Child magazine | CPT October/November 2017

healthy & happy families

C a p e

To w n ’ s

b e s t

g u i d e

f o r

pa r e n t s

tech & toy move it, move it

apps to keep the family healthy

across gender lines

who says dolls are just for girls?

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Oct/Nov 2017

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diagnosis, difference & diversity how to manage your child’s night terrors depression: the warning signs for parents and teachers

entertainment

like and share It’s impressive when your 79-year-old mother-in-law is a Facebook fundi. I love to track her travels and frequent trips down memory lane. But what I don’t love is her posting pics of me or my children for the whole world to see. This she knows requires prior permission (and often a fair amount of photoediting by the girls). Don’t get me wrong – I am a Facebook fan and use it every day for work, but as far as my personal profile goes, I am rather conservative. I have invested much time and money to keep my children safe online and having taught them never to divulge personal information, it seems hypocritical of me to post a pic of them in their school uniform on their first day of school, tagging my location. I may use Facebook to ask for help, but am uncomfortable with sharing any parenting trials or tribulations, let alone details of my children’s private lives, on such a public forum. It appears that I am not alone in my fear of ‘sharenting’, a term used to describe parents’ use of social media to overshare information about their children. Psychologist Aric Sigman agrees that “part of the way a child forms their identity involves having private information about themselves that remains private. That is being eroded by social media. I think the idea of not differentiating between public and private is a very dangerous one”.

I have many friends who believe the advantages of sharenting far outweigh any negatives. In a fragmented and time-poor society, social media allows us to stay connected to friends and family, and to ask for and receive help. However, I do think we must seriously consider the effects our social-media sharing has on the private lives of our children. “Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them.” Wise words from James Baldwin and so applicable in today’s technology-run world where parenting requires digital awareness and savvy. Is sharing really caring? Follow us on Facebook, let me know your thoughts and join the conversation.

Lisa Mc Namara, Publisher

Hunter House PUB L IS H ING

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

Child Magazine Online

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24

how parents of sons can break the ‘boy code’

contents 3 pub’s note 6 over to you

features 12 understanding night terrors Anél Lewis finds out how to manage this distressing sleep disorder

16 it takes a village We explore how parents and schools can identify and help children who might be suffering from depression

19 believing is seeing Debunking the myths about blindness 20 island hopping Lauren Manuel McShane shares her experience of travelling to the Seychelles with her husband and one-year-old son

22 a geek feast Great books for children keen on creativity and technology 24 boys to men Raising confident sons who are also kind and empathetic requires parents to rise above stereotypes, writes Samantha Page

26 across gender lines Anél Lewis tells us there are good reasons why we should encourage children to play with toys traditionally aimed at the opposite sex

regulars 8 pregnancy – when the craving strikes Bridget Pringle takes a look at one of the odder side effects of pregnancy

10 best for baby – play it forward Meg Faure on the value of toys 14 health – move it, move it Apps that will help you put your best foot forward 25 in the next issue of child magazine 28 what’s on in October and November 34 finishing touch Anél Lewis shares the highs and lows of children’s concerts 35 recipes – keep it simple Celebrity chef Siba Mtongana’s recipes won’t keep you slaving over a hot stove

classified ads 32 let’s party 33 family marketplace

this month’s cover images are supplied by:

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October/November 2017

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letters

over to you Let us know what’s on your mind. Send your letters or comments to

food for thought Great information on your article ‘food for sensitive tummies’ (childmag.co.za/ content/food-sensitive-tummies)! It’s nice to see informative blog posts that put things in a unique light instead of just repeating what I have already heard. I was diagnosed with diabetes and put on insulin in January 2016, but I won’t let it get me down ­– things like alternative management methods and lifestyle changes have helped.

Anonymous

children to be vaccinated before entering the formal schooling system, it is up to the parents to decide whether or not to vaccinate their children. For those choosing to vaccinate, but having missed out on a few, they are able to take their children to a state or private clinic to get the vaccinations updated. In your case, you can point the parents to our ‘immunisation schedule’ (childmag.co.za/ content/immunisation-schedule), which will give them all the necessary information they require to get their child school-ready.

vaccination advice

more about measles

I know of a little girl who hasn’t had her shots since 15 months. She is almost four years old now. What can be done in this instance? I am also aware that this affects her being accepted into school.

Name withheld

My 16 month old has been in contact with a child that has measles. Should I be worried?

Name withheld

Child Magazine responds: Although the Education Department requires

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Child Magazine responds: Our children grow up surrounded by many germs and viruses, and if your child has been vaccinated she should be fine. But please speak to your doctor or clinic if you

editor@childmag.co.za

are concerned, or if your child displays any of the following symptoms: a fever, dry cough, sore throat and runny nose, red and inflamed eyes or tiny white spots with bluish-white centres on a red background found inside the mouth on the inner lining of the cheek.

For more information read our ‘measles faqs’ (childmag.co.za/content/measles-faqs).

boys behaving badly My 4-year-old son has no developmental or academic delays, but his behaviour is of major concern. He is rude, talks back, and calls us all sorts of names. He does not listen unless it’s of benefit to him. He is also aggressive and has intense emotions when he doesn’t get his way. Would an occupational therapist be of any help to us?

Name withheld Child Magazine responds: Most parents benefit from a bit of professional help and we would suggest you check our online

list of healthcare practitioners (childmag. co.za/resources/healthcare-practitioners) to find a child psychologist in your area. You may also be interested in our article ‘pick your battles – don’t stress the small stuff’ (childmag.co.za/content/pick-your-battlesdont-stress-about-small-stuff). In it we mention a book worth reading; ‘Parenting a defiant child: A sanity saving guide to finally stopping the bad behaviour’ by Philip and Nancy Hall. For more information, read the article ‘when to see an OT’ (childmag.co.za/ content/when-see-ot).

We reserve the right to edit and shorten submitted letters.

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

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October/November 2017

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pregnancy news

when the

An insatiable urge for certain types of food is one of pregnancy’s odder side-effects, writes BRIDGET PRINGLE.

p

regnancy is all those things that make a greeting-card writer’s heart beat faster – the wondrous creation of a new life, a magical rite of female passage. But, you’ve got to admit that it can also be pretty weird. First, there’s the rather insane concept that another person is growing in your body. Then there are the leg cramps that hit in the middle of the night. And the sudden development of a super-powered sense of smell. I even developed something called a pregnancy tumour – on my face (of course).

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Right near the top of the ‘weird list’ are those pregnancy cravings. One friend would send her partner out in the middle of the night for green milkshakes. I wasn’t that demanding, but still noticed a definite shift in the things I did and didn’t want to eat. Unfortunately, salt and vinegar chips became a necessity, while I couldn’t bear to look at broccoli (because the flipside of cravings is the sudden aversion to food you might have previously loved).

protective strategy But where do these cravings come from?

Despite the advances in medical science, the answer is not a definitive one.

Some research points to shifting hormones as the cause, but according to doctor and author Omar Manejwala it seems that hormones influence appetite in general, rather than a desire for specific food types. Other theories suggest that cravings might be related to changes in smell and taste perception.

A third theory is that your body craves what it needs and is repulsed by what isn’t good for you. A University of Connecticut

study showed that in the first trimester, mothers showed a strong aversion to bitter tastes. This could be related to an evolutionary adaptation to steer moms-to-be away from spoiled (and thus potentially toxic) foods. The study also found that cravings change depending on the trimester of the pregnancy.

global differences It makes sense that women crave food that is culturally relevant. A study of Tanzanian women showed their most popular cravings included meat, mangoes, yoghurt and plantain – while a University of Tennessee study showed that American women listed sugary food (especially chocolate), fruit, pickles and pizza among their top cravings.

But when do pregnancy cravings become a problem? If you’ve prepared for motherhood by reading pregnancy books back-to-back, you might have heard of pica. This is the craving for non-food items such as ice, hair, soil and even paint. Anyone can suffer from pica, but it’s more commonly found in pregnant

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PHOTOGRAPH LEFT: ISTOCKPHOTO.com PHOTOGRAPH OPPOSITE: ÉMILIE GUELPA

craving strikes

women. Again, the cause for this extreme craving isn’t known, but the Journal of American Dietetic Association suggests that it could be related to iron deficiency, and the body’s attempt to obtain missing vitamins and minerals. If you experience pica, it’s wise to consult your doctor.

what you told us

Fancy some Cheese Curls and peanut butter?

The pregnancy bible, What to Expect, advises pregnant women to respond to cravings and aversions with reason – try to replace cravings for unhealthy items with a healthier version, or at least have a minichocolate bar instead of a mega-sized one. In her book, Craving, author Sandra Mahut writes that pregnant women should indulge in what their body is craving – “as long as it’s safe to do so”.

The key, as always, is to eat a healthy and balanced diet with everything in moderation. As Mahut points out, your pregnancy is actually the perfect time to re-evaluate your diet and focus on good eating habits. You should also follow any guidelines that your doctor may have given you.

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crisp mini sandwiches

✻✻ Raw (unpasteurised) milk, raw milk cheeses and other raw milk products. ✻✻ grated cheeses. ✻✻ Raw or undercooked fish, shellfish, crustaceans and meat. ✻✻ Marinated or smoked fish, shellfish, crustaceans and meats (unless they are cooked). ✻✻ Surimi (imitation crab), fish eggs. ✻✻ Raw or semi-cooked cured meats. ✻✻ Raw or undercooked eggs and dishes that contain them.

method 1 Slice ½ a cucumber and some radishes into thin rounds, sprinkle with salt and let them rest for 30 minutes.

2 Dry them on paper towels. Spread three slices of pumpernickel (rye) bread with your choice of spreadable cream cheese.

3 Lay the rounds of cucumber and radish on top, overlapping them slightly. Add a little organic lemon juice and a turn of the pepper mill and scatter with snipped sprigs of dill. Place the three topped slices on top of each other and close, then sandwich with the last slice of bread.

4 Cut into triangles.

The desire for sashimi might be strong, but unfortunately there are just some foods you’ll have to avoid – primarily because of the risk of picking up the listeriosis infection. Author Sandra Mahut lists the following ‘no-go’ food items.

Little radish, cucumber and dill sandwiches, excellent for an upset stomach. makes 2 triangles preparation time: 10 minutes resting time: 30 minutes

We asked our readers what they craved when they were pregnant. Here’s what some of

a sensible approach

off the menu

them had to say: Cheese Curls dipped in peanut butter. – Jetaime Naidoo Green mango with chilli powder and salt … yummy.

– Nivashini Thaver Lemon and salt.

– Navlene PandaramI I couldn’t go a day without fish (hake) and avocado.

– Lekota Mokonyama KFC. I couldn’t stand it before I was pregnant. – Avril du Preez

about the book

Craving, by Sandra Mahut, with photographs

by Emile Guelpa, provides 80 pregnancy-friendly recipes. (Murdoch Books, R279)

* For an extra sour version, add thin rounds of gherkin.

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best for baby

play it forward Author and child development expert MEG FAURE explains how toys can stimulate a child’s physical and cognitive development.

Toys should be fun and ignite a child’s creativity and imagination. But more than that, toys are tools that play an important role in stimulating aspects of a child’s development – fine motor, gross motor or language etc. When a child is fully engaged with a toy, it can increase their concentration span and planning skills.

Toys, and in particular books, can be used to encourage language development.

Many toys are designed with specific skills in mind – a block trolley can be used to facilitate walking in a one year old. Balls are great for eye-foot co-ordination and for visual skills and motor planning.

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From what age do toys actually become useful as a development tool?

Right from the first three months, toys can be useful. Take a rattle for example – the simplest of toys shaken near a newborn will encourage listening, identifying where the sound comes from and then visual skills as the little baby looks for the rattle and then follows it with his/her eyes.

Make time to play with your little one — switch off your devices and get onto the floor with him/her.

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PHOTOGRAPH: ISTOCKPHOTO.com

Many people think toys are just for fun, but how can they play a role in encouraging your child’s development?

By far the best toy is a large, empty appliance box – your little one can crawl in and out and play house-house.

What advice do you have for parents when it comes to maximising play time?

What everyday objects can parents make use of instead of expensive toys and gadgets?

Make time to play with your little one – switch off your devices and get onto the floor with him/her. Use language in all activities – it’s the best way to enhance verbal intelligence.

I much prefer everyday objects as they allow for more creativity. By far the best toy is a large, empty appliance box – your little one can crawl in and out and play househouse. Pots and spoons are fabulous ‘musical instruments’ for little ones.

Packing and unpacking a Tupperware cupboard creates hours of entertainment.

What are the most important toys for babies to have access to so as to improve their fine and gross motor skills?

As your child gets older, what toys/games will encourage cerebral development such as memory and language skills?

The more simple a toy is, the better.

For fine motor skills, rattles encourage grasp and release. Balls encourage your baby to use two hands together in a co-ordinated fashion. Boxes are fabulous toys for packing and unpacking and teach a baby spatial awareness. Books are also a simple way to enhance language skills.

Some switch toys can be useful to learn cause and effect – for instance, “if I push this button, it will do this”.

For the older child, books continue to hold value for language skills. Memory games are excellent for cognitive skills – put out a few objects or toys and then remove one and see if your child can recall the objects and tell you which one is missing. Visual perceptual skills like spatial awareness are enhanced through puzzles.

Counting games and naming colours and shapes are important to teach little ones basic concepts.

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Research shows that boys and girls develop and think differently – should parents approach play differently with a boy and a girl, using different toys?

I do not think boys and girls need different toys. I think exposure to all activities is important. They will develop differently and may gravitate towards different interests, but I think this is more based on exposure and what they see mom or dad do than actual innate preference.

A challenge for parents is deciding when – and if – to introduce screen time.

At what age should screen time be introduced and how can parents make use of technology to assist with development?

Research has shown that screen time actually hinders learning and that time spent in front of a screen inhibits language development in children under the age of two.

For this reason, the American Association of Paediatrics recommends no screen time for little ones. While this may seem unrealistic, I do recommend that babies and toddlers should not watch TV. If you do put the TV on or use screens to occupy your little one, make sure you sit with them and use the opportunity to interact. This is the only way there can be any benefit from the experience.

Meg Faure, OT, co-author of Baby Sense and founder of Play Sense, a new playgroup solution for 2 to 3 year olds.

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dealing with difference

understanding

night terrors Sometimes a bad dream is more than just a nightmare. Anél Lewis finds out how to manage your child’s night terrors – the more distressing of the sleep disorders.

t

he first time it occurred, I thought that Erin (6) was having a seizure. About two hours after putting her to bed, I heard a piercing scream from her bedroom. I found Erin sitting upright in bed, screaming and pointing at “the bad men” she claimed were hiding in the corner. She was hysterical and I could barely make out what she was saying.

I tried to wake her up, but she stared through me with tear-filled eyes. She would not make eye contact and I felt utterly helpless as I tried to soothe my hysterical child. After what felt like eons – but was probably five to 10 minutes – the crying became a whimper and Erin’s breathing eased, suggesting that she was asleep.

The incident was terrifying for me. Erin, however, was oblivious the next morning. In fact, she looked at me as if I was the one who needed a few more hours of sleep when I asked her whether she remembered having any nightmares. Unfortunately, these sleep interruptions continued – sometimes as often as three times a week – and always within a few hours of Erin going to bed. Usually she’s sitting upright in bed, screaming. But I have also encountered her walking out of her room or standing with her face up against the wall.

The whole experience is hugely disturbing.

nightmare or night terror?

Michelle Baker, a Durban-based psychologist, says episodes such as these, which take place in the first third of the night, are not nightmares but rather “night terrors”. They fall into the category of sleeping disorders called parasomnias – sleep patterns that involve abnormal or disruptive behaviour, movements or emotions. Insomnia and nightmares are also defined as parasomnias. But unlike nightmares, night terrors only occur in the early stages of slow wave or deep sleep, and there is seldom any recollection of the distress the following morning.

Night terrors are more common in children – usually between the ages of three and seven – than in adults. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine estimates that 6.5% of children experience night terrors, and the American Sleep Association says that like many parasomnias, there’s often a family history of sleep disorders. According to the Jama Pediatrics Journal, a Canadian study done in 2015 found that about 96% of people with sleep terrors had at least one family member affected by sleepwalking or night terrors, or both. While adults can also experience night terrors, these episodes are usually caused by anxiety or a traumatic event.

Baker says night terrors are idiopathic – in other words, there is no specific cause for these terrifying episodes. “There are various hypotheses, including that the visual cortex has not fully shut down.” This would explain why night terrors occur in the first few hours of going to sleep, and not during the deeper, rapid eye movement (REM) or dreaming stage. But, in the absence of a definitive reason for the episodes, Baker says it is helpful to consider possible triggers. While the link between anxiety and night terrors cannot be ruled out, she says research does not strongly support this as a key cause. “There is no link between sleep terrors in children and emotional disorders, or disorders that will be developed later in life,” notes the American Sleep Association. Baker says it may depend in part on the child’s personality. A child with a vivid imagination or an active mind, for example, may be more prone to night terrors. Other factors linked to night terrors include heat, diet, illness and overtiredness.

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PHOTOGRAPH: ISTOCKPHOTO.com

terror triggers

digital distress Although there is not much research available on the effect of electronic devices on sleeping disorders, Baker says playing on a tablet or watching television before bedtime could well be a trigger. Watching a scary movie or the iPad late at night may well contribute to sleep disturbances, she says. Lucy Wolfe, a specialist in child sleep problems at the Sleep Matters Clinic in Cork, Ireland, supports this view. She says that the increased use of electronic devices can’t be factored out when assessing the cause of night terrors. “These devices should not be allowed in the bedroom,” she cautions.

sleep it off Baker warns against waking up a child having a night terror. “If you do, the child could become more distressed and this could mean they will be more sleep deprived the next day.” Lack of sleep could of course have a knock-on effect on their school performance.

Rather make sure the child will not get hurt by removing any objects that could cause harm. Guide the child back into bed if they have been sleepwalking. Do not force any physical contact and do not scream at your child, as this could exacerbate their terror.

Baker says the episode will usually play itself out and the child is likely to settle fairly quickly. She does, however, encourage parents to stay with their child until the terror has passed. Baker adds that the episode is often more terrifying for parents than for the child.

There is also no need to tell your child about the episode if they have no recollection of it the next morning.

parents’ guide Sleep Review: The Journal for Sleep Specialists advises parents to maintain a calm bedtime routine. Scheduled awakening, when a parent will wake up a child before a night terror can occur, has also proven to be effective. This involves keeping track of the approximate time episodes occur over a period of time, and then waking up the child 15 to 20 minutes before an expected terror can start. The good news, says Baker, is that most children will outgrow their night terrors. Only a small percentage of sufferers will continue to experience these sleep disruptions into adulthood.

other tips:

✻✻ Enforce a set sleep routine and make sure your child gets ample rest after periods of activity. ✻✻ Also, try to find out if there is any underlying anxiety or stress that could be causing parasomnia. Sleep disorder experts agree that episodic night terrors do not signify psychological problems, but if they continue to disrupt sleep for prolonged periods, it may be necessary to seek medical advice. ✻✻ Anecdotal evidence suggests that cutting out refined sugars could help improve a child’s sleep. ✻✻ My experience has been that a good supper at the dinner table, and not in front of the TV, and a set bedtime helps minimise the occurrence of Erin’s night terrors. A damp facecloth also helps to settle her during the episode.

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health

a healthy dose of technology Managing your health successfully can be as simple as finding the right app.

TAMLYN VINCENT looks at a

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hile technology doesn’t help with late-night feeds, cooking dinner or babysitting, it can help encourage you to lead a more healthy lifestyle. Using wearable tech to track your movements or getting a daily nudge from your app is a constant reminder to stay healthy – even if your fitness regime only involves a five-minute morning workout or taking the stairs instead of the lift. Monitoring what you eat, how often you exercise, and how much progress you’re making on your personal goals is just as simple as turning on your phone.

Here are five apps to get you on the path to healthy living:

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Fitbit

My Fitness Pal

Well-known for its wearable activity trackers for adults, and now children, Fitbit also has an app. Fitbit’s various devices and the app allow you to track your activity – your steps, distance, calories and even your sleep.

The app can work without the devices as well, and lets you log your weight, food, hydration levels and more.

Available on iTunes and the Play Store for free.

With this nutrition and calorie database, which includes information on more than five million food types, you can keep track of what you eat; the calories and the nutrients.

You can also set your personal goals, log your exercise and sync with other fitness apps or devices.

Available for free on iTunes and the Play Store. Premium features are offered.

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few options.

incentivised health Stay motivated with the help of incentive health programmes: ✻✻ Discovery Vitality Earn Vitality points for being active, undergoing a health screening or buying healthy foods. These points earn

Strava

Couch to 5K

Sworkit

This app for runners and cyclists allows you to enter your activities, compare your performances and compete with others in your community. So not only can you track and analyse your own activity, you can also connect with and be motivated by others.

The app pairs with devices like a GPS watch, heart-rate monitor or activity trackers.

Free on iTunes and the Play Store.

Premium is available.

Want to get off the couch and learn how to run? This is the app for you.

Spend 30 minutes a day on this running programme, three times a week for nine weeks, and you’ll be able to run five kilometres. The app comes with a training programme and motivational coaches, plus you can track and compare your progress.

Available on iTunes for R49,99 and from the Play Store for R40,99.

Choose your workout, select the time, and get fit, strong and summer-ready or accomplish any of the many goals you can set for yourself on this app.

The body-weight exercises, stretches and yoga routines are all demonstrated by real trainers, and the ability to select the length of your workout means you can fit exercise into your schedule.

Free on iTunes and the Play Store.

Premium is available.

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you rewards. ✻✻ Momentum Multiply This programme rewards you for being active, healthy and safe, and gives you discounts on Momentum products and those from their partners. ✻✻ Sanlam Reality Members of this lifestyle and rewards programme get special offers and can save on their gym fees. The more points you earn, the more you benefit.

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education

it takes a village Parents and schools are a critical safety net for children who might be suffering from depression, says BRIDGET PRINGLE.

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hen our children are little we cure their ‘owees’ with a quick kiss, and cuddle their nightmares away. But as they move towards the teen years and beyond, the pain they suffer isn’t always so obvious, and the fixing of it even less so – particularly when it comes to mental illness. According to statistics from the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag), up to 20% of South African youngsters are suffering from depression – so it’s a hard, cold fact that a sizeable proportion of our children need our support.

burden of a modern world Depression is not a modern affliction, but the pressures of our time seem to be bearing down on our youth more heavily than ever before, and affecting children at a younger and younger age.

Mark de la Rey, a clinical psychologist and unit head at the Akeso Kenilworth Clinic in Cape Town, says that raised levels of anxiety are driving this trend: “I believe that there is a higher incidence of anxiety levels, which are contributing to more difficulty in social and family settings. In most cases, the increased anxiety levels are precursors to depression, rather than the other way around.”

Sadag’s Operations Director Cassey Chambers echoes this, saying the organisation is seeing increased cases of depressed young children and teens, and that it is receiving more and more calls from children who feel helpless and hopeless, and even suicidal.

the role of tech The use of technology and a breakdown in family structures are common refrains when it comes to the factors contributing to anxiety and depression among children and teens.

“The stress and anxiety created by the ‘always online’ lifestyle we as parents allow our children to engage in at increasingly early ages is a major factor,” says De la Rey. “They can never switch off from being available to friends, being bullied even when away from school, and being open to other predatory elements that are designed to look ‘benign’ to them and us.”

Rondebosch Boys’ Preparatory School head Tony Ryan agrees: “Technology, which obviously has many benefits, is a reality that’s not going to go away and it presents new challenges to our children’s wellbeing. Parents have a responsibility to educate themselves, and monitor what their children are doing online.”

red flags for teachers:

Educational psychologist Heidi Theo lists the warning signs that can indicate a learner is suffering from depression: ✻✻ no participation in previously enjoyable school activities ✻✻ weight loss (and less frequently, weight gain), due to changes in appetite ✻✻ lethargy ✻✻ telltale bags under his/her eyes because of a lack of sleep ✻✻ signs of demotivation, for example, not completing homework or remembering to bring sports kits ✻✻ a lack of participation during classroom discussions ✻✻ a drop in marks ✻✻ difficulty sustaining concentration ✻✻ an increase in social isolation (a depressed child is likely to be found alone during break) ✻✻ an irritable mood, disengaged and/or apathetic ✻✻ a flat and sad demeanour, and quick to cry ✻✻ physical indicators: they may walk with stooped shoulders and may take

where to go for help Sadag runs a Teen Suicide Prevention School Programme in schools that involves speaking to individual classes about the symptoms of depression, warning signs of suicide and how to get help. Schools can also contact their nearest psychologist or psychiatrist, or a unit offered by groups such as Akeso (www.akeso.co.za)

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less pride in the way they look and in their general self-care routine

a lack of support And then there’s the breakdown in family structures, and a consequent decline in the trusted parties that children can confide in, contributing to their sense of isolation.

“It takes a village to raise a child. But for many, that village does not exist, meaning there’s not a support structure for children,” says Ryan. “Mom and/or dad may be absent, and so it’s critical that there are other people for children in need to talk to.”

De la Rey also notes the fact that parents are increasingly unavailable because of work and social demands. “The time we spend with our children is being replaced by the electronic nanny (television, the internet, gaming, etc).”

first line of defence It is against this background that those closest to children from an emotional and physical point of view – parents and teachers – become critical in providing the safety net for those who might be suffering from depression and need intervention.

For parents, there are a number of signs that can indicate a child needs help, although a complicating factor is that all children, and especially teenagers, exhibit ‘red flag’ behaviour at some point or another.

“Children, preteens and adolescents can exhibit behavioural and mood symptoms that mimic depression, but are in fact appropriate for their developmental phase or age,” says De la Rey. “A general rule of thumb would be if the behaviour is prolonged and out of character for your child, then you should be sitting up and taking note. Start by having a talk with your child about how they are feeling and doing. If you feel uneasy about anything, then a visit to the GP might be the first point of call. I believe that prevention is better than cure.”

As is so often the case, open communication is an important ally for parents. “Hearing and understanding what your children think, feel and say doesn’t mean you have to agree with it,” says De la Rey. “However, open dialogue makes it more likely that they will tell you when things go wrong.”

the role of schools Schools – which is where our children spend the majority of their young life – are critical partners.

According to De la Rey, they play “an increasingly vital role in identifying, if not necessarily treating” children who are at risk. Educational psychologist Heidi Theo agrees: “Teachers are in an excellent position to identify when children are depressed, if they are sensitive to changes in their pupils’ behaviour.”

For those children who do require professional help, De la Rey suggests that school support could extend to facilitating time for learners to attend programmes, either as in- or out-patients. They can also encourage information sessions for parents and teachers with professionals, who are mostly open to doing talks, often free of charge.

creating community Some schools introduce initiatives to replicate a sense of family within the school, such as Rondebosch Prep’s ‘Bosch Buddies’. This sees groups of seven boys (with one boy from each grade) making up ‘a family’. “It gives the seniors greater responsibility, and younger boys appreciate the interest the older boys show in them. It has also had an incredibly positive impact on the sense of community and connection for the boys,” says Ryan.

Ultimately, it is ideal for schools and parents to work together, says Theo. “A collaborative approach is the most valuable approach when dealing with children who are at risk. Regular meetings between parents and staff to help with the early identification of concerns are invaluable. Talks hosted by schools can also help both parents and staff recognise and identify the early warning signs.”

red flags for parents:

Sadag provides this list of behavioural signals that can indicate a child needs help:

✻✻ marked moodiness ✻✻ overreactions to frustrations out of all proportion to the provocation ✻✻ marked self-isolation and social withdrawal

preadolescents ✻✻ inexplicable decrease in academic

✻✻ unrealistically low self-esteem ✻✻ unwarranted belief that others

performance ✻✻ increasing social isolation ✻✻ development of unusual physical for

no

dislike or reject him or her ✻✻ unrealistic belief that one’s personal

✻✻ loss of interest in sports complaints

teenagers

medically

sound reason ✻✻ increased childish and dependent behaviour ✻✻ being excessively demanding

appearance is ugly or offensive ✻✻ loss of interest in hobbies, sports, and personal self-care ✻✻ development

of

delinquent

activities, in particular the abuse of drugs and alcohol

where to go for help Parents can try a GP as a first stop, or their nearest psychologist or psychiatrist.

Sadag can also provide direction ((www.sadag.org or 011 234 4837)

magazine cape town

October/November 2017

17

education

challenges facing a teenager in the internet age

Why is it so much more difficult to be a teenager in the 21st century?

A friend described what it was like being a teenager: “For me, the main give-away when I was troubled, was listlessness. And what nearly killed me was shyness, and it feels even now that the lack of self-worth was so powerful as to have been inherited from the soul that was born into my body. As from a previous life. I seemed powerless against it”. He was a teenager a long time ago and as much as the world has changed, some things stay the same. Being a teenager has never been easy.

The many changes taking place in both their bodies and their brains are the same as they have always been. According to science, the growing brain only settles into regulated patterns when we become 25 years old. Up until then, most teenagers are selfish, selfabsorbed and self-centred, impulsive, lazy, moody, risk-seeking, frustrated, messy and angry. And then there are also surging hormones to contend with – rapidly growing bodies and sexual development – all designed to make teenagers feel uncomfortable, misshapen, out of place and sometimes downright ugly.

Peer pressure is no longer just a matter of school marks, likes on Instagram, wearing the latest fashion, boyfriends/girlfriends, it can now be a matter of life or death as more and more dangerous drugs come onto the market, the most recent and potentially lethal is a synthetic marijuana called Spice. It’s legal, it doesn’t show up on drug tests, and there have been cases in South Africa of teenagers dying from their first hit. Research suggests that teenagers get addicted faster than adults.

Now add the internet to this already lethal mix and it’s no wonder parents, teachers and mental health professionals are so worried about teenagers and the state of their mental health. Our teens are over-stimulated and over-exposed. The internet is pervasive.

Its tendrils reach into every aspect of life – from entertainment and games, learning, work, communication and personal communication and identity formation.

Peer pressure and bullying used to take place in the playground or at a party. Today, our teenagers cannot escape the bullies or the peer pressure by going home. They have 24-hour connectivity via their smartphones. There is no escape. Cyber-bullying is also cause for grave concern. In cyberspace, the bully and his or her behaviour is covert and hidden.

Children can say things to each other that they would perhaps not be able to say as easily face-to-face. If something ugly is posted on the internet and shared, it cannot be undone.

Messages and images can travel exponentially through cyberspace via sharing and likes and once it’s there, it’s there forever.

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Free and easy access to information, the greatest benefit to our society, is also our greatest concern. All you need is a smartphone to access pornography – it’s free and readily available, sometimes even if you’re not looking for it. Shows like the television series 13 Reasons Why and internet games like Blue Whale add to the mix.

Research shows that the flickering blue light can cause poor sleeping patterns, depression and poor concentration at school. Attention spans last as long as it takes to flick the thumb onto the next page, platform or chat. Sleep, it has been proven, is a teenager’s greatest ally.

The only escape is the ‘off’ button. But switching off is also something they struggle to do because they lack access to their frontal lobes (that part of the brain that tells them they’ve had enough). The world is more complicated, and paradoxically with increased connectivity the risk of disconnection and alienation increases. Social media and school in its current form are here to stay – we, as parents, are going to have to learn ways to manage them both creatively.

Kate Shand is a writer, artist and community arts counsellor, and author of a book entitled BOY: The Story of My Teenage Son’s Suicide.

a must-read for parents Every parent should read ‘teenage suicide: a perfect storm’ by Kate Shand, who experienced the unimaginable when her son committed suicide. Find it online at childmag.co.za/content/teenage-suicideperfect-storm

magazine cape town

believing is seeing

dealing with difference

It’s time to debunk the myths about blindness that negatively affect children who suffer from this disability.

w

e’re all familiar with the swashbuckling myths that fill our children’s storybooks; the stories that have been told for time immemorial, and innocently serve to explain a natural or social phenomenon.

But sometimes ‘myths’ are false pieces of information that we’ve come to believe as fact – to everyone’s detriment. When it comes to eye health, such myths abound.

Firstly, the belief that blindness isn’t treatable or preventable is widespread. But this is far from the truth.

Did you know that sub-Saharan Africa has the highest prevalence of blindness and visual impairment in the world, but that with the skills and equipment found at even the most basic hospital, 80% of all eye conditions could be cured?

PHOTOGRAPH: ISTOCKPHOTO.com

away from the public gaze Another myth that has a tragic impact – particularly on young children – is that those disabled by visual impairment or blindness should be kept away from ‘normal’ social activities in a community. These children are often shut away indoors, away from the public gaze, affecting their ability to interact socially, develop their gross and fine motor skills, improve their linguistic abilities, or access any meaningful education that could improve their chances in life.

Even if you’re in a community that doesn’t ostracise children who are visually impaired, you can play a role in debunking the myths that have a cruel impact on children who are already living with avoidable blindness and visual impairment.

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It is also a myth that, in a country dogged by so many child-related health issues, eye health should take a back seat. A child’s eye health is directly linked to their development (cognitive and physical), and their mental health. And children don’t stay children: those whose visual impairment goes untreated then move into the teen years and adulthood, when eye health has crucial links to occupational health, community health, maternal health, and many other aspects.

Put simply, eye health is a critical part of the health of any person, family and community.

screening for issues Another common myth related to child eyecare is a parent’s belief that they will be able to judge if their child is visually impaired. One often hears parents from all walks of life saying: “I don’t need to take my child for unnecessary screening – surely I will be able to tell if my own child isn’t seeing properly?”

Just because kids are phenomenally resourceful and find ways to adapt and survive to the extent that they can mask potential eye problems, doesn’t mean there is no onus on adults to screen their children for eye-health issues. Even if your child shows no signs or symptoms of struggling with their vision, it is important to take them for regular check-ups.

So, let’s be the generation of parents who spread the word: blindness is often preventable and treatable; kids affected by it should be supported not ostracised; it is as important as any other childrelated health issue; and proactive screening is vital.

of all eye conditions

can be cured proactive screening is

vital

light on blindness Orbis Africa is a South African-registered NGO that works across Africa to fight blindness. www.orbisafrica.co.za

October/November 2017

19

getaway

have baby, will travel

seychelles

Seasoned traveller LAUREN MANUEL MCSHANE and her husband jumped at the opportunity to explore the Seychelles with their one-year-old son, and pass their love of island life from one generation to the next.

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October/November 2017

things to do in the Seychelles with a baby:

✻✻ Snorkel and relax at Anse Source D’argent Beach on La Digue, ride on an ox cart, rent a bicycle and cycle around the island (bring a helmet for baby if they can sit up by themselves as hotels generally won’t supply helmets for children) and visit the giant Aldabra tortoises at L’Union Estate. ✻✻ Spend the good part of a day playing in the waters of Anse Lazio Beach on Praslin Island (bring or buy beach toys) and visit the animals and birds in the National Heritage site and nature reserve of Vallée de Mai (known as the Garden of Eden). ✻✻ Get all your daily supplies at the Spar on Eden Island (Mahé), visit the Victoria local market with baby on your back, enjoy the view at Mission Lodge, visit the Beau Vallon night market. ✻✻ Make sure your hotel has a pool and can give you a baby-friendly room (no stairs inside and a well-enclosed balcony with no gaps for baby to fit through). Look for a hotel with a kids’ club – even if your child is too young to be left there, you can play with them there.

we’ve discovered that careful preparation makes travelling with a baby possible...

PHOTOGRAPHS: thetravelmanuel.com

t

ravelling with a baby is so easy and carefree,” said no one ever. Nevertheless, as travel journalists with a love of island life, we were determined to continue exploring the world after Caleb was born. While jet setting is no longer as easy as slinging on a backpack at short notice, we’ve discovered that careful preparation makes travelling with a baby possible.

We’ve also learnt some other truths along the way: you and your travel partner will have to play tag-team when it comes to holiday activities; you’ll never get to eat while both of you are seated, and bedtime happens when it gets dark. But there are truly incredible aspects of travelling with Caleb (now almost two) – you go back to basics, and learn to love the simple joys of life.

Just before Caleb’s first birthday, we flew to his second international destination – the Seychelles – for a family holiday of island hopping. The destination ticked all the boxes for us: it is a short flight from South Africa, has no malaria and offers pristine beaches, forests and oceans. Hopping between the main island of Mahé and the smaller neighbouring islands of Praslin and La Digue, we spent all of our time in or near water. I went stand-up paddle boarding around the yachts of Port Launay while Vaughan played on the beach with Caleb. When it was time for him to explore the underwater world with goggles and a snorkel, Caleb and I built sandcastles, sunk into the sand as the water lapped gently at our feet, and tried to escape the mosquitoes hovering beneath the trees. At the Eden Bleu hotel we woke up to views of moored yachts, and spent many daylight hours in the pool.

In Beau Vallon, we made a plan to take back our evenings as Caleb wasn’t going to sleep as early. No longer confined to our hotel room after dark, we strapped him onto our backs and strolled through the night market. As music played and Seychellois sold grilled sausages with vegetables and rice, we steered through the crowds. After passing fresh fruit stands and seafood stalls, we’d find any available spot on the beach nearby to enjoy our meal.

Having lived in Hawaii, Koh Samui and close to Malaysia’s tropical Tioman Island, we’ve seen our fair share of spectacular beaches. But it was on La Digue and Praslin that we got to experience two of the most mind-blowing beaches we’ve ever laid eyes on.

On Praslin, we stayed right on the beach, basically living on the balcony until the mosquitoes came out around sunset. We switched from swimming in the calm ocean first thing in the morning to lounging in the pool at the end of the day.

I fell in love with La Digue, where bicycles are the main form of transport. As we drove around on a giant golf cart, we cruised slowly past tourists and residents alike on their bikes. We popped into L’Union Estate and walked on lawns beneath palm trees and chased Caleb through the garden.

It’s easy to take beauty for granted when you travel for a living. But it was on the beach Anse Source d’ Argent that I had an ‘aha’ moment and realised just where I was. I was in the Seychelles, tucked between voluptuous boulders and lazing on my sarong as Caleb made friends with neighbouring Russians and Vaughan snorkelled in the tepid ocean.

The beach, the boulders, the overhanging palms and the glistening ocean appeared photoshopped – and for once, I put the camera down and just took it all in with my eyes.

magazine cape town

necessities for island baby travel: carrier

If your baby is happy in a carrier, it will allow you to move through airports, new towns and along beaches hands-free. It also takes up far less room than a pram and is very quick to strap on. If you enjoy outdoor adventure holidays, there are wonderful hiking carriers for trails that dad can also wear. So shop around. mosquito repellent Well-known repellents for adults always work like a bomb, but have a look at natural options (especially for young babies). Be sure to apply repellent throughout the day, but especially early in the morning and at sunset. There are some repellents that you can use for their clothing and pram. Be sure to pack a good antihistamine from your doctor at home. camp cot net While most resorts will provide a camp cot for your baby, not all of them provide a mosquito net. Enquire about the cot size and be sure to bring a camp cot mosquito net with you. hat and thin clothing Take a wide-brimmed hat and thin, light-coloured clothing to protect your baby from sunburn and insect bites. The Seychelles is also known for hairy caterpillars, which can cause itchy rashes if they make contact with your skin. These can drop from the trees or their hairs can be carried by the wind, so it’s best to keep baby covered if possible.

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it was on the beach Anse Source d’ Argent that I had an ‘aha’ moment...

October/November 2017

21

books

get your

geek on for preschoolers and early graders

activity book fun

Liebetland: A Colouring Book

By Liebet Jooste (Imagnary House, R150) Liebetland is a wonderful world created by South African artist Liebet Jooste. It’s a world where strange creatures live among crazy plants and fantastical landscapes. Let your budding artist’s imagination run wild as he or she colours in the book’s whacky scenes.

for preschoolers

Disney Princess Book and Blocks (Penguin Random House, R220) The Disney Princess Book and Blocks set comes complete with an illustrated story, two block puzzle characters of popular Disney princesses and a playmat, allowing little princesses (and princes) to build and create, play makebelieve and act out their very own adventure story.

Smart Globe for preschoolers

Cars 3: Magical Story Cars 3: Happy Tin (Penguin Random House, R100 and R220) For all the little Cars fans out there. In Cars 3: Magical Story, Lightning McQueen needs to prove that his racing days aren’t over and that he still has more to give. And the Cars 3: Happy Tin, which contains three activity books and more than 50 stickers, will keep your mini-motorhead occupied for hours.

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October/November 2017

win

Become a globe-trotting genius with the SmartGlobe, an interactive globe that is packed with information about the countries of the world, and loads of fun activities. From capital cities and national anthems, to geography and history, this high-tech educational toy will wow you with fascinating knowledge and interactive challenges.

We have one SmartGlobe Infinity worth R1 699 and one SmartGlobe Discovery worth R1 299 to give away. To enter the competition, visit childmag.co.za/wins

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cool tech reads

for early graders and preteens

My First Coding Book

By Kiki Prottsman (Penguin Random House, R230) My First Coding Book is a playful introduction to offline coding and programming that will give young children a head start. Filled with puzzles, mazes and games to teach the basic concepts of sequences, algorithms, and debugging, this book will help children develop key computer literacy skills.

for preschoolers and early graders

for preschoolers

My Little Pony: Where Equestria Comes to Life!

(Struik Children, R150) Witness true pony power when you see Princess Twilight Sparkle and her friends play outside the printed page! Watch your favourite ponies as they grow to their true size before your eyes, or you can connect to a friend’s device and let your ponies take a stroll together.

iDinosaur

(Struik Children, R150) Who says that dinosaurs don’t exist?

With the digital magic of augmented reality, your child can experience these prehistoric creatures in a new dimension. Developed specifically for mobile devices, including the iPhone, iPad, Android phones and tablets, iDinosaur brings these creatures to life in a whole new way.

win

for early graders and preteens

Adventure Maps to Build and Explore in Minecraft

By Kirsten Kearney (Octopus Publish Group, R271) Calling all Minecraft fans. This book explores some of the best interactive stories and quests devised by members of the Minecraft family and played by hundreds of gamers all over the world. It also includes tutorials and simple step-by-step guides that teach you how to design and build your own adventures.

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Three copies of iDinosaur and three copies of My Little Pony: Where Equestria Comes to Life! are up for grabs. To enter the competition, visit www.childmag.co.za/ wins

October/November 2017

23

boys to men Raising confident sons who are respectful, kind and empathetic requires parents to rise above old-fashioned stereotypes, says Samantha Page.

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October/November 2017

c

alling all parents of sons. Yes, parents of adorable apple-cheeked cherubs, squishable chocolate-covered marshmallow boys and preschoolers smelling of crayons and school, I’m talking to you. Those beautiful babes will grow into men soon enough, and the world is depending on you to raise smart, generous, observant, sensitive, strong, kind, confident and respectful men who listen well and are able to articulate their feelings to their partners, colleagues and friends. When Sheryl Sandberg so boldly declared in her New York Times bestseller Lean In that the most important career choice women will make is who they marry, she also had you in mind because your son’s education begins in the home with his parents – and these days (with single motherhood on the rise), particularly with mothers.

The world is engaged in one of the most important dialogues of the century, wrote Alyson Schafer in The Huffington Post last year. “Every person is being called to make his or her contribution towards creating a more egalitarian, safe, respectful society for women.

For parents, that includes making efforts to raise a new generation of boys who reject old stereotypes and instead come to respect girls and women,” adds Schafer.

William Pollack, PhD, author of Real Boys: Rescuing Our Sons from the Myths of Boyhood and a groundbreaking researcher and clinical psychologist at Harvard Medical School who has devoted his investigations into boyhood for over two decades, makes a strong case for breaking the “boy code” as a starting point. Boys are told not to cry, that the things they’re interested in are for “sissies”, that real men play rugby and ballerinas play cricket and how often have you heard boys being told to “man up”? In his book, Pollack explores the toxic conceptions of masculinity in boy culture and how he believes it leads to boys doing poorly in education and health and having higher involvement in violent crimes and suicide than girls. Boys are being made to feel ashamed of their vulnerability, Pollack contends, and “while we have rethought some of our ideas about girls, we are overdue for such a rethinking about our boys.”

“My son is loving and kind, but I feel like I need to prepare him for the tough male culture that exists in my culture and the world that he will inevitably become a part of,” says *Tumi.

What’s Pollack’s bottom-line advice to Tumi and other moms who face the same dilemma?

“Stay connected, no matter what.” Communicating with your son has never been more important than right now – and that means listening as much as speaking. “Over the past several years, I and other professionals who work with boys have become increasingly aware that even boys who seem okay on the surface are suffering silently inside – from confusion, a sense of isolation, and despair. They feel detached from their own selves, and

magazine cape town

PHOTOGRAPH: ISTOCKPHOTO.com

parenting

often feel alienated from parents, siblings and peers. Many boys feel a loneliness that may last throughout boyhood and continue into adult life,” comments Pollack.

Parents need to consider that boys are now twice as likely as girls to be identified with a learning disability and in the US alone, boys constitute up to 67% of special education classes, and in some school systems are up to 10 times more likely to be diagnosed with a serious emotional disorder – most especially attention deficit disorder, for which many boys are receiving powerful medications with heavy side effects that range from lack of appetite to mood swings and insomnia. Recent research also shows boys’ scores on reading lag way behind girls in every country in the world with no real signs of amelioration, and in general it’s boys’ self-esteem that is more fragile, resulting in disciplinary problems and mood disorders.

“When my best friend’s son was three years old, he loved to wear his sister’s tulle ballet tutu and her sparkly tiara and sing that Disney earworm ‘Let It Go’ whenever he had the chance. My friend was so relaxed about it and even helped him put together his various outfits. It made me wonder why his behaviour made me so uncomfortable; why I was secretly thankful that it wasn’t my son playing ballerina dress-up. Was I afraid that my son would be perceived as gay and why did that strike such fear?” muses *Judi, a mom of two tween boys. Olga Silverstein articulates this thinking in her book The Courage to Raise Good Men. “According to society’s stereotypes, if males exhibit feminine behaviour, they can bring harm to themselves by becoming homosexual or weak, while at the same time, harming the parents for having failed at raising their male children.”

In her book, Silverstein cites an example of a mother who brought her son to a family therapist, claiming her son was lacking male influence in his life after her recent divorce and her now single motherhood. The mother’s concern was that her son needed a man in his life to teach him how to be a man. While the therapist agreed that the young man needed male interaction as well as female interaction, the therapist did not say the mother should bring a male into the boy’s life. Instead, the therapist stressed that if you want to raise good males in society, they must embody the best qualities of both genders. The same can be said for females and Silverstein concludes that just as feminists combat female stereotypes, we should also combat male stereotypes of what males should be and support those men in all their endeavours, interests and emotions. Clearly we should raise the standards for both genders to improve.

so how do parents raise men for the women of the future? model respectful behaviour at home: Children learn gender relations at home so, Dad, be aware of the way you speak and interact with the women in your house. Are you using a respectful tone and displaying a positive attitude? Is there sensitivity and an open exchange of ideas? Does Dad make statements like “You must be hormonal” or “Women can’t make up their minds”? ask and listen: It’s not enough to enquire if your son is okay. Create opportunities for him to share and for you to listen – free of judgment. This is a chance to develop a platform for active listening where you listen to gain information, understand where he’s coming from, enjoy the insights into his personality and learn something new – yes, you can learn from your child too. let go of the ‘boy code’: If you’ve ever said “that’s for girls”, “boys don’t cry” or excused your son’s bad behaviour with “boys will be boys”, you need to be aware that these seemingly

innocuous statements reinforce old stereotypes of what it is to be a boy or a man. The long-term effect of suppressing any emotion is more often than not destructive, and enabling his lack of responsibility diminishes his character. Reading with your kids presents a great opportunity to discuss the characters and the roles played by men and women in those stories and how the stories make him feel. What is his emotional response to a story or character and why do they resonate with your son or not? educate your sons about how to speak about and to women in a respectful way. It’s not enough to say, “don’t do that”, says Schafer.

Parents must attempt to raise a boy who is willing to speak up against their peer groups’ degrading jokes and taunting. Schafer even suggests getting boys to practise phrases so it comes naturally when boys need to use them. For example, “Hey, that’s not cool, that could have been my sister, dude” or “You don’t have to impress us with that macho stuff.”

*Names have been changed

in the next issue december / january is our

happy holidays issue parenting experts Meg Faure and Kath Megaw help explain your child’s cues so that weaning becomes a happy, interactive process

julia donaldson exclusive an interview with the much-loved children’s author about her brandnew, safari-inspired book

keep the holidays happy

practical coping strategies for separated parents and blended families

better together

why rituals make for a more rewarding family life

sibling rivalry

what to do when it’s not all fun and games

with a spotlight on back to school off to a good start - from extra mural advice

to stress-free mornings, five experts share their tips for the new academic year

et tre

on s

food, glorious food

23

November

To advertise email: cptsales@childmag.co.za or call: 0861 867 885 Booking deadline: 7 November | Material deadline: 9 November

magazine cape town

October/November 2017

25

resource

resource

playing across gender lines There are good reasons why children should be encouraged to play with toys that are traditionally aimed at the opposite sex, says ANÉL LEWIS.

m

y son, aged 5, was recently invited to a play date at a girl’s house, and my initial thought was whether there would be toys for him to play with. I mean, boys need cars and trains, right? Needless to say, Conor spent a delightful afternoon painting and playing dolls with his friend, and there was never an issue about the toys being too girlish.

Researchers tell us that boys and girls differ physically and socially in the way that they play. So, perhaps the games may have been a bit more raucous if Conor had been playing with one of his male classmates. It’s accepted that boys generally enjoy vigorous activities that allow them to compete against their friends, while girls tend to prefer co-operative interaction where they use language to act out home-based themes. But does this mean that we should restrict our children’s choices by keeping the noisy trucks for the boys, and encouraging our girls to stick to their dolls and toy ovens?

science says so

behavioural differences But Lise Eliot, a Chicago-based neurobiologist, argues that there is little scientific evidence to back up the theory that boys’ and girls’ brains are wired differently. She stresses, however, that she is only referring to the structural differences, and not the way in which boys and girls act. “I want to be clear I am talking about their brains. There are obviously pretty striking differences in behaviour,” she explains. Eliot says that until the age of about 12 months, boys and girls don’t exhibit much difference in their toy

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October/November 2017

magazine cape town

PHOTOGRAPH: ISTOCKPHOTO.com

A 2001 study by the University of Nebraska’s Department of Psychology found that boys and girls do show a preference for certain toys from the age of two but that their affinity for certain toys intensifies as they are exposed to outside influences such as their friends, parents and, of course, the media. “Girls’ play tends to centre on themes related to family and domestic life. In many communities, girls can often be observed playing with dolls, household objects, dress-up clothes, and related materials for creative expression,” note the authors. “Boys are often found playing with transportation toys, weapons, and building materials. They are often noisy in their play, shouting out the ‘swoosh’ of the sword or the ‘crash’ of the car,” they add.

This research is borne out by a more recent study by the City, University of London and University College London, which found that children as young as nine months prefer toys specific to their gender. In their findings, published in 2016 in the Journal of Infant and Child Development, the team argues that there are biological as well as environmental factors at play in children’s toy choices. “Biological differences give boys an aptitude for mental rotation and more interest and ability in spatial processing, while girls are more interested in looking at faces and better at fine motor skills and manipulating objects,” says Dr Brenda Todd, a senior researcher at City, University of London. “Our results show that there are significant sex differences across all three age groups. Children in the youngest group, who were aged between nine and 17 months when infants are able to crawl or walk and therefore make independent selections, being particularly interesting; the ball was a favourite choice for the youngest boys, and the youngest girls favoured the cooking pot.”

Gavin Keller, the headmaster at Sun Valley Primary School in Cape Town, has become known for his use of neuroscience to explain how boys and girls learn differently. Referring to the differences as “Pink Brain, Blue Brain”, Keller says that structural differences in boys’ and girls’ brains in utero affect the way they process information and therefore how they learn. In girls, the left hemisphere – the brain’s language centre – develops faster, which means that when the neural pathways try to cross over to the right hemisphere, this hemisphere hasn’t developed sufficiently to accept them. This results in many girls having a stronger language capacity. The reverse occurs in boys, resulting in a greater interest in spatial activities such as sport, and subjects such as maths, science and engineering.

“Raising children means working hard to accept the gender difference, but at the same time creating space to lay neural pathways across the gap between our left and right brain,” says Keller.

choice. Both will play with dolls – probably because children of that age have an affinity for anything with a face. From the age of about one, however, boys will opt for trucks and girls for dolls, often as they start developing their gender identities and become influenced by societal stereotypes.

tech toys Children are becoming tech-savvy from an increasingly young age, and much of their play involves tablets or computer games. It’s not surprising then that the same gender stereotypes often apply to these games too. As with other toys, many of these games are marketed at either boys or girls. Boys’ games often require hand/eye co-ordination, and involve a fair amount of action. Girls’ games tend to use their artistic skills for activities such as colouring-in and dress up. But there are also plenty of games that will keep both girls and boys entertained. Toca Boca is one of the development companies that has actively created gender-neutral apps that appeal to boys and girls alike. Conor and his sister, Erin, are both fans of these apps, which involve various activities from driving trains to styling hair. Online games that require construction, involving three-dimensional cubes, for example, can and should be played by boys and girls as they teach important spatial skills. Dr Clare Brett, of the University of Toronto/Ontario Institute of Studies in Education, says while older boys in their teens will use computers for gaming, girls of this age generally use technology for social networking.

The role of biological differences in toy choices remains a topic of much debate, but researchers do agree that gender-specific toys can have a significant and even detrimental impact on our children’s development. And many place the blame firmly at the feet of retailers, who in recent years have taken to using the gender divide as a marketing tool.

Toy stores are often clearly divided along gender lines, with aisles of dolls and pinkpackaged toys aimed at girls, while the boys get to choose from an array of action toys and vehicles in a separate aisle.

aisle bias A UK campaign called “Let Toys be Toys” is now pushing for retailers to organise toys by theme, rather than by gender. “Boys and girls need the chance to develop in all these areas, but many stores divide toys into separate boys’ and girls’ sections. Action, construction and technology toys are predominantly marketed to boys while social role play and arts and crafts toys are predominantly marketed to girls. Both boys and girls miss out this way,” notes the campaign’s website. The campaign also highlights the fact that toys themselves are inherently gender neutral, and that the real difference is how they are played with. While a boy could use a couple of dinosaur figurines as contenders in a ferocious prehistoric battle, his sister may prefer to use them to enact a story.

toys for all Judith Blakemore, a professor of psychology at Indiana University-Purdue University in Indiana, says toys that are not gender-typed are more likely to develop a child’s physical, cognitive, musical and academic skills. As parents, we of course have considerable influence over the toys our children play with, adds Eliot. It’s up to us to encourage our children to explore all the aisles in the toy shop, despite the best efforts of retailers and marketers to amplify gender stereotypes. Find building toys that appeal to girls and boys, for example, to encourage hand/eye co-ordination and spatial skills. Remember that dolls teach empathy, an important attribute for children of both genders, she adds.

Remember that dolls teach empathy, an important attribute for children of both genders.

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calendar

what’s on in

October & November For more events go to childmag.co.za/whats-on or submit an event for Dec/Jan before 3 November to capetown@childmag.co.za

21 October Nitro Circus Live

hurry! catch ‘em while you can 21 September

The Cape Town Fringe Festival Running until 8 October, the Fringe puts theatre at the centre of the city’s communities, while giving audiences and artists the opportunity to expand their horizons. There are 14 performance spaces in the Cape Town metropolitan area this year. For costs and programme details, visit capetownfringe.co.za

1 October

Fantasy Skate Want to experience “ice” skating for the first time? Glide with Fantasy Skate, an outdoor synthetic ice rink. Developed by skate professionals in Canada and operated by Cape Town locals, this rink is the real deal!

A fun, family outdoor skating experience using real ice skates. Not suitable for children under four years. Proceeds go to the Rotary charity. It is open daily from 11am–6pm until 31 October, on the wharf, Pierhead Deck at the V&A Waterfront.

It costs R30 per person per 20 minutes slot. Contact: 021 408 7600 or visit info@ waterfront.co.za or waterfront.co.za

6 October Premiére of My Little Pony: The Movie

29 September

Furry Friday

30 September

After Ever After

Show your support for International Animal Week (4–12 October) by helping raise awareness for animals in distress across Cape Town. Get involved by purchasing your SPCA-branded ribbon for R20. Or have an in-house, bestdressed challenge or a growling, howling, barking mad competition. Then send in your photos or videos to be shared online with other SPCA supporters.

Visit capespca.co.za

Fairy Workshop

What happens after every fairy tale ends and the characters live happily ever after?

Did you ever want to know? Find out in this show for and with children, and suitable for the whole family. Show times are 29 September and 5–6 October at 7pm, and 30 September and 7 October at 2:30pm and 6:30pm. It is showing at the Masque Theatre. Tickets are R90.

Book at computicket.com

and kids, from bump up to 12 years of age! The expo runs from 5 October until 8 October. Visit tygervalley.co.za

Red Riding Hood This delightful fairy tale follows the wellloved story of the naughty little girl who disobeys her mother and goes into the woods where she encounters a big bad wolf. The show is full of laughter and audience participation and is great fun for the whole family. This enchanting classic shows at Nassau Theatre, Newlands at 10:30am until 7 October. Tickets are R75.

Book at computicket.com 5 October

Kidz Expo An exciting family expo showcasing carefully selected local products for mom

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which includes lunch and creations to take home. Contact: 021 406 5988 or TableBayDining@suninternational.com

7 October

Busker Festival

Junior Whale Spotter Workshops

International and local buskers are at the V&A Waterfront until 8 October. The Buskers’ Festival, which closes the Cape Town Fringe Festival, offers a programme of free-to-enter performances on four stages at the V&A Waterfront. Audiences are only expected to pay for what they like and can do so by putting money into the performers’ hats – a tradition called ‘hatting’. Visit ctbuskersfestival.co.za

On selected days in October and November – depending on group preferences – you can spend 90 minutes learning about local whale and dolphin species. Topics cover when and where to view whales from land, what to look for, what to photograph, and the importance to local tourism economies of whale watching during the annual migration of southern right whales and humpback whales. Workshops are suitable for children in grades 5–6 and their parents, and cost R40 for adults and R30 for children. Contact: 079 391 2105, awhaleofaheritageroute@gmail.com or Facebook: A Whale Of A Heritage Route

Baxter Dance Festival 2 October

nationwide. Book at numetro.co.za or sterkinekor.co.za

Join a magical fairy world at Bugz Playpark in Kraaifontein. Activities include decorating a Funtastic fairy at 10am, for R200, or decorating a Magic House at 1:30pm for R240. Prices include the activity and VIP entrance for your child.

Booking is essential; contact melissa@ bugz.co.za

Emerging and established choreographers and dance companies have an opportunity to present their work. Performances are at 8pm on 6 and 9–14 October, 5pm on 7 October and 1pm on 14 October at the Baxter Theatre Centre. Tickets are R40– R100. Book at computicket.com 6 October

Premiére of My Little Pony: The Movie The story centres on the ‘Mane 6’ characters – Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Rarity – who embark on a quest to use the magic of friendship and save their home. This animated film opens in cinemas

Mini Chef – No Fish Would Go Anywhere without a Porpoise Executive Chef Jocelyn Myers-Adams brings children, food and fun together in a series of Alice in Wonderland-inspired culinary workshops. Children get to work side by side with chefs for two inspiring hours while learning some special tricks of the trade. Cook SASSI–friendly fresh fish fingers with chips and fancy bread rolls. Suited to 5–12 year olds, the class runs from 12:30pm–2:30pm at The Table Bay – Atlantic. It costs R325 per child,

Family and Friends CPR and Paediatric first aid A three-hour course on basic CPR, as well as first aid for children. The first aid section is an extra hour added to the CPR lesson. From 9am on 7 October and 4 November at PEC, 56 Victoria Road, Plumstead. The Family and Friends CPR course is R280, the CPR and paediatric first aid R340. Contact: 021 705 6459, training@pec.co.za or pec.co.za 8 October

Blessing of the Fishing Fleet The Portuguese Cultural and Welfare Centre of Cape Town holds this annual festival at the V&A Waterfront, which begins with Holy Mass at 10:30am followed by the blessing of the fleet at 12pm. Food stalls, a beer garden and live entertainment are on offer from 1pm–3:30pm. Tickets available at the door. Contact: 021 408 7600 or info@waterfront.co.za 14 October

LGBTI Proud 2B Parents support group This is a group of LGBTI parents with children, who meet on a regular basis to exchange experiences of everyday life.

The group organises social gatherings magazine cape town

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calendar in a relaxed way on a regular basis. Watch the Facebook page for more info on the gatherings. Visit Facebook: Proud 2B ~ LGBTI Parents

this is the ideal show for anyone with an interest in water-based activities. Contact: 021 408 7600 or info@waterfront.co.za 21 October

Cape Town Homeschool Expo

Caversham open day

The expo offers a number of exhibitors, seminars and workshops, making it worthwhile for parents who are considering home education, parents who have just started, and experienced parents. You can meet other homeschooling parents in the food court and there is plenty of space for children to play. It runs from 9am–3pm at El Shaddai Christian School, Durbanville. Entry is R50 for adults.

Contact: 087 231 1644, info@kragdag. co.za or homeschoolexpo.co.za

Find out more about the ECD qualification courses offered by Caversham Institute from 9am–11am at Bastion Primary School, Brackenfell. Contact: 078 422 0047 or cavershaminstitute.co.za

Micklefield School Mountain Biking Event Set on the magnificent De Grendel Estate, the Micklefield MTB event offers a fun morning out for the whole family. There will be a 15km and 5km cycle and a 5km walk. Cash registration on the day is from 8am with entry fees ranging from R50– R150. Contact: 021 685 6494, joanne@ micklefield.co.za or micklefield.co.za

The Big Farm Taste Cheese, wine, craft beer, boergoat meat, “skaapstertjies”, tripe and ice-cream all await you at Sandringham outside Stellenbosch. Apart from the unique tasting experiences, visitors can listen to popular Afrikaans singers, join the line dancers or Boeresport, or enter the Big Ice-cream Eating Competition or the Big Braai Competition. The programme takes place from 9am–6pm. Tickets are from Computicket or at the gate at R80 for adults, R50 for children 14–18 years old and free for children 13 and under. Visit livestock.org.za

Pinsa Charity golf day Tee off in support of the Primary Immunodeficiency Network of South Africa, and enjoy a light dinner. The start is from 11:56am–1:56pm at Langebaan Country Estate, and the entry fee is R2 500 per fourball. Contact: 082 780 5233 or 083 661 9162

Elf Montessori open days If you are interested in a Montessori Early Childhood Development career, then you can attend an open day to find out more about the courses that are offered. Open days take place on 21 October and 11 November from 10am–12pm at 55 Main Road, Mowbray. Contact: 021 685 8119 or elfmontessori.co.za

Nitro Circus Live This global action sports phenomenon brings along an all-new show, filled with unbelievable world firsts, spectacular tricks and mind-blowing stunts. Adding to the excitement, action sports icon Travis Pastrana joins this summer’s tour, and will ride in South Africa for the first time. Catch the action at 8:30pm at Cape Town Stadium. Tickets are R345–R1500.

Book at computicket.com 24 October

MamaMagic – The Baby Expo Find show specials, expert advice, children’s entertainment, prizes, nappy changing and breastfeeding facilities and more. Open from 9am at the Cape Town International Convention Centre until 29 October.

Tickets are R65 for adults, or free entry for children under two. Visit mamamagic.co.za 28 October

Cannons Creek Carnival and Craft Market From 9am–2pm, there will be rides, an animal farm, tea garden, craft stalls, food stalls and more. The school is in Pinelands.

Entry fee is R5. Contact: 021 531 5011 or infohs@cannonscreek.co.za.

Fabric Painting workshop Adults and children can join this free twohour workshop from 8:45am in Pinelands.

There is another free workshop on 25 November. The kit for the free class costs R50. Contact: 021 531 8076, 082 391 4954 or wendyadriaan@telkomsa.net

Michael Oak Fair Walk through the door to the Secret Garden and spend a day of enchantment and wonder at the annual Michael Oak Fair, open from 11am–4pm. Find exquisite craft, delicious food, live entertainment and fun games for every age at 4 Marlow Rd, Kenilworth. Visit Facebook: Michael Oak Waldorf School

Technology and your Toddler Play Sense brings you this informative talk at 6pm–7pm, at Claremont Library, Wilderness Road. The price is R75, or free for Play Sense parents. Contact: info@ playsense.org or playsense.org 25 October

Museum Night Explore the museums of the V&A Waterfront after dark. Museums around the property will open from 5pm–10pm, offering free admission, with a number of other attractions offering half-price admission.

The museum exhibitions are supported by an exciting programme of artistic performances and walkabouts. Contact: 021 408 7600 or info@waterfront.co.za

Kite Festival Embrace your right to fly and have kiteflying fun in Muizenberg on 28 and 29 October. It’s Africa’s biggest kite festival and kiters from around the world show off their incredible creations. With food trucks, live entertainment and free kite-making workshops, it’s a fabulous family day out in support of Cape Mental Health. Adults pay R40, children 12 years and younger R15.

Contact: 021 447 9040, info@cmh.org. za or Facebook: Cape Town International Kite Festival

26 October 19 October

Art Franschhoek

Clipper Round the World Yacht Race

This year Art Franschhoek will once again ‘open its doors’ to the public for a month, from 26 October–27 November. Visitors will be treated to an abundance of art with the town’s many galleries and resident artists showcasing their finest works. To celebrate the start of the festival, there will be special events during the weekend of 27 to 29 October. For a programme of events visit franschhoek.org.za

Held at the V&A Waterfront from 19–31 October, the Race includes free boat tours open to the public. Visitors can meet the crew of amateur sailors from the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race at the Race Village, and get a taste of what it would be like to be an ocean racer. Contact: 021 408 7600 or info@waterfront.co.za 20 October

27 October

Cape Town International Boat Show

WPPS Christmas Market

This boating event sees yachts, catamarans and more on the water in the V&A Waterfront harbour. Alongside the water display is an exhibition with a wide variety of boating equipment and services suppliers.

Held from 20–22 October, 10am–6pm,

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This annual Christmas market offers a variety of gift stalls, food stands, a tea garden and drone racing competitions.

Open from 10am–7pm at Western Province Preparatory School, 49 Newlands Road, Claremont. Entry is free. Contact Jessica: 021 761 8074 or mcculloch@wpps.org.za

SPCA Howl-O-Ween Wiggle Waggle Walkathon Join hundreds of animal lovers and their four-legged friends as they take part in this year’s walk to raise funds for animals in need. Food trucks, live entertainment and more available. The walk is at the Cape Academy of Mathematics, Science and Technology in Tokai, from 2:30pm–7pm.

It costs R55 per person and R45 per dog online; or R60 per person and R50 per dog on the day. Contact: 021 700 4141 or digital@capespca.co.za

DSK Family Bazaar Enjoy a fun-filled day for the whole family, with a huge range of entertainment and activities for youngsters, as well as for lovers of German food, music and beer. Exciting activities on offer include go-karting, archery, trampolining, a foefie slide, face painting and more. Plus find bargains, Christmas goods and food stalls.

Tickets are available at Quicket or at the door, at R50 for adults; free admission for children, but children still require a ticket.

The event is from 10am–10pm at the German International School Cape Town, Tamboerskloof. Contact: basar@dsk.co.za

5 November Gift of the Voice Delightful young voices ring out across the V&A Waterfront amphitheatre from 6–10 November as 10 junior and senior primary school choirs battle to win the coveted title and grand prize of the third annual Gift of Voice competition. The competition takes place from 6:30pm–8:30pm and admission is free. Contact: 021 408 7600 or info@ waterfront.co.za

Green Faire 2017 This eco expo promotes a sustainable lifestyle – especially as it is powered by solar and wind power – and includes exhibits from local eco consultants and NGOs, water and energy saving devices, zero waste options, healthy food, children’s interactive activities and inspiring talks. The highlight is the Planet Warriors Children’s festival featuring the Trash to Treasure market, Eco Fashion show and Talent Contest. Open from 10am–5pm at Kronendal Primary School, Hout Bay. Adults pay R30 and children R10. Contact: 072 797 0904 or greenfaire.org.za 24 November

Premiére of Coco

Cape Natural History Club outing Travel by bus to Kleinplasie Open Air Museum for a tour of the farm and experience how the early farmers farmed their land. Then travel to the Karoo National Botanical Gardens and enjoy the walks and flora at leisure. The bus departs from Plumstead at 7:30am and Cape Town at 8:15am, returning to Cape Town at about 5pm. Various costs involved. Visit capenaturalhistoryclub.co.za

In Disney•Pixar’s new animated film, Miguel dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz.

Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colourful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events. Opens in cinemas nationwide today.

Book at numetro.co.za or sterkinekor.com 25 November

Shrek The Musical A theatrical fairy tale, where the Prince isn’t charming, the Princess is a wreck, there’s a Donkey with attitude, and the only hope is an ogre named Shrek! Make room for ogre-sized family fun in this magazine cape town

colourful and action-packed musical adaptation of the hit movie Shrek. Performances are at 7:30pm Tuesday–Saturday, and 3pm Saturday and Sunday, until 9 December at The Playhouse, Somerset West.

Tickets are R120–R150. Book at computicket.com

Milnerton Pre-primary Spring Fair The theme this year is ‘Superheroes and Princesses’.

Children (and adults if they like) can go dressed up according to the theme and there will be prizes for the best dressed. There are also craft stalls, food stalls, a jumping castle and some very exciting games for the children.

Open from 9am–2pm on the corner of Jansen and Koeberg Roads. Adults pay R10, children under 12 years old R5. Contact: 078 563 8617 or glenda@ c2cmanagement.co.za

Open days Curro Academy Sandown information days Curro Academy Sandown is a new school opening in January 2018 in Sunningdale, Cape Town, catering for babies from three months to Grade 5 learners. Join the information meeting to find out more on 17 and 31 October at 7pm at Sunningdale Sport Club Bowls Clubhouse, 2 Waterville Crescent; or on 14 October at 9am at Goju Kai Karate Dojo, Village on Main, Parklands.

Contact: 083 297 7652 or info. sandown@curro.co.za

Michael Oak Waldorf introductory talk Interested parents can get more information about the school and the Waldorf approach to education at this talk on 11 November, 10am–12pm.

The school is at 4 Marlow Rd, Kenilworth. Contact: 021 797 9728 or michaeloak.org.za

Curro Castle Uitzicht information days Curro Castle Uitzicht is a brandnew nursery school opening in Uitzicht, Durbanville, in 2018 and accommodates children from three months to five years (Group 1 to Group 5). Join the meeting to find out more at 7pm on 16 and 31 October at Durbanville Golf Club. Contact: 083 297 7633 or info.castleuitzicht@curro.co.za

Parklands College open day The public are welcome to view the College and its facilities from 10am–1pm on 14 October. The Pre-primary and Junior Preparatory Faculty are situated at 91 Raats Drive, Parklands; the Senior Preparatory Faculty is at 50 Wood Drive, magazine cape town

Parklands; and the Secondary Faculty is at 1 College Avenue, Sandown. Contact: 021 521 2700

Holiday activities Progress-boosting holiday swimming clinics Help children boost their swimming ability while enjoying the benefits of physical exercise and getting rid of some excess energy. Two-, three- and five-day clinics are available in the heated indoor pool in Claremont.

Costs range from R190–R450. Contact: headstartswim@gmail.com

Cricket Holiday clinic Join us for four days of cricketing activities to prepare yourself correctly for the upcoming season. Aimed at children 4–13 years old, the clinic runs from 3–6 October, 9am–1pm at the UCT Cricket Oval. It costs R650. Contact: 0861 123 273, adam@ cricketschool.co.za or cricketschool.co.za

Markets Groote Post Country Market Groote Post in Darling Hills becomes a hive of activity from 10am–3pm on 29 October and 26 November, brimming with delectable and beautiful country offerings. Guests

can expect artisan foods, arts and crafts, homeware and décor, and of course, Groote Post’s well-loved wines as well as loads of children’s activities. Contact: 022 492 2825, wine@grootepost.co.za or grootepost.com

City Bowl Market The market has various delicious food stands, live music, tasty chocolate brownies, doughnuts, Turkish delight, macaroons, dates, cakes and more. Stroll around or sit in the courtyard. The market trades from 4:30pm–8:30pm every Thursday, at 14 Hope Street in Gardens. Visit Facebook: City Bowl Market on Hope October/November 2017

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let’s party

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family market

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finishing touch

the show must go on Children’s concerts tend to provide an equal dose of anxiety and

t

Conor, Erin and Anél

he best thing about children’s concerts is that you actually get two shows for the price of one. Every performance is in fact a double billing, and there’s almost always a surprise element thrown in. Last year, I received a note from the school informing me that Conor was going to be a king in the end-of-year concert and he needed green tights. Besides the fact that finding green tights for my 32kg son in the middle of summer was as much fun as looking for that little end piece on a roll of Sellotape, he was emphatic that he would not be taking part in any activity that involved a stage, an audience, or green tights.

The day of the performance dawned and, being the eternal optimists that we are, my husband, Craig, and I packed the picnic basket (and the green tights) in case Conor decided to perform. Once we had sent him to his

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classroom, with tights in hand, we settled on a spot near the back where we would not be too much of a distraction for our reluctant “king”.

The music started, and two sovereigns, resplendent in purple and red, made their way across the stage. Of course, Conor was nowhere to be seen. I had almost given up on my little thespian when a flash of green caught my eye. And there he was, my mini-monarch, striding purposefully across the stage. I would have been happy enough with that performance. I mean, it’s not every day that you get to see your son on stage wearing his sister’s best friend’s green Woolies leggings. But then Conor launched into his second performance of the night – involving energetic leg kicks that resembled a mix of Axl Rose from Guns ‘n Roses and Johnny Clegg. I have never seen such a spirited rendition of the air guitar before. For all his earlier moaning, Conor loved every minute of his three minutes in the limelight. (And he eventually joined the other kings to hand over his gift, as per the script.)

A similar thing happened a few months ago when Conor was billed as one of the ‘men’ in his school concert.

Again, the costume he had to wear seemed to be a source

of much consternation. He was supposed to be in a pair of jeans. But Conor, who is happiest barefoot and wearing shorts, was not interested in donning anything denim.

I really thought that this time, he would opt instead to give the show a miss. But, as the music started, I was most bemused to see my son appear from stage left, defiant in jeans that had deliberately been put on inside out. It was his own act of defiance, almost as if to say: “Fine, you want me in jeans? Then I’m wearing them my way.”

But, despite all the shenanigans, mishaps and costume malfunctions, there’s something incredibly endearing about seeing your child on stage. For all his recalcitrance ahead of a performance, Conor actually enjoys being part of the show with his friends; and his face when the audience applauds at the end makes all the costume changes and tears worthwhile. And, to be quite honest, we secretly look forward to the double-bill performances with that something extra thrown in for laughs.

Anél Lewis has invested in a few pairs of extra-large tights in several colours, so that she can start preparing Conor for his next show ahead of time.

magazine cape town

PHOTOGRAPH: craig lewis

amusement – for both the child and the parent, says ANÉL LEWIS.

recipes

Siba keeps it

simple

Quick and easy recipes from South African celebrity chef Siba Mtongana that won’t keep you slaving over the stove.

Raw Beet And Carrot Salad Ingredients: 200g shredded carrots 200g shredded beets 60g baby spinach, rinsed thoroughly Dressing: 80ml olive oil 4 tbsp red wine vinegar 2 tbsp fresh parsley 1 tsp honey Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper Method: 1. In a large bowl, mix the shredded beet and carrots together with the baby spinach leaves and place on a platter.

2. In a small jug, mix the dressing ingredients together. Drizzle over the salad just before serving and toss lightly.

Baked Salmon and Sriracha Sauce

images courtesy of Food Network

Ingredients: 1kg farmed salmon Pinch smoked flaked sea salt 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped 1 tsp fresh ginger, finely grated 12 red salad (spring) onions, chopped (including the green and red part) 75g cashew nuts, roughly chopped 3 tbsp peanut oil 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice 1 tbsp fish sauce 2 tsp sriracha sauce 1 tbsp honey Method: 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C and lightly grease a roasting pan with oil. Place the fish on the greased pan, skin down, and season well with smoked salt. Then rub the garlic and ginger onto the flesh of the fish.

2. In a jug, mix together the chopped nuts, spring onions, peanut oil, lemon juice, fish sauce, sriracha and honey. Scoop out the solids and place in a long line in the centre of the fish and then pour over the remaining liquid.

3. Bake in the oven for 15–18 minutes until the fish flakes when pushed with your finger – take care not to overcook the fish.

Goji Berry Granola Bars Ingredients 35g dried cranberries, chopped 35g dried goji berries 60g sunflower seed 60g mixed chai seeds 80g pumpkin seeds 60g linseed seeds 75g pistachios, roughly chopped 75g macadamia nut, chopped 100g white chocolate, roughly chopped

65g oats 125ml honey 125ml macadamia butter Topping: 250g–350g white chocolate, melted 35g goji berries 40g lightly toasted fresh coconut

Method: 1. Preheat oven to 170°C. Grease and line a 23cm x 33cm baking tray with foil and grease the foil. In a large bowl, add all the ingredients (except for topping ingredients) and mix until well combined.

2. Tip into the prepared, lined baking tray. Wet the palm of your hands with water and press the granola down firmly until level – wetting your hands prevents the mixture from sticking as you press it.

3. Bake for 15 minutes until slightly golden. Meanwhile, melt the chocolate in a double boiler. Remove the granola bake from the oven and cover with the melted chocolate. If you would prefer less chocolate, you can lightly drizzle instead of completely covering the bars. Sprinkle over the goji berries and fresh coconut.

4. Leave to cool and then chill in the fridge so it hardens slightly. Once chilled, remove from the tin, peel off foil and cut into 15 evenly sized bars. Serve as a snack or place in an airtight container for up to three weeks.

Siba Mtongana is star of the television cooking show Siba’s Table, which is broadcast on DStv’s Food Network channel, and is also aired in more than 130 countries. This collection of recipes comes from the first episode in the new season of Siba’s Table (Season 3) on Food Network. She is also author of the cookbook Welcome to My Table.

Watch Siba’s Table (Season 3) at 20:00 CAT on Food Network, DStv Channel 175.