healthy family fare

Annabel’s Family Cookbook

By Annabel Karmel (Published by Random House Struik, R378) Bestselling children’s cookery writer and mom of three, Annabel knows how tricky it can be to find food the whole family can enjoy together. Too often, busy moms have to make one meal for the children and then another for adults.

In her new cookbook, Annabel offers no-fuss, tasty recipes for all mealtimes that will get everyone around the table at the same time. She includes her favourite quick recipes, as well as easy-to-make light meals, snacks and lunchboxes. For families, she offers her foolproof prep ahead recipes, as well as her weekend dishes, which are ideal for leisurely brunches, big family lunches or a relaxed supper with friends.

Help! I’m a Dad

By Nick Harper (Published by Michael O’Mara Books Limited, R204) This is an essential guide for all new fathers.

The book covers everything you need to know, from what to buy to how to use it.

This handy book includes clearly labelled, easy-to-navigate sections with practical lists and step-by-step instructions, making it useful for quick reference. It also contains sobering facts, such as the fact that you will get through nearly 3 000 nappies in the first year. It gives advice and true stories from moms and dads who have been there before. Told with Nick Harper’s ready wit, not to mention his years of experience, this book will show you how to be a confident and capable dad and, most of all, how to enjoy the experience.