Meet the Cover Stars

Meet the Kurten famil y - dad Larryn, mom Kaven dree and sons Eli zur (7) and Zeph an (5). T 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 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.