Mum's Mail Durban - April 2020

Lockdown comfort food

Gardening with your kids

Issue 177 | Durban | April 2020 | FREE

Everyday Life/ BEAUTIFUL LIFE 5

Readers’ Life & Support The Jes Foord Handbag Project

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Meet the Cover Stars

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Annual Mum’s Mail Ladies Breakfast Postponed

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Uplifting and Empowering

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Lockdown Comfort Food

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Animal Anti Cruelty League

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Top 8 Reasons to Adopt from an Animal Shelter

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Book Reviews by Bargain Books

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Welcome to the Marijuanaissance

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Cakes by Eva

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Gardening with Your Kids

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World Autism Awareness Day

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Weight Loss Tips

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Dr Megan @ Home Health Awareness Month

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Excellent Care for Babies and Children

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What to do if you Suspect you have COVID-19

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Oakridge College: 21 Years of Excellence

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Building a Routine for your Kids During COVID-19

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Giant Bubbles

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Integrative, Holistic and Drugfree Therapies

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Easy Recipes for Kids

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Science Experiment: The Life of a Flame

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MRP Sport’s Self-Isolation Active Inspiration

38-39

Find Balance

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The Importance of Playing With Your Child

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Plant a Mobile Herb Garden

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Personal Wellbeing in Your Family

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Four Seasons Tree Craft

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Make a Butterfly Feeder

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Over & Under Obstacle Course

46-47

Kids Art Projects

48

Easter Egg Slices

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Old School Party Games

50-51

Ideas for Your Kids this Housebound Holiday

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CONTENTS

DELICIOUS Life/HOME LIFE/ HEALTHY LIFE

educated LIFE/KIDS’ LIFE/PARTY LIFE

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18

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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: CJ Photography, cjphotographydurban@gmail.com 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...

Things have certainly changed over the last month due to coronavirus!

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t feels like this pandemic has toppled our world upside down!

Schools are closed, many employees are working from home – and we don’t know how long it will last. If you are feeling uncertain about the future, know that you are not alone! I think we are in for hard times, but together we can get through this – if we all play our part.

I count myself lucky, as I’ve mostly worked from home for a number of years, so I’m used to the chaos of working in a loud and chaotic environment, and have learned to tune it out. I’m also all set up for it from a technical point of view. It hasn’t always been easy though, and when I first started

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working from home I had a tiny baby, and then later an active toddler – there were many times when I thought I was going to lose my mind. Working from home is NOT easy when you have kids, so I do feel for all the parents out there who are trying it for the first time! However, there are many great resources online to help you through this journey, like blogs with crafts and activities like www.thingstodowithkids.co.za and educational resources and apps like Xander Apps and Skidz Educational Boxes, www. smart-kids.co.za and KidsbookClub.co.za.

You can also find loads of recipes and science experiments for kids online – one of my favourite blogs is www.kidsactivityblog. com. Go check these out and let me know if you find some awesome new ideas - sharing is caring!

We have worked very hard to provide some relevant content for you, our readers.

You will find some health advice from a doctor, tips to beat holiday boredom at home, games to play at home, an article about spending quality time with your children, book reviews, competitions and more!

Please keep safe during the uncertain times ahead, be sensible and support small local businesses as much as possible, as they will suffer the most!

Until next time, Sarah.

Readers’ Life T

he Universe hears you, do you listen?

I have two energetic girls, aged 11 and three years old. Due to many personal obstacles, my career and self-growth was put on the back burner as I prioritised the needs of my family.

In January 2020, with the girls thriving in school and day-care, I finally decided for the second time to resume my studies and put my career back on track. At 40 years old, being a student, employee and mum

was no mean feat. I was determined to organise life so that that home life ran smoothly while I was away.

After the first week I asked the universe for help.

I had to know the kids were ok in order to stay motivated. I came home to find a copy of Mum’s Mail. Ah, such a blessing! The February issue was a marvel.

Your editor’s note validated my need to put myself first again. Such an inspiration Sarah! Your articles on Disconnecting from Social

Media and Oh My! Kids’ Playmats gave me great ideas to reconnect with my kids after being away for the day. Such a change for the tiny tots! Your articles on Healthy Lifestyle Awareness inspired me to eat better so that I could meet the demands of work life. Thank you Mum’s Mail, every article was enjoyed. Not to mention the joy of reading your mag outdoors while the kids caught butterflies in the garden.

God Bless, Kavita Soni

Support The Jes Foord Handbag Project The JFF handbag project is one of the organisation’s biggest and ongoing initiatives – committed to collecting and packing new and used handbags containing toiletries and care items that can assist a rape victim after the initial reporting process.

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very handbag is the beginning of a survivor’s new life after their ordeal and gives them hope, which is a fundamental step in recovery. Four hundred bags are packed and delivered every month, 60% of them for victims under the age of 12, and it costs R170 to pack each bag – excluding transportation. The bags are received by survivors during the reporting process at the Thuthuzela Care centres – where survivors can receive full medical treatment, counselling as well as open a case, all under one roof.

Help be a part of a survivor’s journey to healing by donating toiletry items or new and used handbags to this amazing project.

Kids Packs: A bar of soap, a facecloth, a

small pack of tissues, a 24-page colouring book, a pack of crayons, an A5 notebook and a ballpoint pen (used for art therapy and forensic evidence gathering), a soft toy or teddy bear, children’s underwear, sanitary pads and a backpack or drawstring bag to place these items in.

Adult Packs: A bar of soap, a facecloth, a toothbrush and toothpaste, a small deodorant, body lotion, a pack of sanitary pads, a small pack of tissues, adult underwear, shampoo and conditioner, a note with words of kindness, a new or used handbag (in good condition) to place these items in.

For more info: www.jff.org.za WWW.MUMSMAIL.COM EVERYDAY LIFE

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Meet the Cover Stars Meet the Kurten family - dad Larryn, mom Kavendree and sons Elizur (7) and Zephan (5).

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hey are from the seaside town of Amanzimtoti, which literally translates into “sweet waters”.

Larryn is a procurement manager and Kavendree, apart from full time super-hero, is a stay-athome mom. She has also developed and runs a CBT programme called I Think First, which uses a cognitive behavioural approach to dealing with many mental illnesses and behavioural disorders.

“Elizur is our strong-willed boy who has taught us to love unconditionally (and to breathe). He is highly competitive and enjoys mastery, so naturally, he is exceptional at both sport and academics. He often takes the lead and is very responsible and precise.

His compassion towards

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animals, young children and the elderly continues to grow as he matures,” says the proud mom.

“In a nutshell, Zephan is a free-spirited child. He is content with any given situation, regardless of whether it’s in his favour or not, and sees the positive in all things. He has an immeasurable amount of peace, joy, and wisdom. He can be described as the artist/inventor/scientist. He is always found with paper and pens, designing his next invention that will benefit the future.”

They don’t have a busy lifestyle, so relaxing together is considered normal for them. They play outside daily, go for walks and runs, play board games or card games, and read - a lot!

In between all of that,

there is an overwhelming amount of chatter!

What do you love about being parents?

“Having children has taught us so much about ourselves as individuals. It has revealed the masks, the ego, etc., in a way that no other role has. We are on a constant journey of learning about our true intentions as we sacrifice daily for these little people,” say Kavendree and Larryn.

Any advice for new parents out there?

“Be an example of LOVE! A child does not need a showering of external gifts in order to feel loved. One of the greatest gifts you can give a child is your complete presence and unequivocal acceptance of them, especially when their personalities tend to collide with yours.”

“We have to show them we see them for their limitations, imperfections and wounds and understand them with extravagant compassion. By loving them without transactions, control or possession, we demonstrate what it means to love others AND more importantly, how to love themselves,” concludes Kavendree.

Annual Mum’s Mail Ladies Breakfast Postponed At the time of going to print, President Ramaphosa had issued a temporary ban on gatherings/events of more than 100 people.

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s a result, the 7th Annual Mum’s Mail ‘Flower Power’ PMB Ladies Breakfast in association with The Sunflower Fund has been postponed until further notice.

However, we ask that those who have already purchased tickets hold on to them for now, as they will still be valid when we announce a new date for the event. As this is a charity event, we are still looking for gift and prize sponsors.

Ticket sales have been put on hold for the moment, and will reopen when we have more clarity on the situation and when we will be allowed to hold this event.

The 7th Annual Mum’s Mail PMB Ladies breakfast in support of The Sunflower Fund is sponsored by Vitalab and Maritzburg Arch Lifestyle Centre. The theme this year will be Flower Power.Tickets cost R320 per person or R3 200 for a table of ten and include a

two-course breakfast, decadent individual desserts by Chateau Gateaux, a B.O.N Natural Oils gift per lady, fabulous goodie bags, guest speakers, surprise treats and loads of exciting prize giveaways.

To expose your brand through prize or goodie bag item sponsorship, contact Mechelle on 083 328 2688 or email mechelle@mumsmail.com.

For more information on The Sunflower Fund visit www.sunflowerfund.org.

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Uplifting and Empowering Stephen Smith pays the inspiring Embocraft Training Centre Trust a visit.

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any of us know the Embocraft Training Centre Trust in Bothas Hill for its little craft shop, a joint project run with Woza Moya, filled to the brim with colourful and beautiful handmade arts and crafts.

Or, driving past, we have spotted the eccentric animal statues in the garden, or the huge elephant mural on the wall. Some of us may also have noticed the “Training Centre” in the name, or the “courses offered” on signs. And that is the real purpose of Embo: to train and uplift members of the local community and give them a chance at meaningful income generation.

The courses offered are fairly diverse, but all have one thing in common – they’re practical and they can assist the people who complete them to make a living. There are two sewing courses: basic and advanced, a comprehensive

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welding course, a woodworking course, craft and fabric painting courses and a computer course.

I’m sure many of you are thinking exactly the same thing as me right now… I want to do a course! But Embo serves a very singular purpose – upliftment. As such, they will only accept people on their courses if they are unemployed and looking for a way to support themselves and their family.

There is a registration cost of R250 per student, but otherwise the courses cost nothing – which is incredible considering the infrastructure needed to run them, and the materials used every day.

What impressed me most about my time at Embo was that the support doesn’t end when a student has finished their course. If you pop your head into one of the containers on the property, there’s a good chance that

you might see Simphiwe Sithole at work on one of the industrial sewing machines or overlockers. A former student who completed the beginners and advanced sewing courses in 2013, Simphiwe is now a remarkably skilled tailor who does alterations or makes custom clothing from scratch, and Embo allow him to use their machines when courses aren’t being run. “I always liked sewing,” says Simphiwe, “and now I can support myself doing it.” He proudly shows me photographs of happy customers modelling their beautiful completed garments.

It’s a feel-good place, Embo. It’s a place where initiative is rewarded and where real change happens.

So the next time you drive past, pop in and support the shop. Or even better, see if there isn’t a way that you can support the training centre itself, so that it can continue to upskill people and change our community one graduate at a time.

For more information visit www.embocraft.co.za; email them on embocraft@telkomsa.net or call them on 031 765 3697.

You can also find them on Facebook: embocrafttrainingcentre or call Simpiwe on 078 161 0106 or 065 995 0955 Picture: Stephen Smith

Lockdown Comfort Food One of the best things to do during the lockdown is to cook or bake with your kids in the kitchen!

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hey will learn valuable skills and it will keep everyone busy for a while, plus satisfy those cravings!

I plan to try this one - it looks simply delicious and all the ingredients are pretty straight forward…

Cinnamon Sugar Bread Cinnamon Sugar Bread is like eating a cinnamon & sugar cake donut but better.

Easy & delicious this bread is ready to devour in an hour.

Ingredients • 1 tablespoon butter • 1 1/3 cups sugar • 4 teaspoons cinnamon • 2 cups flour • 1 tablespoon baking powder • 3/4 teaspoon salt • 1 egg • 1 cup milk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 1/3 cup canola oil Instructions Preheat oven to 180 degrees. Butter a loaf pan with 1 tbsp butter and set aside.

In a small bowl, mix 1/3 cup sugar and 3 teaspoons cinnamon, stir together and set aside.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, the remaining 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and remaining 1 cup of sugar.

Sift together to combine.

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together egg, milk, oil and vanilla extract. Stir by hand into flour mixture until combined.

Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan.

Sprinkle with half of the cin-

namon and sugar mixture.

Add the remaining batter, and using a butter knife, swirl batter. Then top with the remaining cinnamon and sugar mixture.

Place in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean.

Cool the loaf pan on a cooling rack for 10 minutes.

Move the loaf from the pan onto a large plate. The loose cinnamon and sugar will come off onto the plate.

Carefully press all the sides of the bread onto the cinnamon and sugar that comes off onto the plate.

Slice and serve as a snack or a decadent breakfast!

Source: www.dashofsanity.com.

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Animal Anti Cruelty League

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he Animal Anti-Cruelty League (AACL) is a non-profit making organisation, and does not receive a subsidy from the government. The AACL has been protecting and caring for animals since 1956. It is the second biggest independent animal welfare organisation in South Africa, and relies entirely upon the generosity and goodwill of the animal-loving public for financial support. Many phone calls are received daily, from the public, relating to animals that need help. The AACL’s reactive and proactive inspectorate respond to all complaints within 24 hours and take the necessary action.

Their aim is to prevent and eliminate all cruelty to all animals, whether arising from ignorance, neglect or deliberate cruelty, and to alleviate suffering by such cruelty.

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

PETS FOR ADOPTION

JACK male, 1 year

NIKKI female, 2 years

JACKIE female, 15 months

JEWEL female, 15 months

DAISY female, 10 months

BIANCA female, 1 year

BETSY female, 1 year

ALICE female, 8 months

For adoptions: Contact Jenny adoptions@aacldurban.co.za

(031) 736 9093

Address: Artesia Farm, 53 Artesia Avenue (D657), Leckhampton Valley, Hammarsdale.

GPS Co-ordinates: S 29° 46’6 E 30° 38’9

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Top 8 Reasons to Adopt from an Animal Shelter 1. You save a life.

All animals at a shelter are in need of a second chance. They have been lost, given up or abandoned. They are all unwanted and helpless. You are giving them a new life in a loving home.

2. You help break the cycle of pet overpopulation.

There are not enough homes for all the animals that are born every year. Adopting from a shelter helps weaken the pet overpopulation cycle. Each year millions of dogs, cats, puppies and kittens are euthanized because there are simply not enough homes for them.

3. You help stop cruelty in mass breeding facilities.

Commercial pet-breeding facilities and backyard breeders produce millions of animals for sale in pet stores and through newspaper ads. Often known as puppy and kitten mills, these facilities repeatedly and shamelessly impregnate female dogs and cats that spend their entire lives in cages without any human companionship.

These unfortunate animals are often in intolerable environments, forced to produce litter upon litter, and are destroyed after they become unprofitable assets. Adopting a shelter animal means you don’t support such cruel practices.

4. You take advantage of adopting an adult animal.

Adult pets are great! Often they are already housetrained and some can even “sit” or “stay.” You won’t have to deal with the “puppy phase” or the “kitten phase” which means less of that youthful energy such as biting, chewing, clawing, etc.

You will be able to see the personality of the adult animal and won’t have to wait to see what you get.

5. You get a lifetime resource with shelter employees and volunteers.

People who work at the shelter will be a great resource to help you find information or resources for your pet. These amazing staff members work with animals every day and have a wealth of information on many different issues that might arise.

6. You support a valuable charity and community institution.

When you adopt a pet from a shelter, you assist a not-for-profit organisation, but also send a message to others who will be asking you for years to come where you obtained your adorable pet. Shelters improve the community by mandating that adopted animals be spayed or neutered. This requirement diminishes chances that more unwanted animals will enter the world.

7. You pay less.

Low adoption fees (which cover a portion of our shelter’s costs) are much less than the cost of buying a purebred puppy or kitten sold for profit.

8. You encourage others to adopt animals from shelters.

When your friends ask where you got your amazing pet, you can tell them you got it “at the shelter.” Your adoption may encourage others to do the same.

Doing a Spring Clean?

AACL has a very well run charity shop on the farm in Hammarsdale, which is well supported by loyal shoppers. But to keep our shop stocked we need your help. We ask that you donate any unwanted goods to us. We sell glassware, kitchenware, clothing, books, tools, furniture and much, much more. So please keep us in mind when you need to off load items you no longer need.

For more information call Paula on 031 736 9093

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Book Reviews

by Bargain Books Mum’s Mail has a R2000 Bargain Books vouchers to give away.

For children PRIDDY WIPE CLEAN BOOKS Let’s start with the basics. You’ll need to be keeping up with those essential early skills while the kids are out of school, so be sure to pick up these Priddy Wipe Clean titles that can be used repeatedly for continued practice.

These four books cover basic maths, telling the time, identifying colours and shapes, and handwriting, among other vital subjects.

They’re especially robust and hygienic, making them ideal if you have multiple young children.

WHEN I’M FEELING SERIES by Trace Moroney This is another important one. This period in which we now find ourselves is likely going to give rise to more than the usual amount of emotional strain, so nurturing an early understanding of basic feelings and empathy is going to be very important for you and your kids. Happily, this firm-favourite series is on hand to make things simpler. With one lovely book per essential feeling, Trace Moroney’s beloved books are just the ticket for aiding an early education, and for teaching the youngest among us what to do with their strongest feelings. Plus, that bunny is just the cutest thing!

COMPUTING WIPE CLEAN SERIES by Miles Kelly.

Makes sense, doesn’t it? Not only is technology becoming a bigger and bigger part of young lives, it’s of even more importance now. With these wipe clean work books you can help your kids to learn the basics of logic and data, algorithms and coding, basic digital skills and how best to use a tablet – all useful life and mathematical skills that will come in handy (and keep them occupied) whether or not you reckon that a career in tech is on the cards. Like the Priddy books above, these are robust, reusable and hygienic.

Aimed at kids aged five to seven years.

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CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS AND DOG MAN SERIES by Dav Pilkey.

Because, basically, there’s nothing that captures the imagination quite like a questionably clad superhero that accidentally becomes real and a graphic novel series that stars a half-dog, half-policeman canine crime-fighting legend… not to mention their increasingly outlandish and hilarious foes (who include just about everything from a mad scientist to a runaway toilet). They’re all hilarious and infinitely readable. Oh, and don’t worry if you can’t get every single one in the series… believe me they all make sense by themselves (which is to say, they’re not really trying to make that much sense in the first place!)

ENID BLYTON TITLES by Enid Blyton Yep. I’d say that having one of the world’s most beloved storytellers on your side is a no brainer while there’s a lot of staying at home to be done. And we all know why Blyton is so loved. The stories are magical and imaginative, inventive and adventurous, while remaining rooted in good values and wholesome messages. Here’s a selection of story collections that are ideal for the youngster who’s just starting to read on their own.

They also make excellent S U LTA N & C O • Attorneys read-alongs and bedtime ATTORNEYS | TAX PLANNING | FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS • tAx plAnning stories, of course.

Contact: Bianca Noel-Barham, Bargain Books, 021 706 1461, bianca@bargainbooks.co.za, www.bargainbooks.co.za. Facebook: Bargain Books SA, Instagram: @bargainbookssa

WIN WIN WIN Mum’s Mail has a R2000 Bargain Books vouchers to give away!

Visit www.mumsmail.com to enter.

PRAVDA & KNOWLES ATTORNEYS Specialist Services:

Family Law: Divorce | Access | Custody & Maintenance Commercial Law: Contracts | Leases | Insurance

Other Legal Services:

Criminal Law | Delictual Claims | Motor Vehicle Claims | Mediation | Arbitration | Estate Planning & Trusts • Durban CBD: 031 307 3982 • Umhlanga: 031 572 5669 Mathew Pravda Cell 082 770 3982 mathew@pravda.co.za • www.pravda.co.za

• finAnciAl solutions Nazrana Sultan

Financial Planner (PGDFP) Attorney (LLB) (LLM) 031 819 7868 / 072 291 2972 2 Ncondo Place, Ridgeside Umhlanga Rocks naz@sultaninc.co.za www.sultaninc.co.za

VIDEO TO DVD / USB DRIVE Preserve your precious memories from dust, humidity and mould by converting them to DVD or USB drive. Professional conversion of most video formats. Cleaning and repair service also available.

Contact Louisa 031 - 261 2951 • 083 324 6149 e-mail: louisa@lookvideo.co.za 20 Charles Grove, Glenwood www.lookvideo.co.za

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Welcome to the Marijuanaissance Move over coconut oil, ever since the legalisation of CBD, cannabis products have become the fountain of health, beauty and wellbeing.

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ome background info CBD which stands for Cannabidiol, is one of over 80 compounds extracted from the cannabis or marijuana plant. CBD does not cause any form of intoxication. The ‘high’ effect is caused by another cannabinoid found in cannabis, called THC. Why now?

People have been using cannabis for its healing properties for decades.

However, there has always been a stigma attached to it. It has become mainstream now because the benefits of this plant were brought to the forefront, thanks to science, and this led to CBD being legalised in many parts of the world.

Previously, the compound that was most sought after in the cannabis plant was THC. People associated cannabis with getting high.

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The higher the strain of THC, the higher the high, so to speak. Then scientists began to study the health benefits of low THC strains and moved their attention to the CBD compound.

They discovered that it was packed with anti-inflammation properties, vitamins A, D, and E, and also essential fatty acids.

What can CBD do for your skin?

Applied topically, CBD is a great anti-inflammatory, painkiller and works wonders on dry skin. Inflammation exacerbates acne and signs of ageing.

If you ever had acne, you will know how difficult it can be to treat because it has so many components; blocked pores, excess sebum, inflammation, and the increase and spread of bacteria. It is believed that CBD prevents breakouts by

BEAUTIFUL LIFE WWW.MUMSMAIL.COM

regulating oil production of the sebaceous glands. By controlling inflammation and oil production, CBD is a great defence against acne or acne prone skin.

Applying serums or creams infused with CBD oil to your skin will reduce visible signs of ageing. CBD oil contains Omega 6 and Omega 3, these fatty acids stimulate the production of collagen. Antioxidants, found abundantly in CBD oil counteract free-radical damage, contributing to more youthful looking skin and also speed up your healing time.

Rubs and balms infused with CBD are ever so popular now because they reduce swelling and offer relief in sore joints and muscles alike.

CBD creams are increasingly being used to ease symptoms of eczema and psoriasis. Cannabinoids have proved to be effective in stopping the itch caused by these skin condition. The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties found in CBD further treat eczema and psoriasis.

Why not give it a try?

By Khurshid Guffar.

Body Stress Release is a complementary health technique that unlocks stored tension from the physical structures of the body.

• Addressing tension, injury & trauma • Assisting the body to restore optimal function • Facilitating a healthy & active lifestyle Shelby Strange 067 248 7428 shelby@bsroptimalhealth.com | www.bsroptimalhealth.com Corner of Spring Grove and Zenith Drive, Umhlanga Ridge

So Why Advertise In Mum’s Mail ?

• • • • • • • • • •

Handy, practical size – that’s so it fits into Mom’s handbag and Dad’s cubbyhole for any emergency.

Rates start from less than R10 a day – that’s less than a cappuccino from your fave coffee shop.

Over 400 satisfied advertisers every month – wow, so many happy campers, don’t you want to join the club too?

Exceptional shelf life – our directory & mag won’t end up at the bottom of the parrot’s cage unlike some other print media.

The most comprehensive and established free guide for the whole family (est. 2003) – the best things in life are freeeee!

Extensive, targeted distribution to LSM 7 – 10 – yes we’re choosy as to who gets their hands on our fab directory & mag.

15 000 Directories printed every six months – wow!

72 000 Magazines printed monthly (35 000 for Durban, 22 000 for PMB/Midlands & 15 000 for East Rand) – that’s a huge print run.

Free design of your advert – so many free things, yay!

Printed and online advertising options, as well as a weekly e-mail newsletter – so many options…something for everyone.

031 - 573 1731 • editor@mumsmail.com

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Cakes by Eva Evangeline Hills started Cakes by Eva in 2009 and since then it has grown into a three-woman business.

“Around 2008 I became the ‘family baker’ – for the kids’ birthday cakes and family get togethers – and my passion was ignited from there,” says Evangelina. “One day I delivered cupcakes to my daughter-in-law’s work and she called me a few minutes later and asked me what I would charge for a dozen if I would sell them. Soon after that, the orders started pouring in. I quickly became the “cupcake lady”. So my journey began from cupcakes

pheka

fresh simple cooking imagine a world where meals just happen!

WIN! WIN! WIN! Mum’s Mail has a Cakes by Eva cake voucher for a famous chocolate drip cake with our decadent topping, valued at R700, to give away!

Visit www.mumsmail.com to enter.

• hands on cooking courses for domestic employees • improve the skills of your domestic worker • easy, fun and tasty • situated in your area • private catering also available for more information contact danielle du toit mobile: 072 261 5192 danielle@pheka.co.za find us on www.pheka.co.za

to birthday cakes, celebration cakes and wedding cakes.”

Evangeline does the baking with the help of Betty Maremane, who is also a baker and all-rounder in the business! Evangeline’s daughter-in-law, Jess Hills, looks after the marketing and admin side of the business.

Based in Padfield Park, Pinetown, Cakes

by Eva provides cakes for any occasion, cakes pops, cupcakes, cakesicles and they have just started expanding to corporate functions where they supply savoury treats, as well as tray bakes.

“We have just moved into new premises, which means more cakes! We are going to start doing markets and wedding fairs.

We are also looking at doing all kinds party favours in the near future,” says Evangelina.

Contact them on 083 650 8258 or follow their Facebook page: @CakeByEva.

pheka durban

*Voucher is valid for the next 12 months, excluding public holiday and Sundays, subject to availability.

Come join us in our

FUNTANK at John dory’s pearls

www.johndorys.co.za | get in touch - 010 900 3022

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17

Gardening with Your Kids Hello autumn! It’s been a long, blistering summer. Now that the weather is a bit cooler, it is a great time to head outside and do some gardening with the kids.

K

hurshid Guffar spoke to Farah Sayed, who is a mother, gardener, poet and storyteller and founder of The Lemon Tree, a project focused on raising environmental awareness through gardening, poetry, art and people. Her work celebrates a holistic lifestyle, appreciating and connecting with nature in an eco-friendly approach.

“Gardening is akin to therapy,” says Farah, who lives by the philosophy, Love Heal Grow Live. “It provides us with nourishment, values and learning important food production skills. I wanted to share this valuable life experience with my children and everyone in the local community.”

Getting children involved in gardening offers them some respite from the fast-paced world in which we live, where instant gratification is the norm. “Learning to be patient while a lemon tree grows is a huge part of learning to be a successful gardener,” says Farah. She says that other values gardening teaches children are an appreciation for how we manage food and minimise wastage, as well as a love for the earth and its creatures.

Getting their hands stuck in the soil also teaches children a number of skills. “I find gardening is great way to teach ecological literacy and important food production skills.

It also stimulates creativity and develops research and problem solving skills (we are able to explore the various seasons, plan and prep our soil, measure the landscapes and quantities for seed and crop etc.) - it’s vast! Gardening is great for instilling a sense of responsibility in children.

Farah elaborates, “How to water your plant and what happens if you don’t care for your plants. We are eco-friendly gardeners, which means we do our best to ensure our meth-

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odology does not harm the environment, incorporating the 10 Rs – Respect , Refuse, Reduce , Reuse, Renew , Responsibility, Rethink , Replant, Restore and Recycle,” concludes Farah.

We get it, dirty happens.

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19

World Autism Awareness Day World Autism Awareness Day is on 2 April. Khurshid Guffar spoke to Sheraine Reddy, mother to an autistic child and principal of Incredible Minds.

“Our journey as a family with an autistic daughter has been nothing short of life-changing,” says Sheraine. “At 35, Paris was my “laatlammetjie” so when she was still not talking at age three, I assumed she would when she was ready.

Her “tantrums” we put down to the fact that she was the spoilt-rotten last born.”

Paris was diagnosed as autistic with severe mental impairment after her playschool teacher suggested she be assessed.

“Paris had no speech and her tactile sensitivities led to her rejecting both children and adults. She had no means to communicate her needs, her pain or the trauma she experienced from major sensory overload, and this led to violent meltdowns,”

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explains Sheraine.

“Due to tactile defensiveness, she remained naked for many months and went for 72 hours at a time without sleep.” Paris was then put on medication to help stop her self-injurious behaviour. “We believe that this decision helped her become more self-aware and use what we taught her to self-regulate.”

“And so started our journey of learning how to help our child live her best life. We researched and worked tirelessly at home with her, getting her to trust us enough to eventually engage with us. Seven months later she became the first pupil at the Action in Autism Early Intervention Centre where, under the love and guidance of Kirsten Miller, (author of Children on

the Bridge and The Hum of the Sun, both books autismrelated) she spoke her first words. The next step was finding school that offered Paris an academic education, which was a challenge!

“In 2014, after many tears and failed attempts at getting people to believe that my child could be taught, my partner Yugen Subraya resigned from the metal industry and homeschooled Paris. Fourteen months later we opened Incredible Minds Adaptive Learning Centre for our child.”

For her eighth birthday, Paris received an art set and canvases from her former teacher Kirsten Miller.

“The paintings that followed were nothing short of mindblowing! She has since had three exhibitions of her artwork at ArtSPACE Durban Gallery. A reporter once said ‘Inspite of her autism...’ but we believe Paris’s autistic brain is what gives her this amazing talent.”

In 2016, at age 10, she was offered a scholarship at a tertiary institution where she is studying Fine Art, Animation and Design. She holds her own artistically and received 3rd place for Animation in 2017 amongst 40 adult students.

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21

Weight Loss Tips We’ve heard it all before; fad diets don’t work. Losing weight requires discipline and dedication; you need to exercise consistently and follow a healthy eating plan.

I

f the thought of sweating it out on a treadmill, meticulous meal planning and then spending a day of your weekend purchasing healthy ingredients (and then cooking a week’s worth of healthy meals) makes you want to give it all up and embrace your bulges, read on.

The following tips require little effort, can be applied to your daily routine and are not all that soul destroying.

Order plain beverages I’m a sucker for caramel lattes. But ordering a cappuccino with froth instead of cream and forgoing the

22 HEALTHY LIFE/BEAUTIFUL LIFE

sugar will save you about 40 calories. A small and pretty effortless price to pay for a slimmer waist line.

Snack attack Keep healthy foods close at hand for you to snack on.

These should be easy to eat and things that you will enjoy. Think biltong, sugar free yoghurt, hummus with rice crackers or veggie sticks, celery dipped into peanut butter (surprisingly yummy!), cheese, almonds, fruit and popcorn.

Eat dinner at breakfast Instead of eating a heavy meal before going to sleep, fuel your body with the

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nutrients it needs in the morning to get you through the day. Then have a lighter evening meal.

Drink more water Especially before a meal, this is believed to boost the metabolism and it also fills you up a bit, resulting in you eating less. Sometimes, when we feel hungry, we are in fact dehydrated. So when hunger pangs come on when they shouldn’t, have a glass of water. Squish fruit and herbs before adding to water to jazz up the taste.

Don’t eat from the bag We are all guilty of unconsciously eating from a bag until we have discovered we have reached the bottom.

Keep your portions under control by pouring sweets, chips and nuts into a ramekin or small bowl.

Combat the movie munchies Before settling down in front of the TV, paint your nails. This will prevent you from being able to eat.

Alternatively, (because painting your nails every night is unsustainable), find something to do with your hands, like knitting, if you find you cannot enjoy your down time without thinking about an unhealthy snack.

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23

Dr Megan @ Home Health Awareness Month As we are all being bombarded with the Coronavirus, we should take note that we are entering Health Awareness Month.

W

e are also approaching winter and that means the cold and flu season will soon be upon us. Many healthy individuals will contract “The Flu” or Coronavirus, or any of the other respiratory viruses causing similar symptoms, and they will recover quickly with symptomatic treatment and rest. The individuals who need to be concerned are the very young (less than 5 years old) or those over the age of 65 or people living with an underlying heart or lung condition, or immune compromised by cancer/chemotherapy, diabetes or HIV/TB. These are the members of our community that require extra attention to prevent them from developing complications from this illness.

The flu vaccine is recommended for those who do not want to be infected with influenza. Remember, these are specific viruses that you develop immunity to, this does not mean you will not get a common cold or flu like symptoms from other viruses. We hope and pray for a Covid-19, Coronavirus vaccine as soon as possible.

In the meantime, wash your hands! Skills we should all learn as toddlers... wash your hands after using the toilet, wash your hands before preparing or eating food. Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.

These basic habits that can help prevent the spread of infections.

By Dr Megan Broughton, megan@umhlangagp.net.

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25

Excellent Care for Babies and Children Dr Ashmika Gokhul is a Specialist Paediatrician in private practice at Life the Crompton Hospital and she also has admission rights at Netcare St Augustine’s, Life Westville and Netcare Parklands Hospitals.

H

er love and passion for paediatrics is quite evident in her demeanour.

She practices current evidence-based medicine and her aim is to minimise the anxiety of parents and their children whilst guaranteeing that her standard of medical excellence is continuously met. Dr Gokhul empowers parents with information and advice, changing their perception about illnesses and creating awareness that leads to a better understanding of their child’s health.

She obtained her medical degree in 2006, Diploma in Child Health in 2010, Specialist degree as a Paediatrician in 2014 and her Masters in Medicine in 2016. She has a vast amount of experience in all general and intensive care (ICU) conditions for both neonatal and paediatric patients, as well as medicolegal experience - she has served as an expert opinion paediatrician for medicolegal litigation cases. Dr Gokhul did her specialist training at all the state regional, tertiary and quaternary hospitals in Durban.

She worked as specialist paediatrician in the paediatric intensive care unit at Inkosi Albert Luthuli hospital and the neonatal unit at Stanger hospital, before venturing full-time into private practice.

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Her rooms are child-friendly - cheerful, bright and welcoming with sensory stimulation and educational toys/books to keep the babies/children occupied while waiting for their appointment.

The practice accepts all medical aids/hospital insurance plans and charges medical aid rates. The practice also accepts cash for private patients.

Comprehensive and holistic services offered by the practice include but is not limited to the following: • Management of all acute and/or chronic paediatric or neonatal conditions • Newborn attendance at caesarean sections or vaginal deliveries • Baby wellness checks and preventative care, including vaccinations and growth developmental assessments • Neonatal and paediatric intensive care.

• Co-management and referral to subspecialist paediatricians or allied teams whenc it is necessary • Medical emergency consults (during office hours via rooms - or afterhours via the casualty department) For more information visit Dr Gokhul’s website on www.specialistpaed.co.za or Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ptn4u To access specialised quality care contact them on 031 701 2000 or 031 737 3089 or email specialistpaed@drgokhul.com.

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27

What to do if you Suspect you have COVID-19 Follow these simple steps to use healthcare resources responsibly and appropriately, and to protect others from infection

W

hat not to do: Don’t go to a hospital or emergency department for screening.

“Individuals wanting to be screened or tested for COVID-19 should not go to a hospital or emergency department.

Emergency departments are specialised facilities that are equipped to provide urgent and life-saving care to patients with traumatic injuries and other medical emergencies. Over 80% of people with COVID-19 will have minor to moderate symptoms and there is no reason for them to be seen in an emergency department,” says Mande Toubkin, Netcare’s general manager: emergency and trauma.

“Coming to a hospital if you suspect that you have COVID-19, places the entire hospital community or others at unnecessary risk.

What is important is that you practise social distancing and self-quarantine at home so you don’t spread the infection to others.”

What you should do: Phone your primary healthcare provider if you meet the case definitions for COVID-19 and suspect

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you may have COVID-19.

Don’t go to the GP’s rooms without phoning in advance.

Self-quarantine at home for suspected or confirmed COVID-19 If you suspect that you have COVID-19, you need to self-quarantine. It is crucial that you do not have contact with other people while waiting for the results, so that there is no risk that you could pass on the infection to them.

• DO NOT leave your house to go to any public places.

• If you live with other people, avoid or keep any contact to a minimum.

• Stay in a room that is well ventilated with open windows.

• Discourage any visitors to your home.

• If you have a cough, wear a mask but make sure you follow the guidelines for the correct way of putting on the mask, wearing it and disposing of it to offer effective protection against the spread of infection.

• Use tissues and dispose of them immediately after use in a separate rubbish bag.

• Clean your hands often and thoroughly with alcohol based hand rub or hand

HEALTHY LIFE/BEAUTIFUL LIFE WWW.MUMSMAIL.COM

spray, or wash them with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds.

• If you have to share a bathroom with others, clean the bathroom, door handles, taps and any other surfaces you may have touched with a bleach-based disinfectant each time you have used it to reduce the risk of spreading the infection.

• Keep the towels you use separately, do not share towels with other people.

• Ask friends or family to deliver essential groceries and medicines you may need while you are in selfquarantine.

• Wash your clothing separately from that of others, in a washing machine at high temperature.

• If your symptoms worsen, phone the doctor who tested you for guidance.

“The over 80% of people with confirmed COVID-19 who have little or mild symptoms do not need to be admitted to hospital but will be able to recover at home, in self-quarantine, for 14 days. Only persons whose condition is such that they require in-hospital care need to be admitted,” Toubkin concludes.

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6 Lagoon Drive, The Pearls Mall, 4th Level, Shop 2 and 3, Umhlanga Rocks 087 806 8700 | 087 807 8017 office@aestheticoptions.co.za www.aestheticoptions.co.za

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29

Oakridge College: 21 Years of Excellence Established in 1999, Oakridge College was arguably ahead of its time.

T

wenty-one years ago, education was very different, and the world was very different. Creating a learning environment that was small, inclusive and flexible went against the grain in an era when education was becoming more regulated and building towards larger numbers.

Oakridge College started as a small private high school with 14 learners and five staff members in the first year and grew steadily to 43 learners by the end of the first year. Realising the need for a different schooling environment where learners who were looking for a more personalised approach with individual attention, similar to that of an extra lessons environment, Oakridge College took a leap to offer this to a small number of learners. Oakridge College has become well-respected in its niche, cementing a reputation for delivering quality learner-centred

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education for boys and girls from grade 8 to 12.

Over the years Oakridge College has continued to resist the temptation to grow class sizes beyond 12 to 14 learners, allowing the dedicated team of teachers to continue to focus teaching on a personal level, giving each learner the best chance of success. Twentyone years on, Oakridge College continues to offer an alternative schooling environment for learners. In more recent times, the demand for this type of environment has increased and many parents and learners have realised that this is a more suitable environment where learners are able to express their individuality and achieve academic success by receiving the same National Senior Certificate as one would at any other more traditional school. Not only does this environment allow for individual attention, it also allows for more discussion and debates in the classrooms, where teachers are able to manage an active and participative environment. In today’s world, we need to encourage our youth to participate actively, have a voice and contribute to society, con-

tinually improving the world.

They look to continue this approach and constantly look to improve pedagogy.

The world and technology is constantly changing and we need to be open-minded and adaptable, learning to accept and embrace these changes to improve the future education of our youth.

This way the youth will have more power and relevance to contribute positively to society. Adjusting aspects of the schooling system that may no longer be relevant to the generations coming through the schooling system is an important aspect that Oakridge College considers and makes changes to, while maintaining some uniformity.

A comprehensive range of subjects is offered in the senior secondary phase (grades 10 to 12), allowing learners the choice that best suits their interests, and positions them in the best place for their futures. Oakridge College is accredited by Umalusi, follows the CAPS syllabus, is a registered examination centre and writes the NSC examinations in grade 12.

Oakridge College looks forward to an ever changing schooling environment‌

WORKING TOGETHER TO GIVE YOU THE EDGE

ENROL NOW FOR 2020 – GRADE 8, 9 & 10 SPACES AVAILABLE APPLICATIONS FOR 2021 ARE OPEN FREE EXTRA MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE LESSONS FOR ALL OAKRIDGE COLLEGE LEARNERS Oakridge College is a small co-educational high school set in a dynamic learning environment where class sizes of approximately 12 to 14 learners ensure that teachers are able to give individual attention to the learners. Oakridge College focuses on the growth of the individual and provides an environment which helps learners acquire basic skills, knowledge, attitudes and values which assist them to function in society.

063 228 3494 | 031 563 2221 applications@oakridge.co.za | www.oakridge.co.za WWW.MUMSMAIL.COM 22 Mackeurtan Avenue, Durban North EDUCATED LIFE

31

Building a Routine for your Kids During COVID-19 Tips by Educator and Entrepreneur, Lisa Illingworth

C

OVID-19 brings with it the opportunity for parents and kids to design their own learning pathways.

Here, children can learn at their own pace through various new and exciting learning channels.

There’s no doubt that the cabin fever will set in sooner rather than later and keeping routine is now of the utmost importance. Kids, particularly those up to age eight, may associate the COVID-19 self-quarantine period with downtime.

Lisa Illingworth, co-founder and CEO of FutureProof SA, mom of two, educator and entrepreneur encourages parents to curb this by creating a disciplined and structured daily routine.

“Kids may associate this time with general school holidays or long weekends.

Various online education tools are available, and we encourage parents to put a good routine in place and stick to it as much as humanly possible.”

“Routine is fundamental in building expectations and meeting them – especially in a time of rapid change,” she adds.

“We’ve seen mock class timetables being circulated by parents and I encourage

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this. It’s also a good time to add more to your child’s repertoire – perhaps learning a different language, enhancing their maths skills or undertaking in an exercise video to keep them active such as an online Zumba class,” she explains.

“Now is a good time to get creative. Spend at least one day per week in the kitchen together learning to bake or cook new recipes.

For our budding entrepreneurs, every problem is an opportunity”.

“This is a perfect time to demonstrate the world as a set of systems and how it impacts on our economy.

Why not provide your children with a challenge to develop a plan around a problem and solve it by building a sound business solution?”

For parents who are now working from home, juggling all the factors at play is daunting. Lisa shares a few easy pointers to keep the balance at home.

Communication “Talk openly with your children about what’s currently going on and the measures that you have put in place during this time.

Explain to them that school activities will be taking place

as normal at home and that there will be a routine.”

Ownership Lisa notes that while things should be kept as light as possible to reduce stress on the family, the kids should be allocated some homework and deadlines around these. “As much as possible, this time should emulate one’s normal dayto-day activities. Putting boundaries in placing and having your children ‘own’ their time and account for their time will also help you to focus on work, housework and other activities”.

“This is also a good time for us to adapt to and be flexible to change and this new way of working. Fast change is not always easy but teaching our kids how to adapt from a young age is key,” she explains.

Keep it fun “Have some fun with routine. Add in some outdoor play time in the yard, creative activities such as colouring, painting and pottery and download some workout videos,” says Lisa.

“This is the perfect time to set up a shop, come up with a fun business venture, try out new online learning platforms and cook together,” Lisa concludes.

Giant Bubbles Make huge water bubbles at home!

You will need: • Dish washing liquid • Glycerine or corn syrup • Large bowl • Wire coat hanger • Ball of string • Electrical Tape • Jug To make really good bubbles, for every 15 parts of water, mix in one part of dish washing liquid and a quarter part of glycerine. You can buy glycerine from chemists, but it is quite expensive. So if you plan to make lots of bubbles, corn syrup is a good, cheaper substitute.

How to make your giant bubbles: 1. Mix the dish washing liquid and the glycerine in a jug. Stir it into a bowl of water.

2. Bend the coat hanger into a round shape.

Bend in the hook so it is closed up and becomes the handle of your bubble wand.

3. Wind string tightly around the hook, and then coil it around the rest of the hanger.

Est. 1994

4. Secure the string by wrapping electrical tape around the hook part. You now have a bubble wand!

5. Dip the bubble wand into the mixture.

Make sure all of the string is covered with the mixture.

6. Remove the bubble wand and let some of the mixture drip off.

7. Make bubbles by moving the wand through the air.

Stretchy water: Water Molecules hold themselves together by surface tension. Dish washing liquid weakens the surface tension, allowing water to be stretched into a thin film. A free floating bubble filled with air will always form a sphere. This is because the surface tension is pulling it back into shape, just like a rubber balloon.

Source: Smart Kids Science by Priddy Books.

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Leading our youth, helping them grow Open Adoring the children, we love them so 06:45 - 17:30 Never ceasing to better our ways weekdays Caring for & nurturing them all of our days & school Enduring & striving to offer the best holidays Learning as we teach, putting all to the test Our priority is the children; we always have them at heart To provide a solid foundation on which future leaders can start

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33

Integrative, Holistic and Drugfree Therapies A happy and well-balanced child leads to improved school performance... Bring back your child’s inner joy and security.

R

esearch has been conducted on the connection between emotional stress (such as anxiety and depression) and learning problems. If a child feels unsafe and insecure, this creates emotional stress because it causes the cell receptors in the brain to shut down.

This serves as a barrier to learning.

The frontal lobe cortex, which is responsible for higher order thinking skills, is completely switched off during stress. The flight and fight mode is triggered in the brain stem which causes an imbalance in the right and left hemisphere of the brain, thereby greatly affecting one’s learning potential.

Farah Manjoo uses the techniques of Educational Kinesiology, Brain Gym and Journey Therapy to naturally assist learners in overcoming learning problems, including ADD and ADHD. These therapies aim at improving concen-

tration, focus and memory skills. Students are able to release their emotional stress in a healthy way and integrate both hemispheres of the brain, thus resulting in greater mental productivity and efficiency in learning and personal potential.

Just a few therapy sessions can restore your child’s equilibrium, thus creating inner security and happiness, liberating their shining potential. The integrative therapies are adapted to suit children and teenagers of all ages and abilities. Farah is a mother-of-three who knows first-hand how stressed and helpless a mother can feel when their child is unhappy at school and not reaching their potential. You are not alone! Allow her to support you and empower your child to give off their best this year.

Contact Farah Manjoo for an appointment in Berea, Ballito or Stanger: 083 786 4417, info@baraaqahealingsanctuary.co.za, www.baraaqahealingsanctuary.co.za

Let's Help Your Children Reach Their True Potential In Academics, Personal And Social Settings.

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Ballito Berea Stanger KZN OR Skype session worldwide

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Easy Recipes for Kids These are the perfect starter recipes for your young chef to try on their own.

And now, during lockdown, is the perfect time for them to start learning their way around the kitchen.

No-Bake Peanut Butter Treats Ingredients: • 1/3 cup chunky peanut butter • 1/4 cup honey • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract • 1/3 cup non-fat dry milk powder • 1/3 cup quick-cooking oats • 2 tablespoons Tennis Biscuit crumbs Directions: In a small bowl, combine the peanut butter, honey and vanilla. Stir in the milk powder, oats and Tennis Biscuit crumbs. Shape into 1-inch balls.

Cover and refrigerate until serving.

Chicken & Bacon Roll-Ups Ingredients: • 1 cup of white chicken meat (great if you have leftovers from last night’s dinner) • 1 tub cream cheese • 1 cup salsa, divided • 4 pieces of cooked bacon, crumbled (optional – mom or dad can help you cook these) • 6 flour tortillas, room temperature Directions: Mix chicken, cream cheese, 1/2 cup salsa and bacon and spread this over tortillas.

Roll up tightly; wrap in plastic. Refrigerate at least one hour. Just before serving, unwrap and cut tortillas into 1-in. slices. Serve with remaining salsa.

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Science Experiment: The Life of a Flame T

Science Question: How does a fire die?

here is something about watching a fire that is mesmerising. Fire looks like it is alive. In this experiment, you will record the life span of the fire.

Supplies needed: Matches, non-flammable surface, small dry twigs and a glass cup.

The Experiment: Warning: Have an adult present for this and be sure to pick a safe location, we suggest your driveway.

Watch your parent light a match. Put the lit match down on the driveway and watch what happens. The fire will go out relatively quickly. Next, light another match and hold it up to one end of a twig. Once the twig is lit, watch for a minute and then take the cup and cover the twig. What happens?

The outcome: When the cup is covered by the twig, the fire goes out.

Why it worked: For a fire to burn, it needs several elements – fuel, oxygen and energy or heat. If you take away one of these elements. A fire will extinguish or go out. In this experiment, the twigs are the fuel. With no fuel (like the match), the fire went out.

Oxygen is in the air that we breathe; when we covered the flame with the cup it took away the oxygen and the fire went out.

Carbon is in all organic materials, or in other words, in things that were one time living.

As the fire burns, it leaves behind the carbon as ash and possibly a piece of charcoal.

Source: The 101 Coolest Simple Science Experiments by Rachel Miller. Holly Homer and Jamie Harrington.

Sunshine (2/3 years) to Grade 00

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MRP Sport’s Self-Isolation Active Inspiration

The prospect of keeping your little ones at home (and active, and amused, and entertained) for the foreseeable future is a daunting one.

While there are incredible parents out there who are geniuses at coming up with activities for their brood, for others, it’s not exactly second nature.

That’s where MRP Sport’s #KeepMovingInMaxed drive comes in. Share your fun and inventive activities online using #KeepMovingInMaxed and let’s keep each other motivated and inspired! Here are a few fun thought-starters for activities that can be enjoyed in the comfort of your home.

Get dancing Let your kiddos pick their fave song of the moment and get them to come up with a funky, choreographed dance for it. At the end of the day, ask them to put on their show and let the hysterics ensue.

Home circuit Turn your home into a circuit challenge.

On paper, get your littlies to draw different activities and moves, and place them around the house. Every time they pass one of the ‘circuit posters’ you’ve designed, they need to do that activity, e.g. 10 jumping jacks, hop on each leg 10 times, five frog jumps and so on.

Animal athletics Invent your own animal moves and

challenge each other to races. Some ideas: frog jump races, snake slither races or duck waddle races, and so on. This is bound to end in heaps of laughter.

Balloon badminton Enjoy a game of badminton with a twist.

Clear some space and enjoy a gentle game of balloon badminton in your garden or in your lounge. The best part: it’s near impossible to lose a big balloon shuttlecock.

Get scavenging Kids love the thrill and challenge of a scavenger hunt. Indoors or out, give them a list of hard-(or easy)-to-find bits and bobs.

E.g. A brown, a yellow and a green leaf; a piece of litter; something bouncy, etc. Once they’ve found everything, reward them with a little prize.

Push-ups for popcorn Place a bowl of popcorn on the floor for each child. Get them to lower themselves down in the push-up position, stick out their tongue to reach for a piece of popcorn with each push-up.

With a little ingenuity and some searching online, you’re bound to generate a long list of indoor and garden games to #KeepMovingInMaxed. Need some gear and games?

Find all the stayingactive-in-isolation inspiration you need with MRP Sport’s selection of activewear, games and 17 ST KILDA AVENUE, DURBAN NORTH • TELEPHONE: 031 564 7848 EMAIL: broadacrespreprimary@icloud.com sporting equipment – • Small classes • All staff hold ECD qualifications & up to date First Aid certificates all available online at mrpsport.com or on • Caring Environment • Safe Playground • CAPS aligned curriculum • Mini Sport, Ballet, Grade R Swimming, Speech & Drama • Hot meals included in fee structure the mrp app.

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T

Find Balance

here is no such thing as perfect parenting.

My sense though is that because of the pressure of this constantly changing world and all the fear it seems to invoke, many parents feel a great urgency to perform and find perfection. This anxiety is being transferred to our children, which is no doubt one of the contributors to the increase in childhood anxiety.

My worry is that the “helicopter parent” has been replaced with a “steamroller parent”, who is acting out these anxious thoughts and feelings by taking it upon themselves to clear their children’s path of any obstacles or challenges as a way of getting to “success”

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Paul Bushell talks about the daunting task of raising children as quickly and smoothly as possible. The trouble with “strapping our children to our back” and “steaming forward” – is that we are raising young people who are far less prepared for a constantly changing world.

Three things concern me about this type of parenting: If your child is strapped onto your back forging ahead on a path you have chosen, you can’t get to know and see who they really are.

Every child has, and should have, different strengths, weaknesses, interests and

dreams. By not knowing and accepting this, perfection on everything will easily stay the end goal.

We’re not allowing them to learn valuable lessons about themselves and the world. Growing a trusting relationship with ourselves is such an important part of good emotional intelligence. We foster this and learn other good emotional intelligence skills through everyday experiences. We need to let our children experience some of these everyday moments – even when they’re difficult, exhausting, frustrating, or when there’s a price to pay.

You are the greatest gift you can give your child.

Your love and consistency

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are valuable to them. Chances are if they’re “strapped to your back” they’re not going to get to know you. Although we want our children to participate in a wide range of activities, be careful of over-scheduling their lives.

Make quality time with your children, where there is no technology or other distractions.

Sometimes this is as simple as taking 10 minutes to draw with them.

Raising children should never be about perfection. Although we have to always make our children’s physical and emotional safety a priority, we need to be careful of not turning the small stuff into big stuff. It’s not okay to let our children go to places and onto the internet without our knowledge or protection. It’s not okay to let our children be abused or bullied. However, it is okay to let our children solve some of their own problems on the playground and sports field.

It is okay to let our children face some of the consequences of their behaviour. It is okay for our children to follow their own interests and dreams. We need to hold our own anxiety and find the balance.

Paul Bushell’s book, #Raising Kids to Thrive in a Constantly Changing World, is available on his website www.bushell.co.za

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The Importance of Playing With Your Child Wendy Corfe is a counselling psychologist in private practice in Hilton.

Here she explores the importance of playing with your children.

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ow often have you just arrived home after a long day, feeling exhausted, mentally listing all the chores you have to complete before you can finally put your feet up, when your little one asks, “When can you play with me?”. This can sometimes cause you to groan inwardly and to guiltily wonder why your child can’t just play alone. So, what is it that children get from playing with a parent which makes them crave this experience so much?

Firstly, playing with your child and giving them your undivided attention tells them that they are so important to you that you choose to spend time with them. This is a strong, affirmative message to a young child that helps to build self-esteem. Secondly, children have an innate need to be witnessed. Think of your child building a Lego tower or doing a handstand.

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“Mummy, Daddy, look at me!”

Look what I can do!” Your attending to their achievements, however small, helps them feel seen and validated which is necessary for mental well-being.

Shared play also provides an opportunity for you to model coping skills and to help your child develop emotional regulation. For example, if your little one has painstakingly built a tall tower and it collapses causing them to throw the tower across the room and burst into tears, you can help them label their feelings. “I see you are feeling really disappointed and frustrated right now but it’s not okay to throw toys across the room.” This also gives an opportunity to help them learn coping, “What would help you feel better?”

“Would it help if we rebuilt it together or shall we go outside and swing for a bit?”

Scaffolding coping like

this gives your child options to draw on in the future when engaged in independent play or in play with peers. Research shows that child behaviour problems decrease when parents play with their children regularly.

Shared play also helps your child learn to problem solve.

Finally, studies show that the hormone oxytocin (the bonding hormone) is released in both children and their parents during happy playtimes. This hormone causes a sense of relaxation and well-being in both parties, in other words playing with your child has physiological benefits for both of you. In addition to this, it deepens the bond between you, which is a wonderful platform from which to guide your child’s behaviour when you need to. Studies show that mums and dads play differently with their children. Dads tend to play in a more physical way, for example they engage in boisterous or sporting activities while mums tend to be more verbal. Both forms of play are valuable and necessary for children to grow up with a healthy balance.

Plant a Mobile Herb Garden Wheelbarrows are terribly useful, but do tend to involve a lot of work.

S

o instead of using them to cart around bricks, move sand or shift earth how about turning them into mobile herb gardens? It sounds a lot less tiring, doesn’t it?

First, you need to find an old wheelbarrow – or at least one that nobody minds adding a few holes to. It’s best to ask a grown-up to do this job by puncturing the base every 10 to 15cm with a large nail.

Next, give it a good brush out before filling it with some potting compost to within 5cm of the top. You can now start adding your herbs. Try to keep larger plants such as sage and lavender to the back or middle of the barrow where it’s a little deeper. Also, if you

want to add mint, make sure to keep it in its pot. Mint is a very bossy plant and will soon take over the whole barrow if you give it half a chance.

Some good herbs to try out are: Marjoram or basil – great on pizzas! Chives – these have pretty purple round flowers and are good in potato salad. Thyme – low growing and very fragrant.

Lavender – great for drying and making scented bags. Purple sage – lovely purple-grey leaves.

Fill around the herbs with gravel to keep the leaves from getting soggy and to give an attractive finish to your garden. Finally, give the barrow a good watering.

Source: 101 Things for Kids to do Outside by Dawn Isaac.

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Personal Wellbeing in Your Family Cindy Glass, Owner and Co-founder of Step Up Education Centres, believes that it is not enough to just survive the life that we are living!

I

t is not enough to live in fear of contracting THE Virus. “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could focus on the wellbeing of ourselves and our families and do this despite the challenges that everyday life may present to us? Wouldn’t it be amazing if we could increase the quality of our physical and mental health, experience happiness and fulfilment and THRIVE, despite the threat of coronavirus? Of course it would!”

“The reality is that our lives can feel out-of-control, frustrating and miserable at times. This is unavoidable. But the good news is that small changes can lead to greater opportunities of experiencing personal wellbeing, happiness and fulfilment,” Cindy explains.

Cindy gives us her five helpful hints to get yourself back on track:

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Nurture an ‘I-have-yourback’ culture: The family unit can be a powerful platform of support, acceptance, encouragement, positive connectivity and unconditional love. Home should be your place-of-safety; your physical and emotional refuge against the challenges of the world. As parents, we need to set the tone of non-judgemental conversations, laughter and positive support. A hug, a listening ear, a word of encouragement, an acknowledgement of progress.

Chatting is important: Make an effort to bring back the ‘old’ family tradition of eating dinner around a table – or together on the mat, or under a tree in your garden – whichever will ensure that genuine conversations can take place. Food is a wonderful connector of

people. Ask questions like: “How was your day? Did you enjoy soccer practice? Did you learn anything interesting today?” Your children will share their stories with you IF they feel safe-from judgement. Imagine the joy of genuine connectivity that conversations around a table can bring to you and your family!

Get active: Looking after your physical body is just as important as taking care of your mental health. Find ways to exercise together; a walk in the park, a game of cricket in the back garden. Get enough sleep.

Model strong values: Your children will follow your lead. Respect of self and others, integrity, kindness, a positive work ethic, resilience, self-regulation, accountability and responsibility. You can decide on a set of family values that work for you.

“Life can be challenging but it is simply not enough to just survive something.

We can focus on personal wellbeing and find moments of great happiness and fulfilment amidst the struggles.” concludes Cindy.

Four Seasons Tree Craft My son and I made this awesome craft for his show and tell at school.

I

found it on www.easypeasyandfun.com, where you can download and print the template for free. It’s a great way to learn about the seasons of the year!

What you need: • Four Seasons Tree Craft template • Heavier print paper • Colouring medium (crayons, markers, pencils…)

• Glue • Scissors • Optional: other materials like pom-poms, scrap fabric and puffy paint Steps: Print out the templates.

You will need 4 trees for this craft. Thicker/heavier paper works better.

Once you have your templates it’s time to get creative and colour them all. Have the kids colour one tree for each season. Let them get as creative as possible.

Once all is coloured in, cut the sheet of

paper in half (along the dashed line).

Now fold the trees in half and cut them out.

Fold in half again, this time with the coloured side inside.

Take the spring tree and apply glue on one side. Take the summer tree and glue it on top of the spring one.

Press down for the glue to set. Now take the autumn tree and glue it on top of the spring and summer tree.

Continue with the winter tree.

Now to make a four seasons tree craft, apply the

glue on the “winter” and glue the winter and the spring together.

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Make a Butterfly Feeder Butterflies are very like children. They are both more than happy just eating sugar!

H

owever, unlike children, butterflies can do this without running around like maniacs afterwards and feeling slightly ill.

So, why not use some sugar to set up a butterfly feeder in your garden and watch to see which butterflies visit?

You will need: Water, sugar, pan, jar with lid, acrylic pens/ paints, string or twine, hammer and nail, and a sponge or cotton wool.

First, ask a grown-up to make you some sugar water. This is done by dissolving one tablespoon of sugar in nine tablespoons of water by heating it in a pan.

While that cools down, you can construct the feeder. Take a small jar and decorate it with brightly coloured flowers. You could tape on paper shapes, but it will last longer if you painted them on with acrylic paint or acrylic paint pens.

Next, take your string or twine and cut four lengths at least three times longer than the jar itself. Take each piece and, making sure you have an equal length either side, tie it around the neck of the jar, finishing in a knot. Do the same with the next piece, this time making sure the knot is on the opposite side. The final two pieces should end with the knots halfway between the other two so that all four knots are equally spaced.

Now turn the jar upside down before taking a piece of string from each of the two adjacent knots and tying them together about 3cm up the string. Do this with all the other pieces until you can see a net pattern forming. Repeat this with the second layer of knots and continue until you reach the top of the jar. You will need to add a hole to the jar lid. You can do this by hammering thorough a nail (which is best done by a grown-up).

Next, take your small piece of sponge or

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cotton wool and thread it through the hole so some is poking out both sides. It should be a snug fit so that the water soaks the sponge but doesn’t drip off (you can experiment until you get it right).

Finally, fill the jar with the sugar water, put on the lid and use the string, bunched together, to hang it somewhere in the garden where the butterflies can see it – a sunny spot is best.

Source: 101 Things for Kids to Do outside by Dawn Isaac.

Over & Under Obstacle Course Creating an indoor obstacle course is an easy way to get the kids moving inside. It works great on a rainy, too cold, or too hot day to work out the wiggles

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ourse design is only limited by the obstacle potential seen in furniture and objects around the house.

Starting with something simple like this over and under obstacle course can inspire creative station additions to make the obstacle course uniquely your own!

Materials: • Cards – 7.5cm x 12.5cm or thereabouts • Marker • Chairs/stools/ottomans • Tape On each card, have a child draw an arrow. You will need an arrow for each of the chair obstacles on your course.

Set up chairs, stools and ottomans, leaving space between them, throughout a room or hallway. Your course can be limited to one room, or spread throughout the house. On each piece of furniture, tape an arrow that indicated whether that obstacle needs to be negotiated by going over or under it. You can also use arrows to mark the course and direct kids around things.

Set start and finish lines.

Kids will love running the course just by following the arrows, but if you want to add a little competition, then time them on a stopwatch and have them try to beat their time on each run through.

Modification for younger kids: Shorten the course for younger children and make an under path only.

Modification for older kids: Let older kids design the course within the parameters of what furniture is course-worthy. The last time we did this at our house, the kids had a course with 22 stations!

Have them chart their times for each trial.

TIP: Create homemade medals and three-tier award stand for an indoor Olympic

ceremony based on the results of the over and under obstacle competition.

Source: 101 Kids Activities That are the Bestest, Funnest Ever! By Holly Homer and Rachel Miller.

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Kids Art Projects I found these ideas on my favourite blog – Kids Activity Blog. Each of these ideas has been tried and tested by my six-year-old, so they are kid-approved!

Crumpled Paper Art Project for Kids

Materials needed: • White construction paper • Watercolours • Paintbrush • Scissors or paper cutter Directions: 1. Cut your white paper into smaller pieces.

We split ours into fourths.

2. Take one piece of your cut construction paper and crumple it up into a ball.

3. Choose one colour and use it to paint all around the outside of your ball.

4. Gently unfold it, and see how it looks.

Press it down gently.

5. Crumple it up again, and paint it with another colour.

6. Gently unfold it and press it down.

Many times we stopped only after two colours, but you can continue this process with a third colour if you like.

7. Let the papers dry.

You can use your finished papers for all kinds of things- little notes, collage work etc.

They’re also beautiful all on their own!

Source: www.buggyandbuddy.com.

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Soap Bubble Art

What you need: • 1 tablespoon dish soap • 3 tablespoons water • Water soluble food colouring (10 drops) • Straws • Cardstock Paper (You can use computer paper or construction paper but they disintegrate more when wet).

Directions: Mix the water and soap with the food colouring. Blow into the solution until bubbles form.

Gently lay your cardstock over the bubbles. As the bubbles pop they will leave an imprint on the paper. Repeat the process until your page is covered. We used this as a colour lesson as well. We originally made three batches, blue, yellow and red. My kids then helped mix blue and yellow or red and blue to create “new colours.”

Source: www.kidsactivitiesblog.com.

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Easter Egg Slices

Ingredients • 400g shortbread biscuits, crushed • 6tbs melted butter Filling: • 200g butter, chopped • 600g chocolate, chopped • 1 tin sweetened condensed milk • 12 marshmallow Easter eggs Method Mix the crushed biscuits and melted butter together until well combined. Press into the base of a 20cm x 30cm tin that has been lined with baking paper. Refrigerate until set. Arrange the marshmallow Easter eggs over the base of the biscuits. Melt the butter, chocolate and condensed milk in a saucepan over low heat until smooth. Allow to cool until slightly warm. Pour over the marshmallow eggs and biscuit base. Refrigerate until set. Cut into bars and serve with berries and ice-cream.

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

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KIDS BIRTHDAY PARTIES The Durban Ice Arena offers three fun-filled kids birthday party packages for you to choose from, which are guaranteed to make your party the talk of the town!

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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! out 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 (you cannot put it in your mouth to melt it).

Source: www.shutterfly.com

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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 with-

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Ideas for Your Kids this Housebound Holiday #JoziMom Tracey, is a former communications specialist and globetrotter and now also a content contributor to ThingsToDoWithKids. She shares some tips and insight on how to master this long house-bound holiday.

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aving a week or four of uninterrupted time with your kids will give you a wonderful opportunity to observe how they have grown and developed while also giving you a chance to give them your undivided attention (in-between working from home of course) and learn how to play with your child with stimulating activities that will boost their development and strengthen your bonds.

Now for some entertainment ideas to select from

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for all ages that will provide great opportunities for stimulation, fun and lovely holiday bonding while still allowing you some wellearned time to get your own things done!

Get cooking and baking Many fine motor skills are strengthened and refined while baking and cooking or preparing food. Babies and toddlers will also be more likely to try some new foods if they have helped to prepare them with you so this is a great activity for fussy

eaters (many toddlers eat while preparing the meal).

Put on a show Through music, children learn essential skills for language development and early social, cognitive, and communication learning.

The planning and practising will keep them busy for some time while giving you a chance to have an uninterrupted conversation.

Pull out any musical instruments so that they can include singing and dancing in the act and find dress-up costumes to add to the entertainment. Encourage the older kids to help the little ones get involved in this great, creative fun and don’t forget to make a huge fuss of your budding stars when the show is over.

Age-appropriate chores Family chore time It may be holidays but since it’s a critical no contact time, many of us lose our trusted helpers as they too have to be home with their little ones. But the chores still need to get done. Household chores are a great way to get your little ones to help out while stimulating Gross Motor

Development and providing Sensory Stimulation. “Pushing” and “pulling” chores such as vacuuming, sweeping mopping, wiping down table tops, packing and unpacking the washing machine are good examples.

The key is to make it fun so hold competitions and allow the winner of the day to choose a special treat.

Independent Play Fostering independent play takes time and patience. But once it’s mastered this allows for so much extra time for moms and dads to get some free time in or to work. “In our house I find LEGO is great for independent play and I taught my son (5yo) how to play solitaire too,” says Tanya Badenhorst - editor of Things to do With Kids. On a more personal note, while we agree on the LEGO, I find in our house independent

play comes mostly from imaginary play, colouring in and Play Station. I find PlayStation uses fine motor skills and problem solving and ensuring the game is age appropriate can give hours of problem solving fun. Try Cars3 or Peggle.

Other simple and fun things to do with your kids this holiday: Go on a picnic: You don’t have to go far to have a picnic – your own garden is a great option. Let your kids help you pack the picnic basket from whatever you have in the fridge. It’s amazing how much more fun it is to snack in the outdoors!

Go camping: Build a tent indoors or outdoors with blankets and sheets. Once the tent is up, make a password so only you and your kids can enter.

You can even choose to sleep in the tent that night

making it even more fun.

Do a treasure hunt: Make a treasure map out of brown paper with clues to find some treasure you have hidden somewhere in the house or garden. Even the smallest treasure, when found, will be greeted with much excitement.

Make a robot: Don’t throw away present boxes from the deliveries you are going to get or from the empty cereal boxes. Fantastic robots can be created with some glue, finger paint and a just a little imagination.

Do a puppet show: Make sock puppets by gluing wool on the top of an old sock and using a permanent marker to draw eyes, nose and a mouth.

Go on a colour hunt in the house: Collect objects of a certain colour. The winner has collected the most objects in the set time.

Build a garden patch: Dedicate a small patch in the garden to the kids and create an outdoor play area.

Fill with pots, a small rake, bucket, spoons, utensils and solid plastic toys like animal figurines. Plant flowers, herbs and lettuce - anything that grows quickly and gives them the satisfaction of having produced something. If your kids are small, just give them a spade, put on their old clothes, and let them loose.

Visit www.thingstodowithkids.co.za for more great ideas.

WWW.MUMSMAIL.COM KIDS’ LIFE

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