Mum's Mail Durban, Pietermaritzburg and Midlands - August 2020 by famouspublishing

Incorporating Pietermaritzburg & Midlands

Issue 181 | Durban | August 2020 | FREE

EVERYDAY LIFE 3 4 6 8

10-11 12 14

From The Editor’s Desk... Meet the Cover Stars You Have the Power to Save A Life Get Rewarded for making good Money Choices Meet the Driving Force behind South Coast Tourism Annual Gardener Presentation a Blooming Success Mothers in Need

DELICIOUS LIFE/HOME LIFE

CONTENTS

17 18 18 19 20

Local Foodie Launches Lockdown Recipe Book Lemon Chicken Soup Sausage & Egg Casserole Make-Ahead Coffee Cake Yummylious Eat-Some- MoreBiscuits Victorian Cream Sponge Cake

HEALTHY LIFE 22 23 24 26-27 28

Dr Megan @ Home: Women’s Month Organ Donor Month World Breastfeeding Week Advice for Managing Covid-19 Pain and Fever Safely at Home It’s all About Feelings

Dr NB Sheik: Specialist Paediatrician

30-31

Meet our Lockdown Shrinkers

EDUCATED LIFE/KIDS’ LIFE 32 33

34-35 36 37 38-39

Critical and Non-Critical Information Identification Teaching Keyword Identification From An Early Age How to Know if Your Child is School Ready Connecting Through Creativity Dear Rockstar Mama Grade 9s: Let the Three Ps

Guide You When Choosing Your Subjects 40

Win a Must-Have Funky Cotton Teepee

Organisational Tips For Kids

PIETERMARITZBURGH AND MIDLANDS 43 44 45 46 48 50 52-53 54-55 56-57

Lockdown Entertainment Some Hope for Income Earners During Covid-19 Book Reviews by Bargain Books How to Help Let’s get SENSE-able About Your Baby’s Sleep Looking After your Mental Health Involves More Than You Think Effective Reading From An Early Age Embracing Uncertainty in the Future Of Work Growing Spinach in a Jar Experiment

THE MUM’S MAIL TEAM

Editor: Sarah Mackintosh • sarah@mumsmail.com • Enquiries: 031 - 714 4700 Accounts: meghan@mumsmail.com • Designer: Wendy Offer Advertising Sales: Bev Delew • bev@mumsmail.com | Anisha Singh • anisha@mumsmail.com Cover Photographer: Megan Hancock Photography, www.meganhancockphotography.co.za Printed sponsored by

, a division of Novus Holdings

DISCLAIMER: Neither the Publisher, Printer or Editor can be held responsible for damages or consequences of any omissions or errors, as every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the information in Mum’s Mail. We do not guarantee the performance or quality of service of any of the advertisers in this magazine. No part of Mum’s Mail magazine may be reproduced without the written consent of the Editor.

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From the Editor’s Desk... N

ot so long ago, the schools had just gone back - and now they have closed again! To all the parents out there - I feel your pain! I am really struggling to home school and get work done at home... but at least we know we’re all in this together. I would love to hear from you if you have any great ideas or hacks that you have tried at home over lockdown - anything from craft ideas, educational games, and ideas to get your kids away from their screens, recipes, cleaning or organisational hacks (anything) - that I can share with our readers. Please email me on sarah@mumsmail. com if you would like to share your ideas! This month is Women’s Month, and in honour of this I interviewed Phelisa

Mangcu – an incredibly talented single mom and career woman from KZN. I hope you fi nd it inspiring! We also feature women’s health advice, fi nancial advice and more. This month is also Bone Marrow Stem Cell Donation and Leukaemia Awareness Month (a cause very close to our hearts) – you can read all about The Sunflower Fund and how you can help this amazing cause. We also have some great fi nancial advice for you, something that’s very relevant at the moment with people’s jobs and salaries having been affected negatively by the lockdown. You will also fi nd health advice, parenting advice, and of course our ever-popular recipes and competitions, plus much more! I hope you will fi nd our content relevant and enjoy reading our little toolbox for the young family! Sarah x

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Meet the

COVER STARS

OUR BEAUTIFUL COVER STARS ARE THANIKA (4) AND EDAASHIV (10 MONTHS) NAIDOO FROM MUSGRAVE.

heir parents are Merandhren and Dhanapathrie Naidoo (known to family and friends as Meran and Dhana). Dhana is a qualified optometrist turned stay at home mom and Meran is a transport consultant. “Thanika is a gentle little lady, with lots of opinions. She makes us laugh with her funny, made-up stories and creative pretend play ideas,” says the proud mom. “Thanika loves crafts, playing with playdough and cooking with mummy. She has adapted to being a big sister so well and she makes mum and dad so proud when she looks out for her brother.” “Edaashiv is a ball of energy! He loves to grab and play with mum and dad’s phone or the TV remote. He’s fearless and very determined, and loves climbing, stretching and pulling whatever catches his fancy. Edaashiv loves tickles

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and giggles loudly and squirms his body when we hit the right spot!” Dhana says that Sunday afternoon picnics at the Botanical Gardens have been a ritual of theirs for a while, prior to the lockdown. They take finger foods and find a nice comfy spot in the sun and open space for the kids to run/crawl. “These days we have to make do with a morning stroll on the promenade with an ice cream break on the way back. And on cold days, there’s nothing better that pilling up the kids in bed with us and watching videos,” says Dhana. What do you love about being parents? “Having a legit reason to be silly!” laughs Dhana. “But on a serious note, we have always believed that the best way to teach our little humans life skills, is to model it ourselves in our daily lives. So as little as our kids are, they have made us into better people, literally!” Any advice to new parents out there? “Trust your mummy and daddy instincts with your newborn and nurture their personalities as toddlers. And try to remember that most ‘bad’ behaviour is actually a sign of them needing sleep, food or comfort!” concludes Dhana.

Written by Sarah Mackintosh

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hile there is very little public awareness about the far-reaching impact of leukaemia and other blood disorders, growing support from several leading organisations globally has signaled the importance of sharing critical information and providing individuals with opportunities to support and make a difference in the lives of such patients. Leukaemia – a cancer of blood-forming tissues, including bone marrow – is one of more than 70 blood disorders diagnosed daily in thousands of adults and children around the world. It is treatable with a blood stem cell transplant. A blood stem cell (or bone marrow transplant, as it is more commonly known) is a process by which a patient’s unhealthy cells are replaced with healthy cells from a

You Have the Power to SAVE A LIFE THE SOUTH AFRICAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH COMMEMORATES BONE MARROW STEM CELL DONATION AND LEUKAEMIA AWARENESS MONTH ANNUALLY FROM 15 AUGUST TO 15 OCTOBER. matching donor. The Sunflower Fund partnered by DKMS is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the fight against blood cancer and blood disorders by recruiting

potential stem cell donors to provide patients in need of a stem cell transplant with a second chance at life. Recent statistics have revealed that every 27 seconds, someone in the world is diagnosed with a blood disorder. While it’s important to showcase this statistic to raise awareness, the Sunflower Fund draws on Bone Marrow Stem Cell Donation and Leukaemia Awareness Month to highlight the dire need for South Africans to help by joining the registry of stem cell donors. Individuals between the ages of 18 and 55 can register as donors. In the wake of COVID-19, the Sunflower Fund has redirected their donor recruitment efforts online. Registering as a blood stem cell donor has never been easier - you can do so by completing an online registration form on www.sunflowerfund.org and following the simple steps.

For more information on becoming a blood stem cell donor or to discuss other ways of support contact the Sunflower Fund on 0800 12 10 82 or send your query via WhatsApp on 074 715 0212 and they will call you back. Sandiswa (9) is pictured with her mom Ayanda during one of her treatment sessions. She has Fancomi Anemia – a blood disorder affecting the bone marrow treatable by a stem cell transplant. They live in KZN and she is in need of a blood stem cell transplant

EVERYDAY LIFE WWW.MUMSMAIL.COM

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Get Rewarded for making good

MONEY CHOICES

NOTHING BEATS THE SATISFACTION OF PUTTING A SMILE ON SOMEONE’S FACE WHEN WE TELL THEM THAT THE R200 A MONTH INVESTMENT THEY STARTED 20 YEARS AGO WILL BE ENOUGH TO PUT THEIR CHILD THROUGH UNIVERSITY.

r handing a grieving spouse the proceeds of a policy to help to make things easier at one of the worst times. We know you want to save for a rainy day and enjoy a comfortable retirement. We also know how much you love your family and want the absolute best for them even if you weren’t around to provide for them. Everyday our customers remind us that a good financial decision made today will change a life tomorrow. But making smart money choices aren’t always that easy, are they? So, what could be holding you back from making the right financial decisions more often? Not having much ‘financial’ confidence might be the answer. It’s very difficult to make any decision if you aren’t confident about the choice you are making. In fact, most people would rather avoid making the decision altogether.

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But what if we told you that you can build your financial confidence and make the most out of your money, all while earning rewards? Our Old Mutual Rewards programme will reward you for building your financial knowledge and for every smart financial step you take. Get all the tools and information to help you stay on track on your financial journey. You can learn (and earn) more about the way you deal with money by doing assessments on financial stress, your saving habits and about your money personality. Old Mutual’s Moneyversity will provide you with free courses through interesting videos, infographics, calculators and quizzes with all the information you need to become financially savvy. Choose from Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced Courses to suit your skill level. Get to learn more about budgeting, tax, how to cope

with debt, compound interest, choosing the right insurance, how having a financial plan can help you, the ways you can invest for your retirement, bonds and home ownership and how to turn financial dreams into plans. There are so many easy and fun ways to fill up your points wallet! Everyone can sign up to the Old Mutual Rewards programme for free. You don’t need to be an Old Mutual customer to qualify. Every 10 points you earn equals R1 in your pocket. Spending your reward points • You can make your points work for you and invest them into an Old Mutual product. • Spent your points with any of Old Mutual’s retail partners - get discounts on domestic flights, spend them in-store with partners such as Dischem and Checkers, buy prepaid airtime and bundles or buy vouchers from partners like Sorbet and Uber Eats. • You can also donate your rewards to of our selected charities – SA Solidarity Fund, SOS Children’s Villages, Domestic Animal Rescue Group (DARG) and The Children’s Hospital Trust, just to name a few. The time is now to sign up to Old Mutual Rewards.

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Meet the Driving Force Behind South Coast Tourism IN HONOUR OF WOMEN’S MONTH THIS AUGUST, SARAH MACKINTOSH CHATTED TO PHELISA MANGCU, SINGLE MOM, CEO AND ALL-ROUND SUPER MOM!

helisa is the Ugu South Coast Tourism chief executive officer and lives in Shelley Beach. She has four daughters aged 12, 17, 21 and 27, who she has raised alone for many years. Phelisa got divorced when her eldest daughter was 15 and her youngest was just a baby. “Juggling with a teen and a baby was hectic. BUT you can’t do it by yourself, you need support,” says Phelisa. “I’ve always been a career woman and I have had support from my helper

of 21 years – she helped throughout my divorce and she helped raised my kids!” “You know one thing for sure – you have to balance things. You are a parent, a professional, a woman - you have to find a balance between these things. Finding that balance means you have to have support. You can’t do it on your own. That extra help allows you to do your work. Support is so important. This will allow you to take care of yourself, which is

Phelisa (middle) with her daughters Thando (left) and Ranji (right).

EVERYDAY LIFE WWW.MUMSMAIL.COM

also important. You can’t do everything by yourself, or you will crack.” “For me as a single parent, when I look back, I can say WOW we came from that and we are here now… without boasting I think I’ve done a good job! As a single working mother, I’ve done a lot…” says Phelisa. Phelisa and her then husband moved to the USA in 1992, where their two eldest daughters were born. Having studied and worked there for seven years, South Africa eventually called them home in 1999, and Phelisa says she has no regrets. “I belong in South Africa. I wanted to make a meaningful contribution here, where it will be appreciated. This is our home.” Lockdown love Phelisa has had all her daughters at home over lockdown and she says there has been lots of eating and grocery shopping over this time – I’m sure many parents can relate! “I’m grateful for good bonding time with all my daughters The kids have had to learn to understand each other. As a parent, you have to allow them to solve their own issues!”

Down Time Phelisa loves to bake and cook – it’s what she does to relax. “Cooking is something that I do without any effort… it’s my hobby! That’s what I do to unwind.” She also loves music and comes from a musical family, a talent that has been passed on to her daughters. My eldest daughter is in theatre and plays piano. My second daughter has the voice…” says the proud mom. Career Phelisa is the Chief Executive Officer of UGU South Coast Tourism. Her career in tourism started in Washington DC and New York, and after returning to South Africa she worked for the tourism unit at IDC and then at JHB Tourism until 2018, when Phelisa and her girls moved to KZN. “All my life I worked in the big city, and this was an opportunity to gain experience in coastal and rural tourism,” she explains. Phelisa loves the lifestyle in KZN - she says it’s the same as JHB but with less traffic – and she gets to drive along the coast to get to work! “Tourism is an economic driver worldwide - in KZN, tourism is one of the leading sectors and provides many jobs,” says Phelisa. “Our core business is to grow tourism on the South Coast. To make sure people come here and that we position

the South Coast on the map. We basically have to develop programmes that attract tourists and unlock obstacles along the way - all in the name of growing tourism in the district and contributing to the economy.” Phelisa says the lockdown has been a very difficult time in the tourism industry. “There is no certainty about when domestic tourism will open. The bottom line is that businesses are closing and people are losing jobs. Lockdown has impacted people severely. We hope

that by September domestic tourism will reopen. If domestic tourism opens, the South Coast is the ideal place to be during social distancing - we have wide, outdoor spaces and it is a reasonably priced destination.” “Tourism is a resilient industry. It will recover in time… People are frustrated, businesses are losing, but the moment domestic tourism opens, this will be the start of recovery. It will take time,” concludes Phelisa. By Sarah Mackintosh.

Phelisa with daughters Phumlo (left) and Bantu (right) WWW.MUMSMAIL.COM EVERYDAY LIFE

Annual Gardener Presentation A BLOOMING SUCCESS RENOWNED TV AND MEDIA PERSONALITY, TANYA VISSER, DID NOT FAIL TO DELIVER AT THIS YEAR’S ANNUAL GARDENER PRESENTATION IN SUPPORT OF THE SUNFLOWER FUND AND IN ASSOCIATION WITH MPACT RECYCLING AND CC&A INSURANCE.

his innovative online event took place on Wednesday 15 July 2020 via Facebook Live and guests from around the country tuned in for their fill of all things flora. Tanya, also the owner and editor of The Gardener Magazine and host of The Home Channel’s popular show, ‘The Gardener’ on DSTV, walked guests through an exclusive presentation titled “On the Garden Path”. Tanya’s charismatic and passionate presentation was both informative and therapeutic for the mind and soul.

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Nix O’Driscoll was the morning’s delightful compere and Allison Ekstrand of The Sunflower Fund inspired and enlightened guests about the many new exciting developments at the organisation including their partnership with DKMS – the largest network of donor centres in the world. A few lucky guests walked away with some fantastic lucky draws and raffle prize packages that alone totalled more the R11 600. Valuable funds raised from the event will enable The Sunflower Fund to create awareness and education about blood stem cell donation, recruit more blood stem cell donors, grow the patient support fund and maintain a registry of committed donors. This in turn means greater hope of life for patients who are diagnosed with life-threatening blood diseases and who are in need of a blood stem cell transplant from a matching unrelated donor. The Sunflower Fund wishes to thank Tanya Visser and The Gardener Magazine, Mpact Recycling, CC&A Insurance Brokers, Raw Media, Nix

O’Driscoll and all associated prize sponsors. About The Sunflower Fund partnered by DKMS The Sunflower Fund partnered by DKMS (DKMS is an international non-profit organisation dedicated to the fight against blood cancer) is a donor recruitment centre and stem cell registry for Africa and is part of a global network, dedicated to creating awareness about blood diseases and stem cell donation, recruiting blood stem cell donors and maintaining a registry of committed donors. The Sunflower Fund partnered by DKMS pays for the cost of the tissue-type testing. This is fundamental to saving the lives of South Africans and patients globally who need a stem cell transplant. The chance of finding a matching donor is 1 in 100,000 – and as ethnic origin plays a significant role in the search for a donor, South Africa’s rainbow nation is at a distinct disadvantage, requiring a large pool of prospective donors. For more information on The Sunflower Fund or how to register as a blood stem cell donor, please visit www.sunflowerfund.org or call toll free 0800 12 10 82.

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Mothers in Need WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT IT WOULD TAKE A GLOBAL PANDEMIC FOR SOUTH AFRICANS TO REALISE THE DEPTH OF OUR GENEROSITY?

he outpouring of support, food parcels and masks has been heartwarming in a time when little else seems to be. And yet there are still those on the margins of society who are struggling. COVID-19 relief programme Mothers in Need is a COVID-19 relief programme set up to target one of these margins: refugee mothers. When Joshua Cox, CEO of social enterprise Fix Forward, heard that a seven month pregnant woman who hadn’t eaten in four days had been turned away from a food parcel collection point, he decided something had to be done. Thousands of pregnant women and mothers of newborns don’t qualify for any support from the state because they are undocumented immigrants. This is a desperate time when they, and those around them, have no possibility to earn an income. “At Fix Forward, we’ve continued to support our contractors where we can during lockdown,” explains Josh. “We provide online coaching, advice and leads to keep their businesses ticking over. But hearing about this woman compelled me to do more to reach the most vulnerable: undocumented pregnant women and mothers of newborns.” Mothers in Need Mothers in Need is an interim relief pro-

AACL’s Café has re-opened The Animal Anti-Cruelty League’s Café, a hidden gem 15 minutes from Hillcrest, has re-opened and we can’t wait to see you. The children can visit the animals in our care and play on the grounds, whilst you relax in our Leopard Tree Café which serves delicious breakfasts, light meals and tea. The Café is open Tuesday to Friday 9am to 2.30pm and Saturday 9am to 1.00pm. We closed on Monday, Sunday & Public Holidays. For more information call 031 736 9093

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gramme to provide support to these women. Fix Forward have partnered with The Zoe Project who will help identify suitable women to benefit from this relief. For the last 19 years they have been assisting pregnant women and new mothers with antenatal and mother and baby courses, counselling and birth support. “Many of us are giving to multiple programmes already. For those of us who can, we need to dig deeper. We can all do more. We must do more,” says Josh. Mothers in Need is appealing to individuals to donate R400 a month for six months. This will feed one mother and her newborn child. Josh is reaching out to corporates for the cost of nappies and to feed more women - Shoprite/Checkers has already committed to supporting the cause. 100% of funds donated will go directly to the women. Fix Forward is covering all admin costs and has donated the first R120 000 to support the first 50 women. What do the women get? • Each woman will receive a R400 grocery shopping voucher each month for a period of six months. • They will also continue to access ongoing support from The Zoe Project, both during and after the six month period is up. What are we asking from the public? • Make a once-off contribution towards this programme • Or commit to a six-month debit order to support one woman and child - R400/ month, or whatever you can afford • Spread the word!

For more information visit www.fixforward.com/mothers-inneed.

WWW.MUMSMAIL.COM BEAUTIFUL LIFE

Local Foodie Launches LOCKDOWN RECIPE BOOK

“

SARAH MACKINTOSH CHATTED TO DANIELLE DU TOIT OF PHEKA ABOUT HER NEW PHEKA FRESH SIMPLE RECIPE BOOK, WHICH WAS INSPIRED BY LOCKDOWN.

When my cooking school closed overnight, I decided I would post daily recipes on my pheka Facebook page to inspire my followers,” explains Danielle. “My criteria for recipes to make the lockdown cut was that they had to be healthy, have simple ingredients, and be easy to follow. I got an amazing response from my followers, many of whom asked for the

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pheka lockdown recipes to be turned into a recipe book they could use in everyday life. This is it!” Whether you are wanting a fresh simple meal for the family, passing the dinner duty on to the youngsters in the house, wanting to give a recipe book to somebody who is about to leave home, or if you simply don’t have a clue, then this selection of fresh simple recipes is for you. Danielle has always had a passion for food and teaching - her extensive travels intensifi ed her interest in food and taught her never to be afraid to try new things! “With pheka I now bring exciting flavours into your home in a fresh simple way in the form of an easy to follow recipe book, a dream of mine fi nally come true! My heart has always been in the food industry - for as long as I can remember, I have watched my mum in the kitchen as she taught others to cook. I waited patiently for tasters, quietly taking in everything,” she said. “Inspiration lead me to complete a diploma in food and nutrition in 1995 - I have been involved in the food world ever since both locally and internationally. I had the experience of working in the French Alps in Chamonix, and in the Mediterranean and Caribbean on private yachts. I spent time in Europe, Asia and South America and absorbed everything I could regarding the food and culture of the places I visited. On returning home I stepped into the hospitality industry and spent a few years in the heart of the bush, working for leading SA game lodges, fuelling my passion for people, travel and food.” “I’m back in KZN where my family and roots are. With my two beautiful sons, Luc and Dominic, and husband Andre, I have realised the importance of family time for all – and I hope that pheka allows you to enjoy these fresh and simple pleasures,” concludes Danielle.

You can buy the pheka fresh simple recipe book for R160 (excluding delivery). It is available as a hard copy or an e-book and you can buy it here: www.pheka.co.za.

Lemon Chicken SOUP THIS SIMPLE SOUP IS INFLUENCED BY OUR YEARS OF GLOBAL TRAVELLING.

t has a hint of flavour from the Andes and some Turkish zest! Serves 4 as a light meal Ingredients: • 2 or 3 skinless chicken breasts • 2 teaspoons olive oil or coconut oil • 1 small onion • 1 clove fresh garlic, crushed • 1 peeled and diced carrot • 1 stalk celery • 1½ litre of chicken stock • 1 cup cooked quinoa (or you can use noodles or brown rice) • 1 lemon cut in half and juiced • Salt and pepper to taste • 1 teaspoon Soya sauce • Small handful of fresh parsley. Make your chicken stock with boiling water and keep to one side. Cook a cup of rice, quinoa or noodles as per the instructions on their packaging. Drain and keep aside. Add the chosen oil to the pot, and once this is warm add the diced onion, crushed garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery. Simmer, stirring occasionally. Allow the vegetables to soften without changing colour too much. Add the hot stock, salt, pepper and soya sauce. Cut the chicken breasts in half and add them like to the pot so as to poach the chicken in the stock. Keep the soup on a slow simmer - not a fast boil. Squeeze in the fresh lemon juice - I also throw the lemons into the pot for added lemon flavour. After about eight to ten minutes, take out the breasts and cut through the middle, if white through, shred the chicken into small pieces and keep to one side. If the chicken is still a little pink don’t worry as it will be going back into the soup pot where it will cook more. Just be sure not to overcook the meat at this stage as this can make the

chicken breasts rubbery. Add your choice of cooked rice, noodles or quinoa to the pot to absorb the flavours. Then add the shredded chicken and fresh chopped parsley. Cook for a few more minutes on a gentle heat. If you put lemons in the pot then take them out now.Pour the soup into bowls and garnish each bowl with a bay leaf. Serve warm with a bowl of lemon wedges, your favourite chilli, and a loaf of crusty bread. Recipe by Danielle du Toit.

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Make-Ahead COFFEE CAKE Sausage & Egg CASSEROLE Ingredients • 1 pound bulk pork sausage • 6 large eggs • 2 cups whole milk • 1 teaspoon salt • 1 teaspoon ground mustard • 6 slices white bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Directions In a skillet, brown and crumble sausage; drain and set aside. In a large bowl, beat eggs; add milk, salt and mustard. Stir in bread cubes, cheese and sausage. Pour into a greased baking dish. Cover and refrigerate for eight hours or overnight. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Bake, uncovered, at 180°C for 40 minutes or until a knife inserted in centre comes out clean.

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Ingredients • 3/4 cup butter, softened • 1 cup sugar • 2 large eggs, room temperature • 2 cups all-purpose flour • 1 teaspoon baking soda • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1 cup sour cream • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Icing: • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar • 1 to 2 tablespoons 2% milk Directions Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy; beat in one egg at a time. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, nutmeg and salt; beat into creamed mixture alternately with sour cream. Spread into a greased baking dish. Mix brown sugar, pecans and cinnamon; sprinkle over top. Refrigerate, covered, overnight. Preheat oven to 180°C. Remove coffee cake from refrigerator while oven heats. Bake, uncovered, until a toothpick inserted in centre comes out clean, about 35-40 minutes. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Mix icing ingredients; drizzle over warm coffee cake

YUMMYLIOUS Eat-SomeMore-Biscuits

Ingredients • 250 g butter • 3/4 cup icing sugar • 1 cup cooking oil • 4 cups cake flour Method Preheat oven 175°C. Cream butter till creamy and white. Add in the oil. Add in the icing sugar and beat till fluffy. Add the flour and make a soft pliable dough – let it rest for 15 minutes. Shape and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Store in an airtight container.

Recipe by Shikaar Yadh, 081 326 4419, Shikaaryadh@gmail.com.

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VICTORIAN CREAM SPONGE CAKE TRY THIS DECADENT CAKE FOR WOMEN’S MONTH! Ingredients: • 200g softened butter (plus extra for greasing. I use Stork with Butter) • 200g caster sugar • 4 medium eggs (beaten) • 200g self-raising flour • 1 tsp baking powder • 2 tbsp milk To decorate • 200g strawberry jam • 200ml double cream • Punnet of fresh strawberries • 1 tbsp icing sugar (plus more for dusting) • 2 x 20cm round cake tins Method: Preheat your oven to 190°C (170°C fan) and line the bottom of two 20cm sandwich tins with greaseproof paper. Generously butter the sides of the tins. Add 200g of softened butter and 200g of caster sugar to a large mixing bowl. Cream together using a whisk or an electric mixer. Add two to three tablespoons of the beaten eggs (four eggs

in total) to the butter and sugar mixture and whisk. Repeat until all the egg has been used up. Don’t be alarmed if the mixture looks like it has curdled. Combine 200g of self-raising flour and 1 teaspoon of baking powder then sift a few tablespoons into the egg mixture and whisk. Repeat until all the flour has been used up. Whisk in two tablespoons of milk then divide the batter between the buttered cake tins. Smooth the batter out using a spatula. Bake in the oven on the middle shelf for around 20 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in their tins for fi ve minutes then remove and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Halve each of the strawberries. Pour 300ml of double cream into a bowl

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and add a tablespoon of icing sugar. Whisk the cream and when it starts to stiffen, slow down. It’s done once it retains stiff peaks. Spread approximately 200g of strawberry jam evenly over one of the cakes. Spread the whisked cream over the jam (I sometimes pipe it on but this isn’t necessary). Place halved strawberries on top of the cream around the outside of the cake. You can cover all of the cream with strawberries, but if you don’t have enough then just place a ring of strawberries around the edge. Place the second cake on top of the fi rst and dust with icing sugar. Eat immediately and store any leftover cake in the fridge for up to two days. Recipe by Shikaar Yadh, Shikaaryadh@ gmail.com, 081 326 4419.

WIN! WIN! WIN! Mum’s Mail has 10 copies of Shikaar Yadh’s recipe book, Swadish, to give away, plus a box of cupcakes for Women’s Day! Visit www.mumsmail.com to enter.

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Dr Megan @ Home: WOMEN’S MONTH HOW WONDERFUL THAT WE HAVE AN ENTIRE MONTH TO CELEBRATE THE WOMEN AROUND US.

he ones who glue the family together, keep the peace and hold everyone’s hands through the tough times. As we are all very much aware, we are nothing if we do not have our health. It is so important for women to have an annual medical check-up. Aside from the routine Blood Pressure, Glucose and Cholesterol checks, there are a few “lady” checks to be done too. Women should have an annual pap smear from when they are sexually active. This is the best screening tool we have to detect Cervical Cancer. In fact, the pap smear picks up changes in the cervical cells, long before they are cancerous. This means, we can treat the pre-cancerous lesions with simple and quick procedures to prevent the occurrence of Cervical Cancer. This is extremely important as Cervical Cancer is one of the most common cancers that leads to death in women. Cervical cancer is caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which is sexually transmitted, among other routes of transmission. There

22 HEALTHY LIFE

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is a vaccine for this. This vaccine can be given at any age, but it is most effective in girls aged nine to 13 years old, before they are sexually active. It is designed to allow the immune system to develop a defence against the types of HPV which are cancer causing. The vaccine is given in a couple of doses, over a 6 month period. You need a prescription from your doctor for this vaccination. From the age of 45, we recommend women have annual mammograms to screen for breast cancer. Those with a strong family history of Breast cancer, can consider starting annual checks at a younger age. It is highly advised that you perform monthly self-examinations on your breasts so that any early changes can be quickly identified. In

the majority of cases, the earlier a cancer is identified, the better the long term outcome. From the time of menopause, we suggest women have a bone density scan annually. This is usually done in the same appointment as your mammogram, at your local radiology department. As ladies age, and oestrogen levels drop post menopause, there is a risk of your bones becoming thin and brittle, known as osteoporosis. This increases the risk of severe fractures, especially in the spine and long bones. We all know a little old lady who had a ‘small fall’ and broke her hip. Nobody wants this for themselves. If your bone density is reduced, there are various forms of treatment that can be given including a drip once a year, or tablets taken once a month for convenience. There is no joy in poor health, so this August, I encourage every lady to make an appointment with their GP (virtual if you prefer!) and get one of these tests off the to do list. By Dr Megan Broughton, megan@umhlangagp.net, www.umhlangagp.net.

his includes the use of one heart, two lungs, two kidneys, one liver and one pancreas. One donor can also improve the quality of life of up to 50 more people by donating their tissue - their skin, bone, heart valves and corneas. The problem is that unless someone is actually signed up as a donor, their organs cannot be used after they have passed on and the opportunity to save lives goes to waste. August is Organ Donor Month – in light of this, here is some useful information from the Organ Donor Foundation of South Africa (ODF). The ODF is a non-profit organisation with the aim of addressing the critical shortage of organ and tissue donors in South Africa through awareness and education. This foundation may not seem important or relevant to you, but when you or your loved one becomes ill or is involved in an accident and needs an organ to save their life,

Organ Donor Month DID YOU KNOW THAT ONE PERSON CAN SAVE SEVEN LIVES WHEN THEY BECOME AN ORGAN DONOR? the need becomes very real and so that is why this is something that requires our attention and support. The ODF is the national umbrella body for the promotion of organ and tissue donation. They actively plan and implement education and publicity programmes that are designed to raise awareness of organ donation. The foundation has two main focuses: 1. To raise awareness amongst the entire South African population about the need for, and the benefits of, organ donation and transplantation. 2.To educate medical

professionals, in both the public and private sector, about the transplantation process. They aim to motivate medical personnel to consider organ donation when assessing brain-dead patients and help achieve a more efficient referral system, so that more life-saving organ transplants will be performed in South Africa. They also administer an Emergency Flight Plan, which pays for the transportation of vital organs from outlying areas to transplant hospitals. It is easy to register as an organ donor. Visit the website, click on the link to register as an organ donor and complete the electronic registration form. You will be registered immediately and receive an information pack with your organ donor registration card and stickers in the mail. Registering as an organ donor is completely free of charge.

For more information or to register as an organ donor, visit www.odf.org.za.

• Fully functional dispensary with Over the Counter & Prescription medication • Cash & Medical Aid customers welcome • FREE delivery service • Fully functional clinic • Hire of Surgical Equipment • Front shop offers a selection of vitamins, toiletries, First Aid, and gifting products. Shop 9A Park Boulevard Centre, 11 Brownsdrift Road, Umgeni Park Tel 031 563 0345/7 | Fax 031 563 9622 | WhatsApp 067 076 6671 brownsdriftpharmacy@ion.co.za | Pr: 0715298

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World Breastfeeding Week W

SUPPORT BREASTFEEDING FOR A HEALTHIER PLANET!

orld Breastfeeding Week 2020 will focus on the impact of infant feeding on the environment/ climate change and the imperative to protect, promote and support breastfeeding for the health of the planet and its people. OBJECTIVES OF #WBW2020 • INFORM people about the links between breastfeeding and the environment/climate change. • ANCHOR breastfeeding as a climate-smart decision • ENGAGE with individuals and organisations for greater impact. • GALVANISE action on improving the health of the planet and people through breastfeeding. World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) is a global network of individuals and organisations dedicated to the protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding. Annually, WABA coordinates and organises the World Breastfeeding Week between 1 to 7 August. Why breastfeeding is important for mum From the very first feed you are creating a lasting bond with your baby, and giving him a feeling of comfort and security through skin to skin contact. Not only is breastfeeding free, but breastmilk is ready

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on demand at just the right temperature, without the need to sterilise bottles or carry around a bag of kit when out and about. And then there are some important ways that breastfeeding is good for mother, too… Skin to skin contact and the suckling of your baby at the breast immediately after birth encourages the release of oxytocin (the ‘love hormone’), which sends a signal to your breasts to release milk to your baby. Oxytocin also encourages your uterus to contract, to prevent haemorrhaging and begin to return to its prepregnancy size. Studies have shown breastfeeding provides advantages for mothers, including some protection against: • Premenopausal breast cancer • Developing type II diabetes in the longer term • Ovarian cancer - curiously, if you develop mastitis, your body produces factors which appear to reduce your risk of developing ovarian cancer • Osteoporosis in later life Why breastfeeding is important for your baby Your breastmilk is the only food designed specifically for your baby. It changes as he grows, to suit his needs. There are

both short and long term benefits for your baby if you breastfeed exclusively for the recommended time of six months. • Breastfed babies have fewer and less severe upper and lower respiratory tract infections. • Ear infections are 3 to 4 times more common in infants who are not breastfed. • Breastmilk has factors which protect against urinary tract infections. • Breastfed babies are less likely to suffer from diarrhoea and gastroenteritis. • Constipation is much more common in formula fed infants. • Breastfed babies respond better to vaccines, as their immune system is more mature. • Breastfeeding is protective against SIDS, especially exclusive breastfeeding. • Breastmilk contains vital substances to help the development of your baby’s brain, retina and central nervous system, as well as growth factors and hormones. • Stem calls in breastmilk are thought to play a role in normal growth and development and may have an important functional role later in life. For more information visit www.worldbreastfeedingweek.org.

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Advice for Managing Covid-19 Pain and Fever SAFELY AT HOME EVEN THE SAFEST PAINKILLER MUST BE USED WITH CARE, PHARMACIST WARNS.

ever, body aches and pain are among the commonly reported symptoms of Covid-19 and are also associated with other viral infections, including influenza. While these symptoms can be most unpleasant, frequently they can be managed at home on the advice of a healthcare professional. It is crucial, however, that medications for relieving

symptoms are always used appropriately and safely, a pharmacist warns. “Many Covid-19 patients describe experiencing severe headaches, body aches, sore throat and chest pain, and the most common symptoms reported are fever, chills, and shivers. Paracetamol has been proposed as the safest drug for relief of these symptoms, particularly pain

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and fever, for most of the population,” says pharmacist Ria Westerman of Medipost Pharmacy. “Even though paracetamol is effective and very safe even for pregnant women and babies, as with all medicines, it is extremely important not to exceed the dosage that is specified on the packaging or recommended by your treating doctor. When taken in excessive doses, an overdose of this safe medicine can lead to toxic effects on the body,” she explains. How paracetamol can be helpful for Covid-19 home care Fever - a heightened body temperature of 37.5 degrees Celsius or more is common in our bodies’ response to an infection such as Covid-19. “It has been noted that in certain cases, the pain and fever and other symptoms of the illness can feel so bad that the person becomes anxious and may even experience panic attacks, which could potentially worsen their situation. Fortunately, fever, aches and pains can be effectively managed with paracetamol, which is

inexpensive and readily available without the need for a doctor’s prescription.” Although paracetamol is safe for all ages, from babies to adults, with very few sideeffects and little interaction with other types of medicine, Westerman emphasises that all medicines should be used with care and only as advised. Avoiding overdose “There are many products containing paracetamol, which is the generic name for the compound, and it is available under many different brand names either as a single ingredient or in combination with other ingredients. Accidental overdose is unfortunately common, but can be avoided. If you are taking more than one type of medicine, it is important to check all the ingredients to ensure you do not exceed the safe dosage for paracetamol.” The standard dose for adults is 500mg (one tablet) to 1000mg (two tablets) four times per day. This means that 1000mg, or one gram, is the maximum dose for an adult in a six-hour period, which should never be exceeded, with a maximum of 4000mg (i.e. four grams equivalent to eight tablets) in 24 hours. “Unlike most other types of painkillers, paracetamol can be taken on an empty stomach without causing irritation. In terms of pain relief properties, this is significant as paracetamol can be more rapidly absorbed, bringing more intense relief sooner than most other common oral analgesics. It is a gentle yet powerful painkiller,” she says. Caution for some Westerman points out that paracetamol is unfortunately not suitable for people with liver or hepatic impairment, as it is metabolised or processed through the liver. “As alcohol dependence can affect liver function, these patients should seek their doctor’s advice and only take paracetamol on their recommendation,” Westerman advises. “There are very few interactions with other medications, of which the most significant is the interaction with anticoagu-

lants (blood thinning), such as Warfarin, and people on such treatments should only take paracetamol under supervision or on the recommendation of a physician.” “Although most people who fall ill with Covid-19 are able to recover at home with symptomatic relief, it is important to keep in regular contact with one’s treating doctor and seek medical attention immediately if symptoms worsen. It may also be reassuring to regularly check blood oxygen levels with an oximeter, which is available from leading pharmacies including the Medipost Pharmacy online shop,” Westerman notes. “It is crucial that any medicine is only ever used according to the manufacturer’s or a healthcare professional’s advice, as inappropriate use can be harmful. When taken safely, however, paracetamol can bring immense relief for symptoms of pain and fever during recovery from colds, influenza and less severe cases of Covid-19,” she concluded.

FATHIMA TIMOL

AUDIOLOGISTS AND SPEECH THERAPISTS

Hearing Care and Speech Therapy for the Family

We provide a comprehensive and holistic hearing care and speech therapy service for all age ranges from babies to the elderly. • Dyslexia assessments & therapy • Online speech therapy & audiology consultations

MORNINGSIDE Unit B, 324 Florida Road, Morningside MUSGRAVE MEDICAL CENTRE 2nd Floor, Musgrave Medical Centre, 35 Musgrave Road, Musgrave, Durban

031 303 7798 | www.earstalk.com WWW.MUMSMAIL.COM HEALTHY LIFE/BEAUTIFUL LIFE

hey go from being totally happy the one moment, to tears of frustration and utter despair the next. Sometimes our kids seem impossible to understand! This is because for children, less is said in words, and more is said through behaviour (i.e. body language). So to really understand them, we need to look at what their bodies are telling us about their feelings. Children experience feelings with intensity, quickly and honestly, showing us their inner world via their behaviour, without judgment or perspective. When too many feelings build up inside for them, the feelings explode as “bad” behaviour like anger outbursts, tantrums and meltdowns. It helps to realize that we can’t expect youngsters to easily know and tell us how they are feeling and what they

It’s all About FEELINGS EVER NOTICED HOW FOUR-YEAR-OLDS CAN HAVE A MELTDOWN IN A FEW SECONDS? need. Remember that children live in a feelings world, whereas as adults we tend to ‘live’ in our heads - ruled by logic and reasoning. An easy way to grasp how children experience feelings is to think of feelings building up like waves until they peak and crash. By encouraging our kids to experience each feeling fully, like a wave, it can dissolve. As soon as they let out their feelings, children settle down, and instantly become calmer and happier (like a wave that has crashed to the shore). It’s important to remember: • Feelings aren’t right or wrong - it’s what we do with them that is important (for instance - “You can be furious with your brother, but you can’t hit him”). • Avoid trying to change their feelings - we often deny, ignore or dismiss children’s feelings by implying that their feelings are less important, or wrong, or telling them that they don’t feel a certain way. All feelings are allowed.

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• Actively help them let go of their feelings - so that they can feel settled again (e.g. “how can we get this feeling out so that you can feel calm again? Shall we blow it out, or punch a pillow?”) • Watch out for overreacting - our kids cooperate best when we’re respectful of them and of their feelings. When we’re out of control emotionally they’re less likely to behave and they learn that they can overreact too. • Be honest about your own feelings - kids learn everything about how to understand, express and let out feelings by the way that we manage and express our own feelings. It’s important to honestly say how you’re feeling, especially when their behaviour is affecting you. When we as parents purposefully help our children to fully feel and let go of their feelings in easy and healthy ways, we give them a real opportunity to understand themselves. From this honest place (where all feelings are allowed and welcomed), children naturally change their own behaviour for the better, without having to resort to threats, bribes or manipulation.

For great tools to teach kids emotional intelligence visit www.raisingkidspositively.com or subscribe to psychologist Carol Surya’s YouTube channel.

Dr NB Sheik: SPECIALIST PAEDIATRICIAN DR SHEIK GREW UP IN DURBAN AND IS THE FIRST MEDICAL DOCTOR IN HER FAMILY.

he has a Bachelor degree in Medical Science, MBChB degree and she is a fellow of the College of Paediatrics South Africa. She graduated from UKZN (undergrad) and also did her paediatric speciality training at UKZN. Since completing her internship at King Edward VIII Hospital in Durban and community service at Germiston Hospital, Dr Sheik has had over 14 years’ experience in working with babies and children. She has worked in state hospitals in and around Durban and Pietermaritzburg during her postgrad training, as well as doing outreach work at state hospitals in Zululand. She has assisted the state in litigation cases as a state witness and is an honorary lecturer for UKZN in Paediatrics and assists with training and teaching of medical students. Outside of work, her other interests include archery, baking, travelling and spending time with her family. Dr Sheik practises from Melomed Private Hospital in Richards Bay and Life Empangeni Garden Clinic Private Hospital. She specialises in paediatrics, neonatology, immunisations and well-baby visits.

Services provided by her practice include (but are not limited to): • Management of all acute and chronic general paediatric and neonatal conditions. • Newborn attendance and care (caesarean section/NVD) • Preventative care consults – including vaccinations, growth and developmental assessments • Neonatal and paediatric ICU Consulting hours are strictly by appointment only, and her hours are Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm and Saturday 9am to 1pm . For an appointment, call the practice on 035 772 1425 or 035 791 5503 or email drnsheik.paeds@gmail.com. Find them on Facebook: @Dr Sheik – Specialist Paediatrician.

Dr. N. B. Sheik BMedSci (Natal) MBChb (UKZN) FCPaed (SA) PR. No.: 0722545

NOW PRACTISING FROM: Melomed Private Hospital, Richards Bay & Life Empangeni Private Hospital

• Management of all acute and chronic general Paediatric and Neonatal conditions • Newborn attendance and care (Caesarian Section/NVD) • Preventative Care Consults - including vaccinations, growth & developmental assessments • Neonatal & Paediatric Intensive Care CONSULTING HOURS STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT 035 772 1425 • 035 791 5503 • drnsheik.paeds@gmail.com Like me on Facebook @Dr Sheik - Specialist Paediatrician

Dr Kathryn Carr MBChB (UCT) DCH (SA)

GENERAL PRACTITIONER Special interest in Child Health

031 573 1185

drkathcarr@gmail.com

33 Beachway, Durban North

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Meet Our LOCKDOWN SHRINKERS LAUREN AND DANI LOST 15KGS AND 20KGS RESPECTIVELY USING THE HAPPY SHRINKERS PROGRAMME. THEY GIVE US A GLIMPSE INTO THEIR SUCCESSFUL WIEGHTLOSS JOURNEYS. and my kids’ birthdays during lockdown! So many celebrations, which means indulging in all the naughty things. I do not pass up the offer for cake or a glass of wine - two of my favourites! The following day though I jump back on the bandwagon and remember how far I have come and how uncomfortable I was before, and it keeps me going. Happy Shrinkers is the perfect option for those who want to adapt to a new lifestyle. The fi rst week or two are a rollercoaster ride, but seeing those centimetres melt off you makes it so very worth it in every way.”

MEET DANI, WHO LOST 20KGS IN UNDER 3 MONTHS! DANI “Happy Shrinkers is certainly a LIFESTYLE choice and not just another fad diet! I lost 20Kgs with Happy Shrinkers drops in just under three months, assuming it would be a great quick fi x for my wedding in March last year! It proved to be the greatest quick fi x ever.” Says Dani. “However, we are one year and four months down the line and I have managed to maintain my weight. During this lockdown I have had my husband at home as well as my two kiddies. It has been a tough one, with having to make breakfast, lunches and dinners as well as the yummy snacks in between. I have adapted this lifestyle to suit the whole family though, making and choosing the healthier meal options, because I want to, not because I must. I also celebrated my fi rst wedding anniversary as well as my 30th, my husband’s birthday

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LAUREN LOST 15KGS IN TWO MONTHS AND WENT FROM 81KGS TO 66KGS! LAUREN “It was on 27 April, during Lockdown when I had a rude awakening. I was sitting on the bed and eating, as always, when I realised that I have gained so much weight that my plate was comfortably resting on my middle. One month into the lockdown

and I have managed to grow a good size table in my mid-section. I just had so much time on my hands that I was always eating, always! I told my husband that I would be starting my Happy Shrinking Journey the following day. I could not allow myself to go on like that any longer. I was not happy with the way I looked or how I felt,” says Lauren. “The journey did not only change my weight. NOOOOO! It changed me from the inside out. The programme teaches you about emotional triggers and what to look out for in this regard. Other Shrinkers on the protocol offer loads

of advice, support and sharing of recipes through the Facebook Group Support Platform. The shrinking coaches are a message away and are always ready with the best advice and support. We cry and we laugh but most importantly we fix our relationship with food and ourselves.” “I never thought I would lose all the weight so fast which has only motivated me to keep on going. Purchasing Happy Shrinkers is an investment!! We go through many trials and tribulations in our lives, lockdown being one of these experiences for many of us. And so, I started my Shrinking journey because

I realised that if my tank is empty, I cannot fill up someone else’s. If I do not put my health and wellness first, how will I get through the tough times?” “To the ladies who have tried everything to lose weight with no luck, honey, Happy Shrinkers is the answer. A happier healthier you without a doubt. Give it a try, the only thing to lose is weight!” “Thank you to the remarkable team at Happy Shrinkers and the phenomenal Shrinkers who have believed in me and helped me reach my goals!”

Visit www.happyshrinkers.co.za for more information.

Life The Crompton Hospital is a 189 bed unit offering quality healthcare to our community. Our multidisciplinary team of specialists supported by qualified nursing practitioners, is what makes Life The Crompton Hospital, your hospital of choice We offer the following services: ■ Audiologst / Speech Therapy ■ Ear, Nose & Throat Surgery ■ Gastroenterology ■ General Practitioner ■ General Surgery ■ Obstetrics and Gynaecology

■ Orthopaedic Surgery ■ Ophthalmic Surgery ■ Paediatrics ■ Pathologist ■ Physician ■ Plastic and reconstructive surgery ■ Psychiatrist

■ Pulmonologist ■ Physiotherapist ■ Social Worker ■ Urologist ■ Well Baby Clinic ■ Paediatrics ■ X-Ray

For further information on our services please contact Claire Pelser on 031 737 3000 or email claire.pelser@lifehealthcare.co.za www.lifehealthcare.co.za

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Critical and Non-Critical INFORMATION IDENTIFICATION TO FOLLOW ON FROM HER ARTICLE LAST MONTH ON TEACHING YOUR CHILD TO LISTEN, KATH DENHOLM FROM LITTLE GENIUSES DISCUSSES HOW TO TEACH YOUR CHILD TO DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN CRITICAL AND NON-CRITICAL INFORMATION.

s everything that one hears important? If a child answers yes, one needs to explain to him that if he had to listen to everything, his poor brain would explode! Critical Information Only some information is CRITICAL. Critter what, your child may ask. CRIT-I-CAL. Clap the syllables for him. You can introduce your child to this term from as young as three years old. Critical information is the IMPORTANT information that one hears. If one does not hear it, then there will be a consequence. Once you have explained CRITICAL INFORMATION, you can introduce the term NON-CRITICAL. How do I Teach my Child to Identify Critical and Non-Critical Information? I worked with an 11-yearold child recently who was

battling with his exams and studying. He had no idea what information was critical and what information was non-critical. One way to teach a child critical and non-critical information is to play a game. I call it the CRITICAL INFORMATION game. Present him with information and ask him if he thinks it is critical or noncritical. My fouryear-old can tell you what information is critical and non-critical. This skill helps with listening at home and in the classroom. Some examples you can give your child: 1. Your friend gives directions to his house (this is obviously very critical. If you do not listen, you will get lost). 2. Dad has an itchy bum (as you know kids love toilet humour so the odd noncritical one like this keeps a potentially boring game interesting). This piece of information is non-critical. 3. Your teacher tells you that you have a test on Thursday (this is obviously very critical. If you do not listen, you will not study for the test).

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When can I teach my child to identify critical and non-critical information? “I have four children whose needs are vastly different, a husband, a job and, and, and…” Yes! Time is a rare entity these days. The good news is you need not set aside a specifi c time for this. You can incorporate it in everyday living. Three practical examples of times when you can incorporate this teaching 1. In the car: this is where I do most of my teaching. 2. At mealtimes: while eating, the family can play the critical and non-critical information game. 3. During bath time: while bathing, the children can play the critical and non-critical information game with you. The World Health Organisation has recently issued new guidelines on screen time, which you can read on their webiste. Our children are living in a world where they are overloaded with information, from a very young age. The younger they can identify critical information and non-critical information the better!

Teaching Keyword Identification FROM AN EARLY AGE ONCE YOUR CHILD HAS LEARNT THAT NOT ALL INFORMATION IS CRITICAL, YOU CAN NOW INTRODUCE THE CONCEPT OF KEYWORDS.

hat is a keyword? Ask your child what he thinks a KEYWORD is? He will probably hone in on the word KEY and say that it unlocks something. Of course! A KEYWORD unlocks your UNDERSTANDING. Why do we read? Do we read to merely sound out words? Or do we read to UNDERSTAND and get immersed in wonderful stories of faraway lands and magical worlds? It is so sad how many children are so focused on sounding out words that they forget that there is an incredible meaning behind those string of letters. Keyword identifi cation is diffi cult and a skill that is very foreign to every child. It needs to be taught and practiced A LOT!

Are highlighters good or bad? Many of the children that I have taught gasp in horror when I mention the word HIGHLIGHTER. “Ha! You can’t say that word. It is a swear word.” Initially I wondered why there was so much drama and emotion attached to an act that I viewed as perfectly healthy and essential in class. As I studied the kids and their inability to identify keywords, I realised why highlighting was a curse to most educators. Most of the kids were HIGHLIGHTING EVERY SINGLE WORD including the very non-critical word ‘a’. Their textbooks looked like a pink or blue mass of colour. This overload of colour only unlocked confusion and panic, for all involved.

How can I teach my child to identify keywords? There are seven questions that can help your child figure out what words are KEY or CRITICAL in a sentence. Question Words to Help Identify Keywords 1. What: identifi es information ABOUT something 2. When: identifi es information about TIME 3. Where: identifi es information about a PLACE or a POSITION 4. Which: identifi es information about a CHOICE 5. Who: identifi es information about a PERSON or PEOPLE. 6. How: identifi es information about a MANNER in which something is done A more in depth study on the 7 QUESTION words can be found here: www.englishstudyhere.com/grammar/question-words/. By Kath Denholm. Kath is a speech therapist who has worked in London, private practices in Cape Town and KZN and taught at Livingstone Remedial School for three years. She is the owner and founder of Little Genius Puppets, an online educational programme teaching young children to identify key information and take it to long-term memory. Visit www.geniusseries.com/memorytraining-3 for more information.

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How to Know if Your Child is SCHOOL READY GETTING YOUR CHILD READY FOR GRADE 1 CAN BE STRESSFUL AT THE BEST OF TIMES

dd a Covid-19 Pandemic and three months out of school to that and it multiplies the stress a parent may experience in getting their little Grade R ready for Grade 1. Here are

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some guidelines to assist you in helping your child and giving them the tools they require. The belowmentioned guidelines might seem simple, but if your child has mastered them all, he/she is equipped with the correct foundation and confidence to extend their learning in Grade 1. Your child must be able to: • Tell left from right. • Read and write their name. • Dress and undress themselves - fasten zips, buttons and buckles. This is important because they will have to change for PE and extra murals at school and this can be very distressing to a little one who struggles to do so. • Tie own shoelaces or be able to make a bow. This skill, as simple as it sounds, has a left and right

brain crossover that is very important to Mathematics and problem solving. • Know their birthday, address and a phone number for mom or dad. • Manipulate scissors and cut out around an outline or shape. Start with cutting on a straight line, then simple shapes such as a circle and then move on to complex shapes such as a star and a crescent. • Hold their pencil correctly. There is not only one way to hold a pencil but the strength and control the child has is very important for correct letter formation and neatness. Buying a beginner triangular pencil and a rubber pencil grip can greatly assist in this regard. • Colour neatly within lines. • Name all the basic colours and shapes. • Count up to 50 and recog-

nise numbers and number names 1 - 10. • Draw a person, including details such as face, lips, eyes, ears, etc. • Follow at least three simple instructions in order without getting lost or distracted. This skill can be practiced by giving your child multiple instructions when they arrive home. For example: Please unpack your bag, put your lunchbox in the sink and come give me a hug. It will take a while, so do not lose hope the first few times that they get it wrong. • Identify all their belongings - school bag, clothing, shoes, socks and lunch box. Make sure these are all clearly marked. This is important for your child’s stress levels but

also for mom and dad’s financial livelihood. Little ones losing all the uniform items at school can become very costly. Hamptons Primary school offers free school readiness tests with a very experienced school readiness specialist. Parents can book an appointment by calling 031 563 2816. The school readiness test is Covid-19 compliant and will be administered in a

sanitized environment with social distancing measures in place. Our Grade 1 teachers are hand-picked and they are ladies who are passionate, patient and experienced. We believe that Grade 1 sets the tone for the rest of your child’s school experiences. Our Grade 1 programme is structured, yet creative and fun with enough physical activity in it to keep the day balanced. Contact Hamptons Primary if you are looking for a school where your child will have the best and happiest Grade 1 experience, giving the perfect foundation for their future school journey. It is the school every parent wishes they can give their child.

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Connecting Through CREATIVITY THE IMPORTANCE OF CREATIVITY IN CHILDREN DURING LOCKDOWN

ife under lockdown has been tough on everyone, particularly parents. Balancing work life and family time has always been a point of contention among working parents. And now that kids have been learning from home, things are extra hard. Children are struggling too - their normal weekday routines are gone and there is limited contact with their classmates and teachers. What’s more, these changes to the structure of daily life can have a significant impact on young minds. Luckily, initiatives like the #BICStayInspired campaign have been created to inspire your little ones during this uncertain and confusing time. Link between creativity and well-being There have been multiple studies conducted to show that creativity and wellbeing are positively linked. Psychologist Bernice Castle agrees, saying that art and creativity help the development of children in various ways. “Art can be a powerful tool among children and adults alike. If children engage in hands-on art activities, they learn much

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better in all disciplines.” Castle continues, “Art helps children apply their gross and fine motor skills to something meaningful and tap into their problemsolving skills through visual cognitive responses. Art has been proven to stimulate imagination, improve observation skills, boost selfesteem, provide a sense of accomplishment and reduce stress. “Finally, art creates opportunities for them to communicate how they see and experience the world and allows them to give expression to their feelings about the situations they encounter in their daily lives,” she concludes. Getting creative together The need to keep kids engaged and entertained during the lockdown has left many working parents scratching their heads. Here are some ways you can tap into your kids’ creative outlets and keep them engaged in meaningful ways during these uncertain times: Set up an art station Dedicate a small section of your home to art projects. BIC has a wide range of high-quality stationery

perfect for art projects with the kids. They’re made to last, and widely available at your favourite grocery or stationery store. Set daily challenges Give your kids a challenge for the day. This will help them meet daily goals and provide a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day. Keep everything - Don’t throw anything away. Display the really good art pieces and keep the rest in storage. Not only are these great keepsakes, but they show kids their work is special and deserves attention. Find online resources - There are thousands of resources online, from blogs to YouTube tutorials and more, like https://kids.bickids-mea.com/. Make use of these resources to add a creative spin to things. Also see the #BICStayInspired tutorials on - https:// www.facebook.com/BICSA/ Get involved - Whether it’s reaching out to fellow parents or school educators or searching online, use the resources you have to get involved and stay connected.

oday I would like to tell you that YOU ARE THE BEST at being YOU! I think a number of mums (and, if I’m honest, I include myself) have felt SO many emotions this past month with schools going back, not going back, going back, masks, how our children will manage, and all of the uncertainty. We have expectations of ourselves, very often based on our perception of others... and more often than not, our perception of others is inaccurate. For example, I myself have relied on screens lately, A LOT more than I would like to admit (being a known advocate of limiting screen time). I am not proud of it, but I KNOW that I have done what I have had the capacity to do, each day. I too have felt overwhelmed,

Dear Rockstar MAMA I AM EMMA, OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST, PARENTING MENTOR AND MUM TO TWO BAREFOOT BOYS. and I have definitely NOT been as “playful” as I would have liked (or as what I have appeared to have been on my blogs or social media pages etc.) Remember - appearances can be deceiving. What can be seen on the exterior, is not always a true reflection of what happens in reality. We all do what we can, and, in doing that WE are THE BEST parent that exists for our little people.

Compete with no one but yourself. Be the best version of you. There is something unique, special, beautiful and different about YOU. Never compromise that by trying to live up to the exterior appearance of others. Your story is unique and so, so different. You have strengths that others could only dream of. Play to YOUR strengths, and celebrate the woman that YOU are, not the things that you are not, or think you should be. Run your race. Live your pace. Bloom in your garden. Flower in your season.

By Emma Wijnberg , Occupational Therapist and Parenting Mentor at Little Lives Occupational Therapy, emma@ littlelivesoccupationaltherapy.com, www.littlelivesoccupationaltherapy.com.

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GRADE 9S: Let the Three Ps Guide You When Choosing Your Subjects CHOOSING THE SUBJECTS THEY WILL SIT FOR DURING THE NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE EXAM THREE YEARS FROM NOW IS AN IMPORTANT AND CHALLENGING TASK FACING GRADE 9S AT THE MOMENT, BECAUSE THIS COMBINATION OF SUBJECTS WILL INFLUENCE THEIR CHOICES DOWN THE LINE, AND IMPACT ON PERFORMANCE AND MOTIVATION OVER THE NEXT THREE YEARS AND BEYOND.

herefore Grade 9s should, with the help of their parents, guardians, teachers and outside experts, give careful consideration to the factors at play before settling on their final subject combination, an education expert says. “Trying to cover all your bases, taking into account all eventualities, can become quite confusing, particularly if you don’t yet know what you want to do after school, so we advise Grade 9s to consider the holistic 3-P approach when weighing the pros and cons of various subject combinations,” says Dr Gillian Mooney, Dean: Academic

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Development and Support at The Independent Institute of Education. She says Grade 9s are required to select at least seven subjects on which they will be tested in Matric, four of which are compulsory: Home Language, Second Language, Maths or Maths Literacy, and Life Orientation. The balance then, are elective subjects, and should be chosen after careful consideration. “When considering your options for this balance of subjects, you should take into account your passion, your performance, as well as the potential options available to you in future,” she says.

PASSION Dr Mooney says one of the benefits of the current situation, where much work is done independently at home by learners and therefore without peers or teachers influencing perceptions, is that learners will be able to get a better idea of which subjects they are passionate about. “If you find yourself drawn to a particular subject, or that you have a natural feel for it, that’s a definite sign that you should consider it as part of your subject choice bundle. Of course, it may be that you are good at something but have no idea how that can translate into a possible career down the line. “In that case, it would be a great idea to approach career centres and student counsellors - online for now of course - at higher education institutions, and discuss with them potential fields in which this subject may play a role. That will have the double benefit of revealing

careers you may not have been aware of, as well as providing a boost of motivation to commit to doing even better because now you know where your passion might take you in future.” POTENTIAL Even if you already have an idea of what you want to study after school, you should still leave as many doors as possible open to allow for a change of heart later, and that is where socalled ‘gateway’ subjects enter the picture. “Certain subjects such as Maths and Science allow you to keep your options open, as many areas of further study require them. If you are one of the many who struggle with precisely these subjects, it may be worth keeping only one of them so that you can focus your efforts,” says Mooney. “The aim is to ensure that your choice positions you well to pursue as wide a range of qualifications as possible that will allow you to demonstrate a well-rounded foundation

when you leave school.” Mooney adds that learners struggling with a particular subject now because of the changed circumstances of lockdown should not just give up and walk away from it. “Things may be harder now, but it is worth persevering and getting additional help if necessary,” she says. PERFORMANCE It is important to also include subjects that will boost your Matric aggregate, Dr Mooney says. “Because of the greater academic demands at higher education level, and the limited space at public universities and private higher education institutions, admission to higher education is performancebased – meaning simply that those with better marks stand a better chance of landing a space. “So it makes sense to choose one or two subjects which will boost your aggregate and improve your chances of being accepted into the higher education

institution and qualification of your choice,” she says. Mooney says although our current environment is challenging due to Covid-19 and the resultant lockdowns, Grade 9s should still look to the future and focus on what they can do now to broaden their options in future. “We don’t know what the future will look like, not in the short term nor the long term. Yes, we are facing unprecedented challenges, but with that, we will also be facing new opportunities and different ways of doing things in future. Where in the past the road after school was pretty standard for many, who opted to pursue historically prestigious degrees without giving it much thought, the world of work has been changing and will change dramatically. “So be sure you are aware of emerging careers, and that you position yourself in such a way that you’ll be prepared for the workplace of the future, not the workplace of the past.

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Win a Must-Have FUNKY COTTON TEEPEE

THE GORGEOUS FUNKY COTTON TEEPEES ARE BEAUTIFUL, VERSATILE AND ALLOW FOR FREE PLAY INDOORS AND OUTDOORS.

fter having a set of twins in her late 40s, owner Lucille Maartens wanted to be part of something special and creative, involving the ones we love. And so, Funky Cotton was born on a misty, cold day in the KZN Midlands. “Nothing pleases me more than to provide little ones with items that will develop creativity, allow for fantasy-play and provide pure joy. Not only are our teepees beautiful, they are easy to move around and look simply stunning in any setting!” says Lucille. Funky Cotton also provides other ‘must have’ products for new moms and dads. Items that will set you and your little one apart. Their products are made from 100% organic cotton and in some cases organic cotton and organic bamboo. Ideal for our African climate. They also offer free shipping for orders in South Africa, and they strive to offer amazing customer service. “We pride ourselves in providing exceptional customer service. Give us a ring, post on our Facebook page or send us a mail and we’ll gladly assist you,” concludes Lucille. Visit www.funkycotton.co.za to view their products and place your order. You can also find them on Facebook and Instagram: @funkycotton. Photographer: Candice McDonald

WIN! WIN! WIN! Mum’s Mail has one amazing Funky Cotton Teepee to give away, valued at R950. Visit www.mumsmail.com to enter. 40

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Organisational Tips FOR KIDS PROFESSIONAL ORGANISER, GINA PIRES, HAS SOME HANDY TIPS FOR KIDS AND STUDENTS TO ORGANISE THEIR WORK SPACE AT HOME OR AT SCHOOL.

ry to prepare your space cases and school/ sports bags the night before (it takes fi ve minutes) and make sure that all your crayons and pencils are sharpened and ready to use for school and extra lessons after school too. • Pack a separate plastic folder with your fi le or

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exam pad for extra Maths, Afrikaans or Science, for example, and make sure you have ALL the stationery for that class so you don’t waste the teacher’s time scratching around for everything during class. • Prepare you lunch and snacks the night before and place them in the

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fridge - that will help reduce mom’s chores too. • Set out you uniform, polished school shoes and sports items for the next morning, all ready to go. • By doing all this you will have an EXTRA 10 minutes in bed in the morning… Does your child have an organised study area in your home? It’s important for your child to have a dedicated space that is their own and where they feel special. An organised, clutter-free area will help to improve their concentration and productivity. Gina is ready to assist you in creating a dedicated study nook for your kids, help to organise their school bags and space cases. Gina can teach your kids how to keep their things organised to ensure productivity during study and homework sessions.

Do you need a little help preparing your kids’ study area? Book a consultation with Gina today! Call 083 339 6119, email ginap@afrac.co.za or send a direct message on Facebook/Instagram: ORGANISED BY GINA.

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Pietermaritzburg and Midlands

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Lockdown ENTERTAINMENT COMEDY DUO ARE BACK IN IT TOGETHER. NOT TOGETHER-TOGETHER, BUT TOGETHER… AND THIS TIME THEY’RE HEADING FOR YOUR HOME!

uch like most parts of our lives, the mechanics of love and romance have certainly changed under the captivity of COVID-19 and whether you’re married or single, newly dating or separated, we’re all looking for new ways to navigate love under lockdown… In a slightly different take on a comedy show, Ndumiso Lindi and Tumi Morake tackle the roles and regulations of marriage and relationships and the pothole-laced roads the sexes have to navigate in their hit show, Married, But Not to Each Other: Lockdown Edition on 9 August, from the comfort of your own home. When asked how the show concept came about, Ndumiso retells the story of how the two were travelling on a comedy adventure and were asked by a customs official: “Are you married?” - to which Ndumiso replied: “Yes!”, realised what he was saying and added: “But not to each other.” And thus, began this comical journey for this wife and husband… of other people! Married, But Not to Each Other is not just a show about marriage, it’s about the world that these relationships have to survive in. Their unique brands of humour paired with their own risqué and hilarious experiences in marriage and romance makes for

memorable viewing. The show will be an online broadcast at 8PM and carries an age restriction of PG-16. Tickets at R80 are available for purchase on the following ticketing platforms: Hero Ticket and Ticketpro. About the comedy duo: Ndumiso Lindi, comedy’s modern traditionalist and the gentleman of South African comedy, otherwise known as Roosta, effortlessly blends new-age style with old-school traditions. His deep voice, soul-warming smile, booming laughter, original content and seamless delivery makes for a comedy act that is outstanding and soulfully South African. With a comedy career spanning over 12 years and numerous outstanding credentials under her belt, bad momma of comedy - Tumi Morake - continues to be a formidable force in the comedy industry. Her edgy and unpredictable brand of comedy has wowed audiences around the globe. When she’s not on stage, Tumi Morake can also be seen on TV screens and radio airwaves, and she’s also been channelling her talents into writing, acting and producing.

Proudly brought to you by Blu Blood: www.blublood.com.

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Some Hope for Income Earners DURING COVID-19 ATTORNEY AND MEDIATOR, UGEETA PALA, DISCUSSES VARIOUS OPTIONS THAT EMPLOYEES HAVE WHEN THEIR SALARY IS REDUCED.

s we all are going through these unprecedented times, it’s important to remain positive and still be grateful for the small mercies life offers us. I was invited to attend a webinar with Graca Machel and Melinda Gates last week and felt deeply inspired by the empowering words that came out of the webinar, which I quote: “In these unprecedented times, take unprecedented action to yield unprecedented success. We are in a time where we need to focus on all things positive and just remember that we are not in this alone.” What avenues are available to you for an income? As we have been advised the Temporary Employer/ Employee Relief Scheme (TERS) was closed as this was only available during the hard lockdown but due diligence and consultation with the UIF actuaries and in line with the President’s decision to extend the life of the Disaster Management Act until 15 August 2020, the decision to similarly extend the Covid-19 TERS benefit until 15 August 2020 will be granted.

Employees will only be eligible to apply for the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) should their employment contracts be terminated or if companies close down. Those employees who get salary cuts beyond the TERS period can apply for the Reduced Work Time Benefit. This benefit is for employees who get pay cuts due to reduced hours or employees who are temporarily laid off without pay. The benefit payable is the difference between what the employer pays and normal UIF benefits payable should an employee lose employment.

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Employees applying for this benefit must have a letter from an employer confirming the reduced work time and also submit the UI19 and UI2.7 forms, which must be completed by the employer. A UI2.8 form must be completed by the employee’s bank and the UI2.1 form must be completed by the employee. What else can I do to minimize expenses? Banks, insurance companies and credit providers are offering holiday payments which allows you to relax payments or pay less with a longer repayment plan. It’s good to know this if you can’t make a payment as a missed payment will affect your credit score. Prepare and plan ahead. We all are swimming on the same rough seas but we are on different boats. The ones who prepare better will manage this storm. Covid-19 has taught all of us that tough times won’t last but tough people will...

By Ugeeta Pala, Attorney and Mediator at Ugeeta Pala & Associates, 036 633 1051, ugeeta@pala.co.za.

Book Reviews by Bargain Books MUM’S MAIL HAS A R2000 BARGAIN BOOKS VOUCHERS TO GIVE AWAY. FOR CHILDREN HOW MANY WAYS CAN YOU SAY HELLO? THE COLOURINGIN BOOK written by Refiloe Moahloli and illustrated by Anja Stoeckigt. Following the on-going popularity of How Many Ways Can You Say Hello? - the original story is now available as a colouring-in book for children to have even more fun. This fabulous activity book serves as a great stay-at-home activity for kids of all ages. Let them go on a journey around the country in a hot air balloon and have some fun by colouring-in the pictures. A must have for home schooling!

FOR ADULTS TEMPTATIONS by Prim Reddy & Niranj Panther. This gorgeous array of 83 recipes will transport the reader from local Indian cuisine to exotic offerings from the sub-continent, through the greatest selection of local braaivleis and salads to Italian, Spanish, Greek, Portuguese and African flavours. Each recipe with its own story. Filled with breakfast, starters, soups and salads, mains, cakes, breads, bakes and puds and party-time cocktails, this is one to add to your cookbook collection. It was incredibly easy to learn how to make the pesto evolution at home. The two incredible pesto recipes are packed full of subtle flavours. Add the ingredients to a blender, blend, bottle, top with olive oil and enjoy! You will also find out how to take hummus to a whole new level of deliciousness. COOK & ENJOY FOR KIDS by S.J.A. de Villiers and Eunice van der Berg. Do your kids want to learn to cook and be able to apply the same basic methods and cook from absolutely any recipe book they choose to? If the answer is ‘yes’, then this is the book for you. Packed with more than 55 mouth-watering easy-to-follow step-bystep instructions and full-colour photographs, this revised, updated and completely redesigned companion to the top-selling COOK & ENJOY is an irresistible selection of recipes is suitable for beginners of all ages! This book will also teach you how to use a recipe, measure ingredients the correct way, use kitchen tools and utensils and work safely in the kitchen and understand cooking terms.

Reviews by Bianca Noel-Barham, Bargain Books on 021 706 1461, bianca@bargainbooks.co.za or visit www.bargainbooks.co.za. Follow them on Instagram & Facebook: @bargainbookssa.

WIN! WIN! WIN! Mum’s Mail has 2 x R1000 Bargain Books vouchers to give away. Visit www.mumsmail.com to enter. WWW.MUMSMAIL.COM PMB AND SURROUNDS

reytown Child and Youth Care Centre is situated in the small town of Greytown in KwaZulu-Natal. The centre is registered as a Child and Youth Care Centre to accommodate disadvantaged children between the ages of three and 18 years, irrespective of race, gender or religion. They accommodate 150 children who were all legally removed from their homes and placed in their care. The main reasons for their removal are neglect, abuse including sexual abuse or severe poverty. The Centre follows a holistic care programme where children are accommodated in seven separate houses, in a homely atmosphere. They are clothed, receive three nutritious meals daily, attend school, participate in sports and receive the necessary spiritual, social, psychological, health/medical care. Established 19 October 1919, Greytown Child and Youth Care Centre is one of the oldest children’s homes in KZN. VISION To provide disadvantaged children with all the necessary opportunities to come to terms with the wrongs of the past and make a mindset change to utilise the available opportunities to change for the better. The centre’s vision is to develop children, • That believe in them-

How to HELP GREYTOWN CHILD AND YOUTH CARE CENTRE selves, know that they were born with a purpose in life and that have a positive self-esteem • Who are well adjusted at school, work hard to achieve success in their studies and eventually pass Grade 12 and possibly admission to further their education • That respect all other people and live to high moral and social values, • That care for our environment, and that are in tune with reality and realise that hard work, honesty and diligence is the key to their future success Running this dedicated programme of services to their children is cost intensive, yet necessary to achieve the goal of selfconfident and self-sufficient children who may contribute towards the economic wealth of our country. The Greytown Child and Youth Care Centre need to secure sufficient funding to balance the operational cost budget. The monthly subsidy paid by the Department of Social Development is not enough to provide for a holistic care programme for the children to address the wrongs of the past and create opportunities for them

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to focus on a better future. The Greytown Child and Youth Care Centre has a proven track record of dedicated service to children in need for more than 100 years. Since 17 October 1919 the Centre has been a beacon of hope and a new life for thousands of needy children. The centre takes pride in the achievements of their children while at school and many of their former children have climbed the ladder of success in the corporate world and civil society. The main expenses that they need help with are: • Electricity (monthly between R50 000 and R70 000) • Toiletries • Stationery • Clothing (school, casual as well as footwear) R19 250/month • Maintenance of buildings (budgeted for R18 000/ month) • Educational expenses R9800 per month

If you can assist in any way, contact The Greytown Child and Youth Care Centre on 033 413 2133 or gtnhome@telkomsa.net. Visit www.greytownhome.co.za for more information.

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Let’s get SENSE-able ABOUT YOUR BABY’S SLEEP DOES YOUR BABY STRUGGLE TO FALL ASLEEP? STAY ASLEEP? PUT THEMSELVES BACK TO SLEEP INDEPENDENTLY?

leep is probably the most common reason for me seeing mums of little ones in my practice. Good news - you will sleep again, one day… A baby’s sleeping pattern is SO closely linked to the way in which they modulate and react to sensory input, because our sensory information goes directly through the part of our brain responsible for our sleep/ wake cycles AND our emotional regulation. To make it more complicated, every baby processes sensory information differently, but for a mum, to be AWARE of your baby’s sen-

sory processing patterns can be SO helpful in managing SO many aspects of development, including sleep. Some babies are sensitive in some sensory areas (not necessarily in all) and too much sensory input can over stimulate them, and other babies are less sensitive and need MORE input in order to be regulated. Regulation is necessary for sleep. Babies, in general, have a more sensitive sensory system, due to lack of exposure. Identifying sensory processing patterns in babies may help parents and caregivers to under-

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stand “difficult” behaviours in infants, and find ways to help them thrive. An Occupational Therapist will be able to give you insight into your baby’s individual sensory patterns, and provide you with strategies to help your baby not only sleep, but develop optimally. If you are interested in learning more about sensory processing in babies, you can access our free webinars by emailing emma@littlelivesoccupationaltherapy.com.

By Emma Wijnberg, Occupational Therapist.

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Looking After your Mental Health INVOLVES MORE THAN YOU THINK HEALTH IS A STATE OF COMPLETE PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND SOCIAL WELLBEING AND NOT MERELY THE ABSENCE OF DISEASE OR INFIRMITY – THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION

ften when talking about mental health, we only focus on illness – issues that have been diagnosed by a doctor and require intensive care. Mental health is so much more than that. It encompasses illnesses, absolutely, but also covers our everyday experiences. It covers those days where we feel mentally well and fully functional, and it covers those days where we may be feeling stressed, worried, downhearted or overwhelmed. Through the trying times we find ourselves in, our mental health is more important now than ever. The stress we feel now, if not managed, will continue on for months to come, and may develop into more serious health issues. We could see this in our mental health with illness such as depression, anxiety, and burnout, and we could see it in our physical health too. Awareness is necessary to prompt us to have open and honest conversation about mental health, illness, and wellness. By talking about this, we can help to reduce the stigma that unfortunately often still exists around mental health. We can also help to support each other with what we are facing. Sharing experiences about what we are

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dealing with on a daily basis, things that help us to cope, and challenges that we face can help us to form lasting bonds of understanding and attachment to each other. The next time you ask someone how they are doing, listen to their response and try to find out how they really are. Reaching out like that could make a big difference to someone. Take time to look after your mental health – when things are not going so well, but also when they are going great. This will ensure self-care becomes a habit. Consider taking time to do things you enjoy, and taking a few minutes every day to check-in with yourself and your needs. A healthy meal, a quick walk, a warm bath – all of these can help to boost your mood and give you some perspective. If you find you are not coping with your mental health needs, it is okay to ask for help! Reach out for an appointment with a doctor or therapist, and take the first step to managing your mental health better. By Megan Hosking, Psychiatric intake clinician, Akeso Clinics www.akeso.co.za, info@akeso.co.za.

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Effective Reading FROM AN EARLY AGE ANOTHER TERM FOR EFFECTIVE READING IS READING COMPREHENSION. MENTION THE WORD COMPREHENSION TO YOUR CHILD AND HE WILL PROBABLY WRETCH WITH DISGUST!

hat if I told you that effective reading or comprehension can in fact be a lot of fun? What if you equipped your child with a strategy to understand a text from the beginning of his learning career? It is important to note at this point that strategy is not everything. To fi nd out more about this please refer to the following article by Natalie Wexler, Why We’re Teaching Reading Comprehension In A Way That Doesn’t Work. A Checklist Before teaching a child to read effectively, it is important to ensure that the

following skills are in place and solidly founded: • Can he identify critical or non-critical information on an auditory and written level? • Can he identify keywords on an auditory and written level? 7 Secrets to Help Effective Reading The mere look at a comprehension can be daunting and extremely dull... void of pictures, lots of writing, followed be a pile of questions. If one is equipped with a strategy from a young age, one can trick their brain into believing

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that comprehensions are fun and challenging. There are 7 secrets that will help a child become an effective reader. These secrets are pointless if the child cannot remember them. To help them store the secrets to long-term memory, I use the key image technique. It is also important to note that research shows that reading from screens can harm comprehension. Secret #1: Be a Detective Every kid loves the idea of being a detective. Already the brain is thrilled by this thought. Your kid will be

asked questions about WHAT he is reading. The answers are ALWAYS in the story. He just has to look for them. Very, very carefully. Like a detective. Secret #2: Study the Pictures At this young age, most of the comprehension texts fortunately have pictures. A comprehension detective must always use these images to help him figure out what he is reading about. This should excite your kid (and you) no end. His brain would much prefer to study an exciting picture before reading a long ‘boring’ text. Secret #3: Read the Title and Highlight the Keywords Your child already knows what the story is going to be about because he has studied the pictures. His brain will be curious to see whether or not he has detected this information correctly. If he

reads the title CAREFULLY, it will give him even more clues as to what the story is about. Secret #4: Brainstorm the Title Your child has now studied the title and highlighted the KEYWORDS correctly. He will discover that he has A LOT of information already stored in his brain about the title. He must jot down all his ‘already stored’ information very quickly. This way his brain will be prepared to read about such a topic. Secret #5: Read the Questions First Your child needs to read the QUESTIONS FIRST…. BEFORE reading the story. This is what a comprehension detective would do as it would give him CLUES of what he needs to look for. I never knew this as a kid or even a university student and used to wade through the boring text, not knowing what to look for.

Secret #6: Highlight the Keywords in the Question Now that your child knows HOW to identify KEYWORDS, as he reads the questions, he must highlight the important words. This will help him know EXACTLY what he is looking for. Secret #7: Match the Keyword in the Questions to the Keywords in the Story This is perhaps the most complex of the secrets, but once mastered it changes a life! I discovered this secret at the age of 29 when I had to devour very boring articles for CPD points. I churned them out and passed with 100% pass rate thanks to this secret. Your child needs to find the SAME KEYWORDS in the QUESTIONS, in the TEXT. It will be here, that he will find the answer he is looking for (most of the time). By Kath Denholm, speech therapist and founder of Little Genius Puppets.

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Embracing Uncertainty in the FUTURE OF WORK

THE DAYS OF THE TRADITIONAL ‘9 TO 5’ HAVE LONG BEEN NUMBERED AND COVID-19 HAS ONLY ACCELERATED THE PROCESS.

ur everyday reality has been altered and many of us are struggling to reenter the workforce and to adapt to rapid change. Based on this bleak forecast, one cannot help but think: “if it’s this difficult to secure stable employment now, what will it be like in 20 years?” Educational expert and entrepreneur, Lisa Illingworth urges parents to consider what the future of work will hold for the next generation, and the best way to prepare

children for that reality. “When I chat to parents about the future of work, they are generally fearful because they don’t know how or what skills will need to be instilled to ensure future employment success,” says Illingworth. This statement is echoed in a report by the World Economic Forum that notes that “65% of the children entering primary school in 2017 will have jobs that do not yet exist and for which their education will fail to prepare them.”

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Illingworth says that parents need to focus on what they can control, and that is instilling a mindset of cognitive flexibility, complex problem solving and creativity. These qualities will prepare the next generation better than giving them highly specialised knowledge in a specific subject area. “These skills which form part of the World Economic Forum’s ’10 skills needed to thrive in the Fourth Industrial Revolution’(2016) are also the skills needed to succeed as an entrepreneur”. There are many disruptions in the economic environments such as automation taking the place of jobs, working from home is becoming the standard way of work and with the current pandemic, absenteeism is on the rise. The measure of success and work productivity is becoming more and more output focused and less input focused. This is the crux of Illingworth’s plea to both educators and parents - that, “as the job market is limited, as young people are flooding an already saturated job market, the next generation of workers should be encouraged to create their own entrepreneurship opportunities instead.” Why look to entrepreneurship as a solution to an uncertain future? Winston Churchill put it

best – never waste a good crisis. “Entrepreneurs know this better than anyone,” says Illingworth. Their strength lies in their ability to harness the resources around them and to capitalise on the opportunities presented by crisis. This is most evident during uncertain periods like COVID-19. “While most people are still looking for a way to reinstate ‘normal’, entrepreneurs are looking at the world in its current form and saying “okay - what opportunities are possible now that the entire world has been interrupted?”” It’s natural for parents to instinctively try to equip their children to be prepared for every eventuality, to ensure both their emotional and financial stability once they enter the working world. “Parents want to know that their kids will be okay once they no longer have any control over their circumstances and training them to think like entrepreneurs is a good way to guar-

antee that kind of fortitude,” adds Illingworth. The 5 values of entrepreneurship parents can instill: 1) Install an internal locus of control. That’s believing that you have the ability within you to not only go out and find problems but solve them by harnessing available resources. 2) Opportunity awareness. They need to look at the world as a set of opportunities and not as a set of problems. 3) Tenacity. Future entrepreneurs need to build up the grit to suffer what might be an uncomfortable situation to achieve a longterm goal. 4) Delayed gratification. They have to be able to go long periods without receiving reward and not need immediate validation for that. 5) Remind them that they are deeply capable. This may be tricky for some parents as it rejects the currently fashionable style of “helicopter parenting” and

rather encourages parents to guide the child to go and find the tools to be able to solve problems and to be able to grow themselves giving through learning as opposed to parents providing the answers. The above is not to say that the future of employment is all doom and gloom. “Through this process we are cultivating a new generation of entrepreneurs that are going to have a long track record of learning business lessons and solving problems way before they have to enter the world and generate an income.” A mindset of entrepreneurship may result in children growing up to become more community-minded, which has positive implications for society in general. “The hope is that by following these guidelines we’re nurturing a generation of entrepreneurs that are firmly set out to literally save the world through the problems that they can see and the opportunities that they can create”, concludes Illingworth.

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Growing Spinach in a Jar EXPERIMENT

THE GARDENERS FROM ‘LIFE IS A GARDEN’ CONDUCTED THIS FAMILY-FRIENDLY, INSIGHTFUL LITTLE SEED GERMINATION EXPERIMENT DURING THE LOCKDOWN DAYS.

ur gardeners set out to grow some spinach in a glass jar, allowing them to enjoy every step of the growing show, from above to below ground. Our gardeners watered each jar differently to determine how much water is too much,

too little, and just right. The results may surprise you! What you need: • Large spinach seeds • A glass jar • Kitchen roll • Water Setting up your seed experiment:

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STEP 1: Get your littlehanded scientist to assist you here, by folding and scrunching up a few pieces of kitchen roll. Place the folded kitchen roll inside the perimeter of the glass jar, then stuff the scrunched pieces into the middle.

STEP 2: Carefully push seeds down into the paper towels around the edge of the jar so they can still be seen. Make sure they are fi rmly held in place. STEP 3: Gently water your seed jar to wet the paper towels. Be careful not to flood it as this spells certain disaster for our seeds. What do you see in your seed jar? • You are looking for a root to pop out of the side of the seed. • Next, you are looking for roots to push down into the towel. • Also, you are looking for root hairs. • Next, you are looking for the seed to push up while the root hairs push down. • Lastly, you are looking for the shoots to come up. Our watering findings: Our gardeners wanted to see how much water would be best for the spinach seedlings. They set up their three jars and measured the same amount of water to be given to each jar. The water quantities were the same; however, the frequency of watering is what made all the difference: - Jar one: Watered once a week. - Jar two: Watered twice a week. - Jar three: Watered three times a week. What would you guess are the different watering results? Our gardeners concluded that the seedling stems grew the following amounts during 12 days: - Jar 1: 6 cm - Jar 2: 5 cm - Jar 3: 3 cm As you can see folks, the spinach seedling grew the most when watered only once a week, with twice a week watering coming in second place. In jar 3, there was half the

growth and the roots were over-watered, beginning to rot. You can also try growing sunflower seeds, peas, and beans in a glass jar. Try out this little experiment for yourself and get to know your greens up-close and personal. You could also investigate whether seeds need water at all to germinate by setting up 3 jars and measuring how much water goes into each so that one is fully wet, half wet and one has no water. Good luck and happy experimenting!

Visit www.lifeisagarden for more fun gardening ideas!

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