How do I teach my child to listen?
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a R2000 Bargain Books Voucher
Issue 162 | Pietermaritzburg & Midlands | July 2020 | Free
From The Editor’s Desk... W
ow I can’t believe we’ve survived three months of lockdown! I’m very glad some of the restrictions have been eased, but not seeing my family and friends has been seriously hard. I’m a social being and I really miss the human interaction. But I guess it could be worse – at least I have a comfortable home to live in, food to eat and a great job that I love! I got to thinking about what I have achieved during this lockdown time, and I’m proud to say my greatest accomplishment was that I survived (so far) with my family intact! To all the parents out there, I want to say this - don’t feel bad if you didn’t lose 10kgs, renovate your home, spring clean
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your home, clear out your cupboards, build a treehouse, read 20 books, start a yoga class, bake 100 banana breads or whatever it is that other parents have done. If you have done some or all of those things, good on you, but if you haven’t done any of those things, that’s ok too! Parenting and home-schooling, plus working from home, is really hard, and the fact that we’ve managed to come this far in one piece is amazing! So I’m here to tell you to keep it up, and to be proud of yourself, and most importantly – don’t compare yourself to others! We have some inspiring articles for you this month – I hope you enjoy our “little toolbox for the young family” that we’ve worked so hard to produce! Sarah x
3 Meet the Cover Stars 4 Book Reviews by Bargain Books 5 30 Minute Broccoli Cheddar Soup 6-7 At One with Nature 8 Mandela Day: #ActionAgainstPoverty 9 Keep Someone Warm this Winter with the Cascades Lifestyle Centre Winter Warmth Drive
HEALTHY LIFE 10
11 Discussing Loss with Your Child 12-13 Corporate Wellness Week 14-15 Collagen 101
EDUCATED LIFE 16 17
Teaching Children How To Think From an Early Age How do I Teach my Child to Listen?
KIDS’ LIFE/PARTY LIFE 18 19
Lockdown Celebrations Old School Party Games
Mental Health in a Pandemic
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: Bronwyn Mckeown, smile@bronwynmckeown.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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Meet the Cover Stars T
OUR LOVELY COVER STARS ARE MSUTHU (8) AND INOTHANDO MPHUNGA (TURNING 3 IN AUGUST).
heir parents are Lungisa and Hlumisa Mphunga and the family lives in Pietermaritzburg. “Msuthu is a wonderful inquisitive young boy who is always hungry for information,” says his mom. “He’s in Grade 2 and wants to know about everything. He is not happy with his dad for not being able to explain the concept of a chemical reaction! With his dad being an Internal Auditor, chemical reactions is foreign to him. He says he wants to be transferred to a grade where he will be taught chemical reactions,” she laughs. He spends most of his time drawing things like cars, airplanes and buildings. What he dislikes most is when people are littering. “Inothando (Ino) is a friendly, charismatic child who enjoys being the center of attention. She named her herself “Princess
Chlóe”. If you need a favour from her, call her Chlóe then you would have won her heart. We always pray together and Ino is always the last one to finish,” says Hlumisa. “We love seeing them grow and learning from them is remarkable. Raising them is enjoyable all the time – especially the hugs and the smile that we always get after work.” “My advice to new parents is be what you want your children be. Children learn more by observing and imitating what parents do, rather than what you tell them to do. It is important that you become a role model to your children. Raising children is enjoyable and challenging at the same time. Let us not forget that children are gift from God, we must cherish them,” concludes Hlumisa.
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Book Reviews by Bargain Books MUM’S MAIL HAS A R2000 BARGAIN BOOKS VOUCHERS TO GIVE AWAY. FOR CHILDREN WHERE HAPPINESS LIVES by Barry Timms. This gorgeously illustrated Little Tiger Press title with flaps to lift and peepthrough pages is not only a smile-inducing picture book but also a wonderful way to engage children in discussions of happiness. It explores contentment, materialism and teaches us that more is not always better. I especially loved that it reminds us that you might just have all that you already need. It made me take time to pause, take stock of what I already have, and find happiness there. In a world of “too much”, a title like this reminds us of what really matters. A terrific addition to any home or classroom bookshelf. ZAP! EXTRA: TOO CUTE ERASERS by Hinkler. With magical, moldable, bakeable eraser clay, sculpt 12 of your very own gorgeous creations with eraser clay, and then bake them in the oven to make erasers that are just too cute! With a 48-page instructional book, 6 packets of clay, two specialised clay sculpting tools, black ‘kawaii’ eyes, and glitter to make your designs sparkle, it is just so simple! This delightful kit also includes cheery press-out boxes to fold and use to display your incredible designs. One thing is for sure, kids 8+ years and older will never have to worry about making an error again!
FOR ADULTS JOY AT WORK: ORGANIZING YOUR PROFESSIONAL LIFE by Marie Kondo and Scott Sonenshein. Want to rid the clutter that is piling on your desk, clogging your calendar, and infiltrating your personal networks? With the great strategies in this new title by bestselling author and Netflix star Marie Kondo and Rice University business professor Scott Sonenshein, you will be able to eliminate clutter and make space for work that really matters. This is also a must read for anyone wanting to rid themselves of internal mind clutter and wanting to gain more joy in their everyday work life.
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 a R2000 Bargain Books vouchers to give away. Visit www.mumsmail.com to enter. 4
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30 Minute Broccoli Cheddar Soup HEALTHY BROCCOLI CHEDDAR SOUP PACKED WITH CARROTS, BROCCOLI, GARLIC, AND CHEESE. THIS CREAMY VELVETY SOUP CAN BE MADE IN UNDER 30 MINUTES!
Ingredients • 4 tablespoons butter • ½ medium onion chopped • 2-3 cloves garlic, minced • 4 tablespoons flour • 2 cups low sodium chicken or vegetable stock • 1 tsp kosher salt • ½ tsp black pepper • ¼ tsp paprika or ground nutmeg, optional • 3 cups broccoli florets or 1 large head, cut into small pieces • 1 large carrot grated, julienned or finely chopped • 2 cups light or heavy cream • 220g block grated cheddar cheese or 2 cups (mild, medium, or sharp)
Instructions Melt butter in a pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook for three to four minutes or until softened and light gold. Add the garlic and saute for another minute. Add flour and whisk for one to two minutes or until the flour begins to turn golden in colour. Pour in the chicken stock, broccoli florets, carrots, and seasoning. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes or until the broccoli and carrots are cooked through. Stir in the cream and cheddar cheese and simmer for another minute. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve with toasted crusty bread or in a bread bowl if desired. Source: www.gimmedelicious.com. WWW.MUMSMAIL.COM EVERYDAY LIFE
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At One with Nature LOOKING FOR THE ULTIMATE WEEKEND GETAWAY EXPERIENCE OFFERING LUXURY ACCOMMODATION AND THE TRANQUILLITY OF THE BUSH? TANDWENI VILLA TICKS ALL THE BOXES, WRITES LORNA KING.
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fter a busy start to 2020 I was looking forward to getting away from traffic jams and enjoying some peace and quiet in the bush. I was not disappointed. Just over three hour’s drive from uMhlanga and set within the Pongola Biosphere Reserve on the banks of Jozini Dam, the peaceful haven of Tandweni Villa awaits. Not one to enjoy rustic living and roughing it, Tandweni Villa was right up my street – luxury living with all the bells and whistles, surrounded by the bush and wild animals.
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Everything about Tandweni Villa oozes comfort and space – and there’s lots of it. The massive wooden front door welcomes you into an open plan living area, dining area and fully-fitted kitchen, plus an entertainment area with sliding doors that open up on all sides, allowing one to take in the views and tranquillity. There are five double rooms – one with two single beds and three en suite – and all are beautifully decorated and boast views of the surrounding bush and Jozini Dam.
As the afternoon heat started to subside, it made perfect sense to chill outside on the patio with a drink in hand watching nyala, buck and warthog graze nearby, a plunge pool to cool down in, and stunning views of the dam and up the Jozini Gorge. As the sun set and the stars lit up, the sky was transformed into a blanket of flickering lights. This is Africa at its best. Undisturbed peace and quiet. A far cry from the city. The early morning picture was equally as stunning
– still waters on the dam with a fine covering of mist which disappeared as the sun took hold on another day. Unfortunately we missed the elephants heading south much earlier, but on a late afternoon game drive we were lucky enough to see plenty of warthog, blue wildebeest, nyala, buck and an abundance of birdlife. Children are more than welcome, and within the fenced garden there’s a jungle gym and slide, plus a look-out where they can do their own game viewing. Besides relaxing with
a book – indoors, on a lounger or on one of the many comfy chairs on the veranda – or simply staring out at the wild, Tandweni Villa offers tiger fishing, Big 4 game viewing, boat cruises, gym facilities, a fully equipped braai/boma, a grass airstrip and hanger, and walks in the area. The villa sleeps 10 people and is self-catering, but staff are available to take care of cleaning up and were more than helpful and accommodating. Jabulani, the ranger, is the go-to man offering advice regarding the games drives, cruises
and fishing. Arriving back in uMhlanga on Sunday afternoon, I realised how lucky we are to have a slice of Africa a couple of hours away – close enough to be able to recharge our city batteries whenever we want. Celebrate The End Of Lockdown Good news for anyone wanting to get away after lockdown - Tandweni Villa is offering a 20% discount on post-lockdown bookings.
For more info: 083 626 6001; www.tandweni.co.za
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Mandela Day: #ActionAgainstPoverty AS THE WORLD REFLECTS ON NELSON MANDELA’S LEGACY, WE GIVE THANKS FOR HIS LIFE, HIS LEADERSHIP AND HIS DEVOTION TO HUMANITY AND TO HUMANITARIAN CAUSES.
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elson Mandela saw himself first and foremost as a servant of South Africa’s people, to whom he felt he owed a duty, and who he led by example. The genesis of our mandate as the Nelson Mandela Foundation, and our work, stems from Mandela’s passing on the torch of public service to everyone. “It is in your hands to make of our world a better one for all,” he said. Positive change was the gift left to all of us by Nelson Mandela, but it can only become a living legacy if we take up his challenge. In the spirit of Madiba and his vision to spread social justice and freedom for all, this is your chance to become part of a continuous global movement for good.
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Let us all emulate the servant leader we loved by becoming servant leaders ourselves – Madiba change-makers. By becoming someone who makes every day a Mandela Day - by taking action against poverty you can show others that actions speak far louder than words. Some suggestions of what to do this Mandela Day and beyond Not all of these ideas will be possible while we’re under lockdown, but you can make this an ongoing effort and save some of these ideas for after lockdown! • Put together stationary packs (pens, stickers, coloured paper, scissors, etc.) for teachers at an underresourced school.
• Do a neighbourhood clean-up armed with plastic gloves and black bags. • Volunteer your time at a shelter. • Make ‘care kits’ (including a comb, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, face cloth, etc.) for patients at a nearby government hospital. • Learn First Aid. • Give blood. • Become an organ donor • Clean up a city park. • Go on a social media fast for the day and make an effort to get to know people who you wouldn’t ordinarily speak to. • Hold a teddy bear or book drive for a children’s home. • Baby-sit for a single parent. Follow Mandela Day on social media or visit www.mandeladay.com.
Keep Someone Warm this Winter with the Cascades Lifestyle Centre Winter Warmth Drive IT IS COLD OUT THERE! IN AID OF MANDELA DAY, THE CASCADES LIFESTYLE CENTRE WINTER WARMTH DRIVE, IN ASSOCIATION WITH PIETERMARITZBURG & DISTRICT COMMUNITY CHEST, APPEALS TO THE COMMUNITY TO HELP BRING WARMTH AND COMFORT TO THOSE IN NEED THIS WINTER.
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The winter months can be tremendously challenging for the less fortunate, so we want do what we can to support them and help them stay warm,” says Cascades Lifestyle Centre Manager, Michelle Chinnu.
“We once again appeal to the Cascades community to share the warmth this winter and contribute new or used jackets, jerseys, hats, gloves, scarves or blankets to the 2020 Winter Warmth Drive.”
The collection bin is located inside Cascades Lifestyle Centre, outside Clicks. All items collected will be distributed by PMB Community Chest.
A Cascades Lifestyle Centre Charity Initiative
June - July 2020
Outside Clicks Cascades
All donations distributed by:
share warmth
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Mental Health in a Pandemic
WE ARE CURRENTLY SUBMERGED IN A WORLD WHERE THERE IS A CONSTANT OBSESSION WITH ONE’S PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS – DO I HAVE A TEMPERATURE, IS THAT NIGGLE IN MY THROAT SOMETHING MORE, COULD THAT MILD SHORTNESS OF BREATH MEAN THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH MY LUNGS?
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he COVID-19 pandemic has not only given us a physical disease to contend with but also, and often overlooked, a disruption in our mental health. The incessant temperature taking, and hand sanitizing is taking its toll on us all. Not to mention the threat of retrenchment, loss of income and isolated family members who we can’t visit. Anxiety levels and depression have increased during this very uncertain time. Those who were already anxious are now hitting their breaking point and those that were previously ‘fine’ are now starting to experience constant worry and a feeling of being overwhelmed. If you are reading this and feel out of control, know that you are not alone and there are some measures to help you cope better. • Maintain a healthy lifestyle – eat a wellbalanced diet, get good quality sleep, and exercise moderately for about 30 minutes a day. Please don’t take the exercise to the extreme though as it can lead to injury or feelings of inadequacy if you aren’t posting all your workout videos on social media. • Avoid excessive alcohol consumption and smoking to deal with your emotions. • Gather the facts regarding COVID-19 to ensure that you accurately determine your Akeso Pietermaritzburg offers inpatient treatment for: • • • • • • • •
Depression Bipolar Mood Disorder Dual Diagnoses Adolescence Disorders Anxiety Disorders Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders Post Natal Depression Mental Health Issues Related to Ageing
033 346 0065 www.akeso.co.za 126 Woodhouse Rd, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg
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risk so that you can take reasonable precautions. Use a credible source such as the WHO or NICD. • Lessen the constant news exposure that we all seem to have grown very accustomed to. Do not have your TV or radio tuned onto the media coverage throughout the day it can cause more worry and agitation. • Consider times in your life where things have been tough and you’ve managed to come through the other side. Use these skills to deal with the anxiety and worry caused by the pandemic. If you’ve implemented the above measures and are still experiencing some symptoms of anxiety or depression, then it is best if you make an appointment to see your doctor. He/she can explain the various pharmacological options available to you as well as recommend a psychologist to help with development of coping skills. So remember the next time you are worrying about your temperature, take a quick check of your mental health, it’s just as important!
By Dr Laura Troskie, www.umhlangagp.net.
Discussing Loss with Your Child HILTON-BASED COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGIST, WENDY CORFE, DISCUSSES HOW TO HELP OUR CHILDREN COPE WITH LOSS.
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or many of us death is an uncomfortable topic and one from which we would prefer to shield our children. The reality is that most children do experience loss (often of a beloved pet) during childhood. Given this and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, it may be useful to think about how to support your child through the grieving process. Support begins with being honest with your child. If a family member or pet becomes very ill and has to go to hospital, inform your child and answer his/ her questions honestly. This gives your child time emotionally to prepare for the worst. Don’t make promises about outcomes that you cannot keep. In the event of needing to explain that someone has died, keep language simple and age-appropriate, e.g. that grandpa was very ill and he has died. This means that his heart stopped working and that his body is still and no longer in pain. If you are religious, you can use your beliefs to further explain where you believe the person’s soul is. Avoid using euphemisms, e.g. “gone to
sleep,” or “Jesus took him,” as these explanations can cause potential anxiety in children about going to sleep or about Jesus. Involve your child in any rituals or ceremonies to honour the dead person. Rituals provide closure and there is comfort in being united in grief with friends and family. If the deceased is a pet, lighting a candle, saying a few words about the meaning of the animal to the child and saying a prayer can be a helpful way of providing closure. Some children may find it useful to plant a flower or tree in remembrance of the loved one. Once the initial shock of the loss wears off, your child will need to be able to grieve and this process can take time. As a parent, you provide a model for your child on how to process and deal with grief. Allow your child to see you cry and explain why you are crying, this gives them permission to also cry when they are grieving. Speak about the deceased often. This can be painful and bitter-sweet at first but it provides a connection to the deceased and shows that
it is okay to talk about him/ her if needed. Children sometimes engage in magical thinking when a loved one dies and secretly blame themselves for having caused their death by, for e.g. not saying goodbye or by refusing to give them a hug. Being able to speak openly about the deceased allows for this magical thinking to be revealed and resolved. Give your child control over his/her grief. Helping your child to compile a special memory box of items which remind him/ her of the loved one can be a beautiful way to remember and feel close to that person when they need to. Contents could be photos, personal items belonging to the loved one like a watch or ring, a small item of clothing smelling of the loved one, a toy given by the deceased – your child will know what needs to go into the box. Some families also put together photo books of special times with the deceased for which the child writes the story and this can be a wonderful, cathartic healing experience and resource for your child when needed. WWW.MUMSMAIL.COM HEALTHY LIFE
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Corporate Wellness Week THE FIRST WEEK OF JULY IS CORPORATE WELLNESS WEEK - AN OPPORTUNITY TO RAISE AWARENESS OF THE NEED TO CREATE A HEALTHY WORK ENVIRONMENT.
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n an unhealthy work environment, there is decreased productivity, higher absenteeism, poor work ethic and lower safety in the workplace. The World Health Organisation (WHO) proposes that “A healthy workplace is one in which workers and managers collaborate to use a continual improvement process to protect and promote the health, safety and well-being of all workers and the sustainability of the workplace.” Let us look at two health and wellness concerns in
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the workplace. Mental Health The South African Federation for Mental Health is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) seeking to uphold and protect the rights of people with mental illnesses. The call is for employers to facilitate mechanisms to achieve the objective of achieving a healthy workplace. According to the WHO, the average person spends a third of their adult life at work. It is thus important that the workplace is somewhere that employees can
potentially function at their peak. The WHO defines mental health as: “…a state of wellbeing in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.” In today’s fast-paced society, employees experience stress in the workplace daily. Work stress, combined with other mental health conditions, such as
depression and anxiety, impact on the productivity of employees and in turn also on the performance of companies and organisations in South Africa. It is therefore important that employers pay increased attention to their employees’ wellness, especially with regards to mental health. In general, employees do not feel comfortable in addressing their mental health issues with their employers. A survey by the South African Depression and Anxiety Group in 2017 showed that only 1 in 6 employees who had a mental illness indicated that they would be comfortable disclosing this to their manager. This is due to actual or perceived stigma. Stigma is pervasive throughout society, but can be increasingly malicious in the workplace, where employees fear retaliations for what they perceive to be weakness. This is because mental illness tends to be ‘invisible’ compared to those with a physical illness. Workplace bullying causes unseen damage to individuals, therefore awareness and educational programmes to all managers and their employees is of vital importance. Employee responsibilities for self-care include: • adequate sleep and exercise • ensure appropriate socialisation and spiritual
expression • ask for help and access services when necessary Ergonomics This is the study or measurement of work. In this context, the term work signifies purposeful human function; it extends beyond the more restricted concept of work as labour for monetary gain, to incorporate all activities whereby a rational human operator systematically pursues an objective. Thus it includes sports and other leisure activities, domestic work such as child care and home maintenance, education and training, health and social service, and either controlling engineered systems or adapting to them, for example, as a passenger in a vehicle. More specifically, ergo-
nomics is the science of designing the job to fit the worker. In all situations, activities and tasks, the focus is the person or persons involved. It is assumed that the structure, the engineering and any other technology is there to serve the operator, and not the other way round. An ergonomics programme is a systematic process for identifying, analysing, and controlling workplace risk factors, often for reducing overuse musculoskeletal disorders. Together, employers, workers, and other parties with an understanding of ergonomics can design effective programmes to prevent and minimize work-related musculoskeletal disorders. What are the advantages of good ergonomics? • Increased savings: fewer injuries, more productive employees, fewer workman’s compensation claims • Fewer employees experiencing pain: ergonomics reduces the risk factors that lead to discomfort • Increased productivity: more efficient, productive, and greater job satisfaction • Increased morale: employees feel valued because their workplace is safer • Reduced absenteeism: healthy and pain-free workers For more information visit www.safmh. org.za.
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Collagen 101 C
KATRINE ANKER-NILSSEN TAKES A CLOSER LOOK AT THE HYPE AROUND COLLAGEN SUPPLEMENTS.
ollagen has been around in cosmetics for a while, but is a relatively new kid on the block when it comes to supplements. Its benefits certainly sound intriguing, but is it just another health fad? Let’s find out why you should be taking it, and how you can ensure you’re taking the best possible product. “Collagen is the most abundant protein in our body. It is found in our bones, muscles, skin, and tendons. It’s the glue that holds the body together, and forms a foundation to provide strength and structure,” explains registered dietician Danielle Roberts – the Sharks rugby team’s nutritionist. Strengthening the skin by improving elasticity and hydration, collagen can keep us looking younger by slowing down the aging process. It may also help improve joint pain and maintain bone mass. “Bones are mostly made of collagen, which give them structure,” explains Danielle. “As we age, we lose bone mass density. Taking collagen can help increase bone density and prevent
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bone disorders like osteoporosis.” Collagen may also help gut health issues by strengthening the lining of the gut – making it less permeable and more effective in retaining nutrients from food – and improving gut absorption issues. This, however, needs more scientific research. “Most of the research done has been on joint and skin health, showing beneficial effects,” says Danielle. “Although larger studies are needed, I have many older clients who on taking the right collagen can feel the difference in their skin, hair growth and nails in just one to two months.” When combined with exercise, collagen may also boost metabolism by increasing lean muscle mass. “Due to the high amino acid content, it makes it an ideal protein for muscle repair and recovery – reducing stiffness,” explains Mariska Terblanche of Skat. “Apart from preventing the signs of aging by hydrating the skin and reducing wrinkles, it can also
promote nail and hair growth,” she adds. Our ancestors ate animals from head to tail, ensuring that there was no waste. This included boiling down the bones and ligaments, or the animal, to make a rich broth that formed the basis of most of their meals. “Collagen is found mostly in the parts of the animal that we discard in modern-day cooking, so we just don’t get enough of it in our diets,” explains Catherine Clark – owner of The Harvest Table – adding that collagen is “more than just a supplement, it is a necessity for optimum health.” “Because good collagen supplements – which are additive, filler and preservative free – are actually a food, there are very few, if any, side effects,” says Catherine. However according to Danielle collagen supplements may cause indigestion for some people, or a feeling of fullness – as it is a protein. You can take collagen in the form of pills, capsules, powder, granules or even liquid. “In order to receive enough collagen for your body to do the repair work that it needs, you should be taking approximately 16 grams a day,” says Catherine. “As collagen can be heated without losing its effectiveness, you can easily add it into cooking and hot drinks.” It also works well in smoothies, and according to Mariska you can bake with it without compromising your recipe. Some people suggest taking collagen in the morning when your stomach is empty, while others prefer taking it at night – so that can body can “process” it while you sleep. “Personally, I take collagen powder in the morning after I train, as it adds 10g protein to my post workout meal,” says Danielle. With so many collagen supplements available, make sure you do your research. A good collagen supplement will be 100% pure, natural and unsweetened. “Colourless and tasteless means there are no other ingredients added,” says Mariska. Always look for a product that comes from a grass fed (bovine) source or wild caught (marine) source. “This ensures that
the animals were raised as nature intended, and not prematurely fattened. Also ensure that the animals were given no routine antibiotics or growth hormones – as you wouldn’t wanted traces of those in your collagen,” says Catherine. “Collagen needs to be broken down into peptides to be absorbed into the body, so look out for a hydrolysed collagen supplement,” says Danielle – adding that it’s absorbed better with vitamin C. Veganism is the fastest growing sector in the food industry today, so researches are feeling the pressure to come up with a plantbased alternative to collagen supplements. Protein is made up of building blocks called amino acids, and different types of protein – whether it is egg, pea or bovine – all contain a different mix of amino acids. “Collagen protein has a unique set of amino acids found only within the skin and tissue of animals. These amino acid combinations do not naturally occur in plants. We can offer a mix of plant-based proteins to try and give the best possible second alternative to animal-based collagen, but it is not proven to be as effective. This is a hot topic and we should watch this space closely as new research becomes available,” says Mariska. “Aloe vera, bamboo and seaweed may have collagen boosting materials, as well as certain mushrooms which provide the amino acids to make certain proteins,” adds Danielle. To boost your collagen naturally, drinking bone broth or adding bone broth powder when cooking are great options. “Cooking foods, like stews, with the bones in, also increases collagen,” says Catherine – who believes consumers will see greater long term benefits by consuming collagen and allowing their bodies to repair from within.
For more information contact Danielle Roberts, www.danielleroberts.co.za, Catherine Clark, www.harvesttable. co.za, Mariska Terblanche, www.skatonline.co.za
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Teaching Children How To Think From an Early Age ACCORDING TO MARGARET MEAD, AN AMERICAN CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGIST, CHILDREN MUST BE TAUGHT HOW TO THINK NOT WHAT TO THINK.
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he earlier we can equip our children with the relevant skills on how to think, the better. 9 PILLARS THAT PLAY A VERY CRITICAL ROLE IN TEACHING A CHILD HOW TO THINK 1. Listening A child must know (and apply) the basic secrets to effective listening. 2. Critical vs. Non-critical information A child must learn that NOT all information is important. A child must be able to identify which information is CRITICAL
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and which information is NON-CRITICAL. 3. Keyword Identification Once a child is able to determine which information is CRITICAL INFORMATION, he must be able to draw out key concepts from both a written level as well as an auditory level. 4. Effective Reading Now that a child knows how to identify CRITICAL INFORMATION and KEYWORDS, he must learn to comprehend information on a written and an auditory level. 5. Effective Note-taking
Note-taking effectively increases ones concentration as well as retention in the classroom considerably. A child must learn from an early age how to take notes of the critical information heard in the classroom. 6. Summarising In order to boost a child’s retention and understanding, he must be able to know how to summarise the critical information of a text. 7. Memory A child must know how to use and apply the best memory systems, to enhance recall and the ability to think critically. 8. Revision Revision means to see again. The more a child learns to see the information again, the more his brain will trust that it is important and should be stored. A child must know when, how and how often to reinforce key information learnt in the classroom and from written text. 9. The Art of Skilful Living Real intelligence is creating products and services that are valued by society. A child must learn to think critically and apply his genius to real world problems. By Kath Denholm.
How do I Teach my Child to Listen? “LISTEN TO ME WHEN I SPEAK TO YOU!” “ARE YOU DEAF?!” “SHUT UP….I MEAN ZIP YOUR LIPS AND LISTEN!” “ARE YOU SITTING ON YOUR EARS?” “ARE THOSE THINGS ON THE SIDE OF YOUR HEAD DECORATIONS?!”
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oes the above sound familiar (excuse the pun)? 3 REASONS WHY IT IS IMPORTANT FOR YOUR CHILD TO LISTEN 1. Listening forms the foundation to human relationships. According to Dr Rachel Naomi Remen, “The most basic and powerful way to connect to another person is to listen. Just listen. Perhaps the most important thing we ever give each other is our attention.” 2. Listening helps a child improve their knowledge and understanding. 3. In order for a child to mature and grow into a well-respected member of society, they need to know how to listen. Listening improves knowledge. How does one listen? According to the Oxford Dictionary, the word listen means to give one’s attention to sound. If you had to ask your child to brainstorm ‘how do I listen, what would he/she say? More importantly, what would you say? 4 Secrets to Listening These secrets appear simple! Be warned, they are not! The secrets are difficult and laborious to teach but the younger your child can master these skills the better. 1. STOP. Whenever your child hears a voice directed at him, he needs to STOP whatever he is doing. 2. LOOK. Once your child has mastered the art of stopping, he needs to LOOK. LOOK at the owner of the voice. 3. THINK. Once your child has STOPPED, LOOKED and STUDIED the speaker’s lips, he must THINK about what has been said.
Your child needs to process what has been uttered and decide what to do with it. They need to decide what words in the information are CRITICAL and then take action. 4. DOODLE. This secret only applies to the child who can write. Doodle means to ‘scribble absent-mindedly’. Kids prefer the word doodle to note-taking. If your child can learn to scribble present-mindedly in the classroom from an early age, it will result in genius. In this article (www.andnextcomesl. com/2019/05/listening-games-activities. html), Dyan Robson lists many activities one can do to IMPOSSIBLE improve your child’s = I’M POSSIBLE listening skills. Don’t let your child suffer from poor self-esteem, because of When carrying reading problems out these activities, try and incorporate the four secrets to listening.
By Kath Denholm, speech therapist. Visit www.geniusseries.com.
Hilton and Hayfields 033 - 343 3226 devon@wiseeye.co.za www.wiseeye.co.za
Providing a loving environment since 1983, for babies from 8 months to 6 years. Half/Full day option
Situated in Scottsville, close to UKZN Tel: 033 386 8742 www.lindiwepreschool.co.za WWW.MUMSMAIL.COM EDUCATED LIFE
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Lockdown Celebrations HAVE A SPECIAL OCCASION TO CELEBRATE, BUT LOCKDOWN IS DAMPENING YOUR PLANS?
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ear not, here are some great ideas on how to celebrate at home amidst lockdown and social distancing! Cheese and wine evening Tell all of your guests to purchase the same cheese selection box and ask each to pick a wine or two to pair with them. Then organise a video call so everyone can explain their selections. A night under the stars Just because hotels and B&Bs are closed doesn’t mean you and your partner can’t celebrate an anniversary with a romantic weekend away. Pitch up a tent in the garden, grab some blankets and a few deckchairs and spend the evening stargazing. Make sure to get up early and deliver a freshly cooked breakfast in bed (sleeping bag) to secure yourself some bonus points. The best part? A hot shower or bath is just a few metres away – and there’s no chance of a noisy family pitching up alongside. Zoom dinner party People have been quick of the mark in finding online replacements for their usual social calendar and zoom dinner parties are now all the rage. Cook the same meal as your ‘guests’, dress up and arrange a time to eat it together.
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A Children’s birthday bash Trying to explain to young children why a global pandemic means they can’t have the pirate-themed birthday bouncy castle, braai and water fight they’ve been looking forward to for weeks is tough. But you can soften the blow by telling them they’ll have a party unlike anything their friends have ever experienced before. Invite their friends to get dressed up and beam into the party via their parents’ smartphones or computers. Then send them scurrying round their respective houses in search of items like summer hats, toothbrushes and slippers on a virtual scavenger hunt. Games like musical statues also work well via video link. Virtual sleepover Teenage children who are past the days of musical statues could organise their own online sleepover. From spooking each other with ghost stories and playing truth or dare to doing karaoke videos together, you can still have fun even if you’re not snuggled up in the same room. Netflix has its own party option so sleepover guests can throw a movie night together and swoon collectively over their favourite actors.
Source: www.life.spectator.co.uk
Old School Party Games HERE ARE SOME OLD SCHOOL PARTY GAMES FOR YOUR CHILD’S NEXT BIRTHDAY PARTY – THESE MAY TAKE YOU BACK TO YOUR CHILDHOOD! Ping Pong Ball Two children sit on opposite sides of a table on their knees with their arms behind their back. A ping pong ball is placed in the middle of the table. When the judge says GO, they both try to blow the ping pong ball off the opponents’ side of the table. Fire Department Break up the children into two equal teams and have them stand in a line. One end of the line has a bucket and the other has a measuring cup. All of the children are given empty paper cups. The children then attempt to pass the water from the bucket down the line to the measuring cup. The team that transfers the most wins. Hot Potato All children should sit in a circle with one standing with his/her eyes closed. The players sitting in the circle pass a ball to each other. No player can hold the ball for more than a second. At any point the standing player can yell ‘HOT POTATO!’ and whoever is
holding the ball at that time is the out! Back Up Break children into two equal teams. Two teammates sit back to back. When the game starts, the children lock arms and bend their knees. They then attempt to stand up without using their hands. Whichever team can stand up first wins. Freeze Dance All children begin dancing when the music is playing, but when the music is turned off by the judge they must freeze in place. The judge determines who was still moving and eliminates those children. Ice Cube Hand out ice cubes to everyone. When the game starts, players can try everything they can to melt the ice cube quicker than their opponents. They can rub it between their hands or on their shirt, or blow on it. Whoever melts it first wins! No cheating (and you cannot put it in your mouth to melt it). Source: www.shutterfly.com
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