Mum's Mail Durban - February 2020

school sports

To Win or Lose

Issue 175 | Durban | February 2020 | FREE

Everyday Life 6 6 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

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Meet the Cover Star Flower Power at Annual Sunflower Ladies Breakfast Disconnected Readers’ Life Tips for Spending Less at the Pumps Healthy Lifestyle Awareness Month Book Reviews by Bargain Books DIY Hanging Planter Turn Your Financial Situation Around in 2020

DELICIOUS Life/HOME LIFE 15 16 17

Cheesy Chicken and Corn Parcels Green Your Home In 2020 Watering Your Orchids

CONTENTS

HEALTHY LIFE/BEAUTIFUL LIFE 18 19 20 22 24 26 27 29

Slimming and Shaping Treatment How to Choose the Right Sun Protection Pregnancy Awareness Week World Cancer Day Dr Megan@Home: Diarrhoea Season is Upon Us See Your Loved One Clearly This Valentine’s Day Your Wellness in 2020 Temperature Control in Children

educated LIFE

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KIDS’ LIFE/PARTY LIFE

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30 32 34 35 36 37 38 40-41

42 43 44 45 46 47 48 50 51 52-54

Oakridge College: Preparing Learners for the Future Empower Your Child to Reach Their Optimal Potential Empathy Skills are Key to Better Learning Perfectionism Can be Self-Destructive Cultivating a Love of Maths and Physical Sciences Oh My! Kids’ Interactive Linen and Playmats OPINION PIECE: Co-Educational Primary School Education OPINION PIECE: Less talk, more action: How to get Physical Education in Schools Back on Track To Win Or Lose?

Why Reading Aloud Reaps Rewards Book Review: Follow Me Around The World by Priddy Books Science Experiment: Hot Ice Valentine’s Recipe Party Game: Paper Bug Hunt Adrian the Magician Bee Mine Valentine’s Day Craft Easy Party Treats Exciting February Events

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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: Kayla Bracha Photography, http://kaylabrachaphotography.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...

It’s 2020 and a new beginning! Christmas is a distant memory and the kids are back at school - where did December and January go?

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, for one, am happy that “Januworry” is over!

My son started Grade 1 this year - a huge milestone for our family! I’m really looking forward to all this year has in store for my son - he will be learning so many new things! He’s already come home speaking in Zulu and Afrikaans, and is starting to read words – I’m amazed at how much they have learnt in just a few weeks!

Did you make any resolutions for 2020? I decided to make just one – to learn to value myself and to put

my well-being first. As a mom, it’s so easy to put your own needs on the back-burner and ignore your health issues, as you are so busy trying to keep your family fed and happy!

Well, this year I’m going to learn to treat myself better.

Starting with a new, healthy weight-loss plan as of Feb-

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ruary, so watch this space!

I’m also expecting great things for Mum’s Mail this year! We have some exciting plans in the pipeline, and I look forward to sharing it all with you in the year to come. I hope you like our new look mag and enjoy reading our articles.

We have some great content for you this month, from educational articles, financial advice and opinion pieces to recipes, crafts, health advice, competitions and more!

Enjoy!

Sarah

Meet the Cover Star Our handsome cover star is five-year-old Perez Singh.

H

e lives in Durban with his parents Sahir and Sadira Singh and his little brother Ezra (3).

Perez’s name means “to break forth” and he loves being in the kitchen trying new recipes with his mom or grandma.

“He has a passion for structures, buildings and construction vehicles. A construction site would be his best hang out place,” says his mom. “He looks forward to chores and tasks around the house to make use of his tools and trucks. He has an innovative mind and enjoys provid-

ing solutions to building structures with wooden blocks and enjoys experimental activities.”

Perez and Ezra both enjoy music. They love the sound of the piano, guitar and drums. Perez currently takes percussion classes and has played at public events with the guidance of his teacher. He enjoys swimming and was recently awarded swimmer of the year at his swim school.

“We enjoy watching adventure movies on a Friday. One of our favourites is Jurassic Park or any animal movie. On hot

days we spend time at the beach and take walks along the promenade. We enjoy outdoor activities like cycling and have our little family matches of soccer and cricket,” says Sadira.

“As parents to Perez and Ezra we encourage them to reflect and share God’s love in their daily life. To appreciate all that God provides and the opportunities He offers. Perez and Ezra make our family complete.

They are our gifts from God,” concludes Sadira.

By Sarah Mackintosh

Flower Power at Annual Sunflower Ladies Breakfast Guests can expect another festive floral frenzy at the 14th Annual Sunflower Fund Ladies Breakfast, in association with Ainsworth Attorneys.

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his event takes place on Saturday 7 March at the iconic Coastlands Musgrave Hotel, 315 Peter Mokaba Ridge, from 8.30am to 11.30am. A morning filled with inspiration and indulgence is what this sell-out calendar event has become renowned for. Tickets cost R330pp which includes a delicious hot breakfast buffet, decadent individual desserts by Chateau Gateaux, a B.O.N Natural Oils gift per lady, fabulous goodie bags, surprise treats

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and loads of fantastic giveaways. Guests can also look forward to exciting shopping stalls and an express spa pamper station.

Keynote speaker, Mthoko Shange - Founder of Imbizo Brand.com, is set to uplift and energize the audience.

Ladies are encouraged to fashion their own ‘Summer and Sunflowers’ inspired Alice-bands, as a prize will be awarded to the guest with the most creative piece. Funds raised from the event will go toward

recruiting blood stem cell donors, giving greater hope of life to patients who are diagnosed with life-threatening blood diseases, like leukaemia, and who are in need of a blood stem cell transplant from a matching unrelated donor. For bookings or sponsorship of prizes or goodie bag items, please contact Allison Ekstrand on 031 266 1148 or email allison@sunflowerfund.org. For more information on The Sunflower Fund, visit www.sunflowerfund.org or call 0800 12 10 82.

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Top quality food products, pre packed snacks, baking ingredients, juices and sweets at greatly reduced prices.

SAVE UP TO 50% ON NORmAL RETAIL STORE PRICES Specials in November include “muesli madness” with more variety at even lower prices as well as a new range of Canola mayonnaise and Cooking Olive Oil at rock bottom prices!!

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E&OE

Visit one of our stores, join our WhatsApp Group & stand a chance to win a monthly hamper to the value of R500!

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Disconnected After a lovely holiday in Cape Town, we boarded the plane, sat down and I opened my handbag to find my phone. I couldn’t find it.

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on’t panic, it must be here. I check again. No phone. Ok, it must be in my hand luggage… You see, I’m always misplacing my phone so this is nothing out of the ordinary. After much bag-scratching, I turn to my husband and say - “My phone is gone.” He rolls his eyes – like I said, this happens often. But this time it really is gone… we go through all the possible scenarios – maybe it was stolen from my bag... But then why didn’t they take my wallet too? Eventually we find out we left it in our friend’s car.

I was without my phone for ONE WHOLE WEEK. Let that sink in. If your whole life is on your phone, one week is a long time!

In retrospect, this was the best thing that could have happened to me. It was like a forced detox from technology. Here’s what I learnt

while I was disconnected from the world…

Firstly, I am addicted to my phone and social media.

Most of us are, and I was already aware of this, but I didn’t realise how bad it was until my phone was gone. I kept reaching for it in those quiet moments when my hands weren’t were looking for something to do.

Secondly, my phone has become a crutch and a major distraction from life.

I found with no phone in my hands, I became SO industrious at home! Instead of mindlessly scrolling through social media, I actually became productive.

My son was happier…

He hates it when I’m on my phone and not paying attention to him - and he misbehaves to get my attention. Well, with no phone as a distraction, I was fully focused on him and present

in those precious moments with him. It felt great!

Social media is BORING. Seriously. I don’t know why I have spent so much time on it.

I learned to enjoy the quiet moments and to look up and observe the world around me. I even read a book for the first time in a very long time!

I was unreachable – at first this was a scary thought, but I grew to enjoy it. I realised my phone is a source of stress. Always checking emails, texts and missed calls. Always busy.

Always available. I found a certain peace in being unavailable for a few days!

Of course, there are practical reasons why it’s good to have a phone in this day and age – mainly for safety reasons or if there is an emergency with your kids at school. But beyond that, we don’t really need our phones to be attached to us all the time.

When I finally got my phone back, I have to say I was a little disappointed.

I don’t want to go back to how I was before – dependent on my phone. So in 2020, my most important goal is to spend less time on my phone. Why don’t you give it a try too, and let me know how it feels?

By Sarah Mackintosh

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Readers’ Life K

eep up the awesome work, Mum’s Mail. I look forward to the magazine every month and it helped me with finding a doctor for my kids to party planning ideas. It really is a mini toolbox for us mums and dads - actually for everyone. Veerasha Maharaj.

Thank you very much Mum’s Mail for an amazing and valuable magazine. I really find it extremely interesting, informative and very professional. Thank you for keeping us updated on the latest happenings, tastiest recipes, fun getaways and much more. I look forward to reading the next edition with anticipation. Julius.

Thank you for all the informative news updates, much appreciated. I always look forward to reading your mail every week. All the best! Vedhna.

Thanks for a great mag I love reading your magazine and I keep them for my daughter in Zimbabwe.

Maureen Chadwick.

I’m a mom of two boys and I absolutely love flipping through the pages of this wonderfully put together magazine every month when my little boy comes home with a copy.

We both sit and enjoy the articles - he then reads out the advertisements for me which have, through the

years, helped me to find dentists and party planners (it has also helped his vocabulary). His favourite was when we needed to locate a candy store that stocked candyfloss and we had a battle - my boy then brought me the Kandy Man ad from your magazine.

Voila, we were sorted! Keep up the super job - keeping us parents in the know with informative articles on all things kiddie related.

Definitely a magazine that has added value to my family’s life. Thank Mum’s Mail team! Nasreen Omarjee.

Send your feedback to sarah@mumsmail.com.

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Tips for Spending Less at the Pumps With the constant rise in the cost of living, consumers are feeling the pinch and are understandably anxious to alleviate the impact that fuel hikes will have on one’s disposable income.

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he more obvious solutions include downsizing fuel-guzzling vehicles for more energy-efficient models, opting into carpools where the cost of fuel can be shared, and public transport. These might be winners in the savings department but are not a viable option for everyone.

If you’re one of the many motorists looking to do the best you can with the wheels you have, here are a few helpful hints to make those precious litres go a little further.

Drive with fuel consumption in mind While seemingly harmless, some driving habits actually hike up your vehicle’s fuel consumption.

Hugo Grobler, National Franchise Manager at Auto Care Diagnostics (ACD) offers some sensible driving tips that translate into cents - and eventually Rands - in your pocket.

Go easy on the accelerator Maintaining the speed limit or just below not only saves you from unnecessary traffic fines but also uses less fuel. A lighter touch on your accelerator also means you only supply what your engine needs at any given time.

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Be kind to your brakes Try and avoid riding your brakes as this creates unnecessary drag as well as wear and tear on your braking system. Slamming on brakes and sudden stops are also hard on your vehicle, which has to use more energy (and fuel) to bring it to a halt.

Gearing up Gears were designed to help engines expend less effort for a higher output.

The lower the gear, the harder an engine has to work to maintain its speed and the more fuel it’ll use.

If you’re driving a manual vehicle, use the highest gear possible and go easy on the revs.

Optimise your vehicle A vehicle that operates in the way the manufacturer intended it to will be more economical on fuel.

Maintain tyres About 20 percent of fuel goes towards overcoming friction between the car and the road, which makes tyres doubly important.

Ensuring optimal pressure and tread as well as keeping wheels properly aligned will help prevent unnecessary spend at the pumps.

Keep your vehicle tuned up Worn brake pads, clogged

filters, damaged gears, faulty spark plugs and ageing car batteries are all silent killers of fuel economy.

Regular services and tuneups will keep your engine running as it’s intended to, keeping consumption to a minimum.

Studies show that your vehicle could consume up to 30% more fuel if proper maintenance is not performed on a regular schedule. So, in addition to driving more efficiently, why not adopt a preventative approach and get the condition of your vehicle assessed to save you money in the long term.

Source: Auto Care Diagnostics.

Healthy Lifestyle Awareness Month February is Healthy Lifestyle Awareness Month, and there is no time like the present to change your lifestyle habits for the better.

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, for one, have resolved to make my health a priority this year, and I’m sure many of you would love to do the same. It’s hard to take care of yourself when you’re a working parent, but there are some simple changes that you can make right now to your lifestyle to become healthier.

HEALTHY EATING Up to 80% of heart disease and stroke can be prevented by simply living a healthy lifestyle and that includes healthy eating.

Eating well and making good nutritional choices is one of the best weapons you have in the fight against heart disease, as well as many other chronic conditions such as diabetes, obesity and some cancers.

Even small improvements can make a big difference.

Simple steps to healthy eating Eat more healthy foods such as: Fruit and vegetables: enjoy a variety, either fresh or frozen and aim for at least 5 a day.

Beans and lentils for high quality carbohydrates, protein and fibre.

Low fat or fat free dairy foods such as milk or yoghurt for calcium, protein, minerals and vitamins.

High fibre wholegrain starchy foods such as whole-wheat bread, brown rice, oats, whole-wheat pasta and barley, instead of refined cereals.

Lean and fresh protein like fish, eggs, skinless chicken, lean mince and ostrich meat instead of processed and fatty meats like polony, viennas, salami, sausages and sandwich ham.

Choose healthy fats found in canola, olive or sunflower oil, soft tub margarines, peanut butter, nuts and seeds, avocado and fish.

Choose foods high in omega 3 fats which are good for your heart and can help to improve cholesterol levels, especially natu-

rally oily fish such as sardines, pilchards, mackerel and salmon, which should be eaten at least twice a week.

Clean water and unsweetened tea or coffee Enjoy your food but eat less It’s good to enjoy food and share meals together but eating too much can lead to weight gain, increasing your risk for diabetes and heart disease.

Reduce your portion sizes Eat less foods with added sugar, salt and bad fats and look out for the Heart Mark on foods to help you choose healthier options.

For more info visit www.heartfoundation.co.za.

By Sarah Mackintosh.

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Book Reviews

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

For children FULL DISCLOSURE by Camryn Garrett.

The uplifting story of an HIV-positive teen, falling in love and learning to live her truth. Simone Garcia-Hampton is starting over at a new school, and this time things will be different. She’s making real friends, making a name for herself as student director of Rent, and making a play for Miles, the guy who makes her melt every time he walks into a room. The last thing she wants is for word to get out that she’s HIV-positive, because last time… well, last time things got ugly…

THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR BOOK AND TOY GIFT SET by Eric Carle.

This gift set includes a mini-hardback edition of THE all-time classic and bestselling picture book. Telling the story of the very hungry caterpillar undergoing a remarkable transformation, to become the beautiful parts that make up the butterfly. Hardback with Toy WHERE’S SPOT by Eric Hill. Spot the puppy has been a story time staple since author Eric Hill created the original Where’s Spot? for his son Christopher.

This marks the 40th anniversary of Eric Hill’s beloved character.

Let your child join the hunt to find lovable puppy, Spot, in Eric Hill’s first ever lift-the-flap tale. WARNING! If your child is a fan of listening to the same book a thousand times over, you’ll be reading and looking for Spot till the end of time! Board Book with Soft Toy.

For adults TO DRINK COFFEE WITH A GHOST by Amanda Lovelace.

You may not think poetry books are for you, but these are some of the most powerful poems we’ve ever read. Find out for yourself!

From the bestselling and award-winning poetess, comes the finale of her illustrated duology, Things that Haunt.

In To Drink Coffee with a Ghost, the pages are heavy and emotionally taxing to read but there is so much light, love, self-reclamation and healing. There will only be a few that will read this and walk away unchanged.

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.

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DIY Hanging Planter Everyone has old t-shirts lying around that are too far gone to be donated and it seems such a shame to simply throw them out.

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ith this fun hanging planter DIY project, you’ll never need to throw out old t-shirts again.

Repurposing your old t-shirts into a simple, yet trendy plant hanger is a great way to display indoor plants and add a splash of colour to a room.

This is an awesome DIY project for teens to do themselves, to create funky decor for their rooms, or even to give as gifts.

What you will need: • A pair of scissors • A ruler • A pen • Small to medium ceramic or metal pots • A variety of small plants to plant in the pots Let’s get creative: The first step is to take your t-shirt and fold it in half, lengthways.

Next, use your ruler and pen to make a marking just below the sleeves and cut that section off - you won’t be needing it.

Keeping your t-shirt folded, measure eight equal strips along the side. Once they have all been measured, cut these strips.

After you have cut all the strips, unfold the t-shirt and cut one hemmed side of each strip.

This will make eight long strips of fabric.

Gather all your strips and knot them together at one end to create the bottom of your plant hanger.

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Lay your strips flat on the table and split them into four pairs. Make a knot in each pair near the top where the first knot is.

Take care with the positioning of each knot to ensure they are all on the same level when hanging.

Again, lay the material flat on the table and spread out the knotted pairs. Take one strip from one pair and another strip from another pair and knot them together, a bit lower down from the second knot. Do this until all the pairs have been knotted, bringing the last pair to the front.

Repeat step seven until you have sufficient material left at the bottom to tie into one big knot - this is the knot you will hang your planter from.

Now that your plant hanger is complete, the final step is to place your plant into a pot and position it into your planter.

Your planter is now S U LTA N & C O • Attorneys ready to hang any- ATTORNEYS | TAX PLANNING | FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS • tAx plAnning where you wish.

Visit www.lifeisagarden.co.za for more gardening tips and ideas.

• 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

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Turn Your Financial Situation Around in 2020 E

xcessive bills and the responsibility of paying off undue credit are not at all easy or desirable. But as tough as it is, don’t you think 2020 is the ideal time to start to turn your financial situation around?

“The shocking 1.90 trillion outstanding consumer credit indicated by the National Credit Regulator (NCR) paints a scary picture. Being proactive and adding some urgency to your financial New Year’s resolutions and goals should, therefore, be your top priority right now. It is the ideal time to avoid being or becoming part of these statistics, and keep your mini-economy going instead,” says Carla Oberholzer, debt adviser at DebtSafe.

Here are four financial goals that you can incorporate in 2020: Budget properly and make alterations if and when necessary It is important to keep track of your finances and what better way than to have a budget outlined according to YOUR needs for each specific month. If you decide that you have to make amendments to

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In a flash, December has come and gone.

Was all the glitz, glamour and gloss of the 2019 festive season worth it, financially? your monthly budget, do it sooner rather than later.

Take stock’ of your income, necessary expenditures and avoidable costs It is of utmost importance that your expenses do not exceed your income amount. If you have your budget ready - great. But, NOW is also the time to tackle those unnecessary ‘spending leaks’: • Print out your latest bank statement or the previous three months’ statements and get out that magnifying glass and calculator of yours. Make sure that all the things you are paying for currently are indeed needed.

• Identify costs that should have been avoided AND that you have to exclude or delete from your budget from now on.

• Avoidable expenses can be things like those takeaway meals, excessive shopping sprees or paying for services you do not use or need (like a gym contract or subscription).

• When it comes to your medical aid, life insurance, pension fund or similar

plans and offerings - regularly revise your contracts and providers. You never know where you can save a bit of money when it comes to the same type of plan or package.

Up your level of involvement Remember, actions speak louder than words. Are you involved with what is and what has been going on in your finances? Don’t be an ostrich and think, that if you stick your head in the ground, all of your financial woes will poof disappear.

To get out of debt is not a one-man show Lastly, don’t go it alone.

There are financial planners, advisors, and bankers available to help you.

In severe indebted cases the NCR, as well as debt counsellors, can guide and assist you to overcome your over-indebted situation.

Kickstart your 2020 year with a clean slate. Especially when it comes to YOUR goals, YOUR choices, YOUR pro-action, and YOUR GO TIME to get your financials on track again.

Turn a new leaf and try not to look for excuses or waste time pondering IF you want to do something significant this year. Take care of your financial situation as it will surely help you and your loved ones in the future.

By Carla Oberholzer, www.debtsafe.co.za.

Cheesy Chicken and Corn Parcels

This kid-friendly pastry is packed full of chicken and vegetables in a mild cheese sauce. Let the little ones help fill the parcels and brush on the egg, then serve them up with tomato sauce on the side.

Ingredients: • 30g soft butter • 1 tbs olive oil • 2 leeks (washed, sliced) • 1 tbs plain flour • 1 cup milk • 1 cup cream • 1/2 cup frozen peas • 1/2 cup corn kernels • 1 cup cooked chicken (chopped) • 1 1/2 cups cheese (grated) • 6 sheet shortcrust pastry • 1 egg (beaten)

with approx. 12cm diameter.

Holding a circle in your hand, brush edges with beaten egg.

Spoon in about 1/3 cup of filling and press edges together. Place upright on baking paper and crimp edges with fingertips. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

Brush the tops of the parcels with remaining egg. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden.

Note: Puff pastry also works well in this recipe.

Recipe by Greer Worsley, who blogs at www.typicallyred.

Method: blogspot.com. Source: www.kidspot.com.au.

Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fanpheka forced). Line an oven tray with baking paper. fresh simple cooking Melt butter with oil in a large frying pan imagine a world where over gentle heat. Add leeks and cook for meals just happen!

• hands on cooking courses for domestic eight minutes until soft. employees • improve the skills of your domestic worker • easy, fun & tasty Add flour and cook, stirring for one • situated in your area minute. Pour in milk and cream, stir well • private catering also available classes in durban north and allow it to simmer for three minutes, or and Umhlanga until thick. Add corn, peas and chicken and february class feb 5th - pheka one @ hillcrest stir into sauce. Remove pan from heat and for more information contact stir through grated cheese. Allow to cool danielle du toit mobile: 072 261 5192 completely. danielle@pheka.co.za find us on pheka durban Cut each pastry sheet into four circles www.pheka.co.za

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Green Your Home In 2020 Now that the season of feasting, revelry and popping champagne corks has come to an end, 2020 is a good time to re-introduce a note of sobriety and to reimagine how families can lighten our impact on the environment around us, writes Tony Carnie

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here is no easy 10-step guide to saving the world, but here are some ideas to start recognising the damage we cause to the vanishing world of nature.

Reimagine your garden: Many suburban gardens look “green”. However, look a little closer and most are ecologically-sterile deserts with neatly-mowed lawns and brick-paving, roses and other alien plants which provide very little food or benefit to local birds, small animals and insect-life. A good place to start is to buy a copy of Charles and Julia Botha’s book Bring Nature Back To Your Garden. (To order, contact Marylynn Grant on 082 663 8266 or email nflora@mweb.co.za) Some of the ideas in this book may challenge your comfort zone, but you don’t have to change everything overnight. Start slowly, gradually replacing exotic plants with indigenous varieties that will provide edible fruit, nectar, seeds and berries during different seasons.

Reduce water waste: The biggest water-guzzler in your home is the toilet. In most households, 35% of the water bill gets flushed down the loo daily. No one wants smelly toilets, but

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do they have to be flushed after every visit? Can we redesign our homes to harvest rainwater for flushing?

Don’t waste expensive tap water on topping up your pool. Rather buy a detachable length of PVC gutter pipe and hook this up to a gutter down-pipe to catch rain water off your roof. You’ll be amazed how quickly the pool fills up after a heavy downpour.

You can also install a JoJo tank to catch more rain to water the garden during dry months, but also select local, water-wise plants that are adapted to survive in dry weather.

Reduce your electricity footprint: This is not just about saving money. Most of South Africa’s electricity comes from burning coal in Eskom power stations which produce greenhouse gas emissions that heat up the world and change the climate. Consider installing a solar-powered-geyser the next time your electric geyser bursts. Solar systems are getting cheaper, and will continue to get cheaper as more people make the choice to switch over to greener power.

For starters, ditch the air-conditioner and open the doors and windows

when it gets hot. We have survived quite well without air-con for centuries, even in Durban. Also consider taking expert advice from an electrician and plumber on smarter ways to reduce your power bills and your climate-change footprint.

Reuse, recycle and refurbish: Whenever possible, try to repair or refurbish your household appliances and fixtures instead of replacing them with new products. (This is not always easy, because manufacturers design products to wear out quickly and force you to replace them). But, if you ask around, there are still some skilled handymen who can fix things professionally. Rather than hauling bags of leaves and grass cuttings to the nearest garden refuse dump, build a small compost heap at home and start producing your own fertiliser. All you need are a few gum poles, wooden slats and some nails to bang together a simple storage area.

The inconvenient truth is that we have to find ways to fly less, drive less and buy less while we navigate a very difficult path back to a less glamorous but more environmentally-sustainable future.

Watering Your Orchids How frequently you need to water depends on the amount of moisture in the potting medium.

F

eel the potting medium to ensure it is dry before watering.

Orchids can handle a decent soak once every two weeks.

Avoid getting the crown of the plant wet, but the roots enjoy sitting in lots of water for a short period.

Ensure the water can drain away quickly and allow the pot to dry out completely before watering again.

Top tip: Because orchids prefer tropical warm conditions, they prefer more water during summer (once a week), and less during winter (once every second week).

Top tip: Feed with a balanced orchid fertiliser mixed into water, once every two weeks.

Visit lifeisagarden.co.za for more information.

Looking for something to do?

Animal Anti-Cruelty League, 15 minutes from Hillcrest, will be a wonderful morning out. The children can visit the animals in our care, play on the jungle gym and swim in the pool, all whilst you have a relaxing time at our Leopard Tree Café which serves delicious breakfasts, light meals and tea.

The Café is open Tuesday to Friday 9am to 2.30pm and Saturday 9am to 1.00pm. We closed on Monday, Sunday & Public Holidays.

For more information call 031 736 9093

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17

Slimming and Shaping Treatment

Do you struggle with stubborn rolls and bulges of fat despite regular exercise and a balanced diet?

W

ill your post-baby pooch just not disappear no matter what you do? Or do your love handles and muffin top stubbornly persist even though you’ve reached your target weight?

Aesthetic Machine Supply (AMS) offers a fat freezing slimming and shaping treatment that targets your areas of concern.

The machine freezes the fat and crystallizes the cells which are then passed through the body’s lymphatic system over a period of three to four weeks. It is safe, painless and very effective.

You can lose 2 to 5cm from the targeted area after one treatment. If you are struggling with stubborn tummy fat, love handles, bra strap rolls, saddlebags, underarm fat or a double chin, this treatment is

Dr Tapan Shah

BDS, Dip Oral Surgery,Dip Orth(AFO NEW YORK), MDS ORthODONticS

CALL NOW for a FREE orthodontic assessment

Special interest in Orthodontics Cost effective orthodontic treatment Medical aid rates ( T&C’s apply)

CITY VIEW MEDICAL CENTRE 031 309 7555 18

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for you. The clinic in Sunbury Park, La Lucia Ridge offers you a quiet and private retreat where you can relax while the machine does the hard work for you.

Customer testimonial from ‘Sunningdale working mom’: “I have seen a massive 8cm loss around my hips and thighs since starting the fat freeze with AMS. After a session on either my thighs or my tummy, it feels like I’ve done a gym session with a hundred squats or sit-ups - so it is definitely doing something for my body! I am very pleased!”

Call them today on 072 580 8851 to start winning the fight against the bulge. Launch promo specials end 28 February so don’t delay!

How to Choose the Right Sun Protection

IT’S FEBRUARY AND YOU ARE PROBABLY spending LOADS OF time in the sun with YOUR kids. Make sure you look after your skin, and especially your kids’ skin, by using a good sunscreen.

S

pend too long in the sun, and you’re likely to end up with sun damage like wrinkles and age spots. The right protection can keep those blemishes at bay and guard against skin cancer. It can even help your skin heal if you’re already sunburned.

But walk down any pharmacy aisle, and you’ll see a

lot of different sun protection products. How do you know which one is the best way to save your skin?

Top Sun-Safety Tips There are a few basic rules to follow to keep your skin healthy and protected from the sun’s rays: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects

against both UVA and UVB rays every day of the year.

It should have an SPF of at least 30. Apply Generously.

Limit your time in the sun between 10am and 4pm, when UVB rays are strongest.

Reapply sunscreen at least every 80 minutes, and more often if you’re swimming or sweating a lot.

Wear a broad-brimmed hat, broad-spectrum sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays, and clothes to cover skin that’s exposed to the sun.

There are different types of sunscreens with different ingredients and levels of protection. Know that there really are no wrong picks. Dermatologists often say that the best sunscreen is the one you will actually use.

Source: www.webmd.com.

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

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19

Pregnancy Awareness Week

T

he Department of Health uses Pregnancy Awareness Week to strengthen pregnancy education and stress important issues that promote healthy pregnancy and safe motherhood. The government suggests that pregnant women should start receiving antenatal care as soon as they confirm they are pregnant - within the first trimester.

The reason antenatal care is important is because it provides the following benefits: • The opportunity to treat existing medical conditions that can be aggravated by pregnancy like diabetes, hypertension, anaemia and

This year, Pregnancy Awareness Week is from 10 to 16 February. infections. • Free testing and voluntary counselling for HIV. • Early recognition of danger signs in pregnancy and post-delivery.

• Preparation for birth and readiness for complications. • Self-care which includes nutrition and high standard of hygiene. • Information on the father’s role and the family’s as well.

Pregnancy Awareness Week also gives importance to the rights of pregnant women which include the following: • The right of a woman to choose her com-

panion for providing support during pregnancy and childbirth. The companion will also accompany her to the antenatal care clinic as well as during labour.

• The right of the woman to be treated with respect, dignity and confidentiality.

• The right of the woman to ask questions and to get the right explanation regarding her condition.

The main goal of the event is to spread important information regarding pregnancy including tips on how to have a healthy pregnancy, how to prevent complications and more.

Anyone can help raise awareness.

Source: www.gov.za.

MBChB (Natal) FCPaed (SA) Cert Gastro (Paed) (SA).

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KZN’s only certified Paediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist Scope of practise also includes general paediatrics, nutritional, liver and gastrointestinal pathology. Able to perform pH studies (for reflux) as well as gastroscopes and colonoscopes on children.

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R100 Child Dental Checkup FLORIDA ROAD DENTAL

Ph: (065) 571 7010 233 Florida road Durban.

Dr Paul Darby-Wade DENTIST

BChD (Stell), MFGDP, Dip Imp. Dent. RCS (UK)

111 Adelaide Tambo Drive

(cnr Beachway & Kensington), Durban North

031 - 564 2491 www.good-dentist.co.za

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21

World Cancer Day World Cancer Day on 4 February is the global uniting initiative led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC).

B

y raising worldwide awareness, improving education and catalysing personal, collective and government action, we’re working together to reimagine a world where millions of cancer deaths are prevented and access to life-saving cancer treatment and care is equal for all - no matter who you are or where you live.

Created in 2000, World Cancer Day has grown into a positive movement for everyone, everywhere to unite under one voice to face one of our greatest challenges in history.

Each year, hundreds of activities and events take place around the world, gathering communities, organisations and individuals in schools, businesses, hospitals, marketplaces, parks, community halls, places of worship - in the streets and online - acting as a powerful reminder that we all have a role to play in reducing the global impact of cancer. 2020 marks the midway point of the three-year ‘I Am and I Will’ campaign. ‘I Am and I Will’, is all about you and your commitment to act. ‘I Am and I Will’ is an empower-

ing call-to-action urging for personal commitment and represents the power of individual action taken now to impact the future.

We believe that through our positive actions, together we can reach the target of reducing the number of premature deaths from cancer and noncommunicable diseases by one third by 2030.

Join in during February and speak out and stand up for a cancer-free world. Our time to act is now.

Visit www.worldcancerday.org for more information.

At the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, fit is all important.

Become a supporter. www.childrenshospitaltrust.org.za 22 HEALTHY LIFE/BEAUTIFUL LIFE

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General PraCtitioner Special interest in Child Health

031 573 1185

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33 Beachway, Durban north

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7 Portland Drive, Umhlanga Rocks Tel & Fax: (031) 561 4906 Cell: 082 572 3718 / 079 697 3479 e-mail: ravena@dentaltranquility.co.za www.dentaltranquility.co.za Contracted in to Medical Aid and a Carecross Service Provider

Fun filled, friendly environment.

Wheel chair friendly.

women for women’s health Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Dr Navashree Dhaver

specialist Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

• Management of pregnancy & high risk pregnancy • Natural & Caeserean sections • Infertility • Contraception & family planning • Management of abnormal uterine bleeding • Treatment of PCOS & Endometriosis • Management of fibroids • Gynaecological surgery • Laparoscopic (key hole) surgery • Cancer screening & treatment of pre cancerous conditions • Aesthetic Gynaecology.

Contact 031 701 1319 / 031 582 5468 or 031 202 7088 • dhaverfem@gmail.com

UMhLaNGa hOsPITaL Suite 402, Umhlanga Medical Centre, 323 Umhlanga Rocks Drive, Umhlanga sT aUGUsTINe’s hOsPITaL Chelmsford Medical Centre No. 1, 107 JB Marks Road, Glenwood

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23

Dr Megan@Home:

Diarrhoea Season is Upon Us Unfortunately, as the summer temperatures rise, so does gastro-intestinal upset, specifically vomiting and diarrhoea.

P

revention is always better than cure.

Hand washing is our biggest defence.

We should be washing our hands before every meal and after using the bathroom, and so should our kids. When preparing food, it is important to wash all fresh fruit and vegetables, keep refrigerated items cool once leaving the shops, and head straight home after the grocery store to get those products into the fridge as quickly as possible.

When your little one has diarrhoea, the most important thing to focus on is their hydration. With each episode of vomiting or diarrhoea, your child is losing half a cup of fluid, as well as important electrolytes and sugar.

We recommend that you keep offering children fluids to sip on, first trying something that they enjoy. A sports drink of sorts with electrolytes is usually well-received, and can be diluted if it’s a bit too sweet. We become very concerned when a child cannot keep any fluids down.

From a food point of view, it is okay if a child does not want to eat for a day or two, provided they are drinking. If a child is hungry, offer them plain carbohydrates such as rice or toast, and avoid dairy products and anything fatty or oily for a couple of days.

Dr JorDan Sagathavan Pr. No. 0131164

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other Services: • Tooth Whitening • Crowns • Bridges • Implants • General Dentistry

Contracted to Medical Aid 031 572 7252/1 (56 Armstrong Ave, opp. La Lucia Mall) 031 402 1408/403 5222 (Chatsworth)

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HEALTHY LIFE/BEAUTIFUL LIFE WWW.MUMSMAIL.COM

Most germs that cause acute gastroenteritis are viruses, most commonly Rotavirus.

Expect the diarrhoea to last for a couple of days - generally, it clears within three to five. It is often only necessary to use symptomatic treatment while the body fights off the infection.

I suggest you see your family doctor if you notice blood or mucus in the stools, if the symptoms persist for more than a week, or if the patient is unable to keep down any fluids. These may be signs that further treatment is needed.

By Dr Megan Broughton, www.umhlangagp.net.

Umhlanga General and Aesthetic Practitioners

Drs. Ferreira, Van Heukelum, Troskie & Broughton

UMHLANGA GP WELCOMES DR MEGAN BROUGHTON ADHD – Paediatrics – Weight Loss Gynaecology – Depression Mole Excision – Energy Drips Botox – Fillers – Peels Umhlanga Hospital Medical Centre 031 582 5303/1 • www.umhlangagp.net Discovery Preferred Provider

DR DANIELLE ARMSTRONG MBChB (UCT)

GENERAL PRACTITIONER Special Interest in Child Health 116 Florida Road, Morningside T: 031 312 2126

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FATHIMA TIMOL

AUDIOLOGISTS AND SPEECH THERAPISTS

Hearing Care and Speech Therapy for the Family

We provide a comprehensive and holistic hearing care and speech therapy service for all age ranges from babies to the elderly.

maternity open day Date: 14 March 2020 Time: 10h00 - 13h00 Venue: Life The Crompton Hospital Medical Centre West CarPark Tours of our maternity unit; bed booking information; lucky draws; displays; goodie bags and talks from paediatricians and gynaecologists For more information and to RSVP contact: Claire Pelser: Tel – 031 737 3067 or via email: claire.pelser@lifehealthcare.co.za

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

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25

See Your Loved One Clearly This Valentine’s Day D

Torga Optical is committed to encouraging safe driving.

riveOptix™ is a product specially developed by Torga Optical to reduce the risks of driving, by optimising drivers’ visual acuity (clarity). Driving at night can be a daunting experience. Oncoming headlights and street lights reflecting off one’s spectacles can prevent light passing through the lenses. Torga Optical’s Anti-Reflective Coating has been specifically designed to manage these situations. By minimising reflections, more light passes through one’s lenses, which optimises visual clarity with fewer distractions. During the day, the sun’s rays, as well as reflections off surfaces such as the road, other vehicles or water,

can also compromise your vision. With Torga Optical’s polarised lenses, this glare is significantly reduced. From only R900* extra, DriveOptix™ provides you with the latest in German precision lens technology for both day and night time driving. When you purchase any one of Torga’s Spectacle offers, they can apply a state-of-the-art anti-reflective coating to one pair and polarise the other – from only R900* extra.

Drive Optix can be added on to any SPECTACLE Package.

Torga Optical Ballito Junction: 032 946 1416/7 Torga Optical Cornubia Mall: 031 502 1658

WIN! WIN! WIN! Torga Optical Ballito and Cornubia Mall is giving away a pair of His and Her Torga Sunglasses to one lucky couple this February.

To win, simply answer the question: What sunglasses are we giving away?

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HEALTHY LIFE/BEAUTIFUL LIFEE WWW.MUMSMAIL.COM

Your Wellness in 2020 Adopt a new attitude to well-being, extending from food and fitness to your emotional and mental health, finances, work and family. Here are tips to get 2020 off to a good start, writes Glynis Horning

“

CLEAN” EATING AND DRINKING It’s a buzzword bandied about by stars from Gwyneth Paltrow to Beyoncé, but it’s rooted in the natural health movement of the 60s and sensible principles.

• Focus on whole, natural, unrefined foods: lots of veggies and fruits, whole grains and legumes, some lean protein (preferably freerange), and healthy oils and fats like avocados, raw nuts and seeds and their oils, and fatty fish several times a week.

• Avoid or minimise processed foods, which often lose healthy fibre and nutrients, while gaining unwanted saturated fats or trans fats (“not healthy in any quantity,” says Joburg dietitian Lila Bruk), salt, sugar, preservatives and other additives. Read labels.

• Drink water – invest in a filter, and keep a jug in the fridge, with sliced lemon, cucumber, apple or mint leaves for flavour; sip unsweetened tea or coffee.

NON-TOXIC GREEN LIVING It’s easier to live a healthier and more ethical lifestyle than you think.

• Buy local produce in season to lessen your carbon footprint (support farmers’ markets), and choose free-range and organic if you can afford it, “but only

if it doesn’t mean you buy and eat less of a variety of fresh fruit and veges,” says Bloemfontein dietitian Tristi van der Spuy. Rinse well – even produce with inedible skins, as cutting through these with a knife may contaminate the insides.

• Also look for organic, non-toxic products to clean your body (your skin is your largest organ and some chemicals can penetrate it and also be absorbed), as well as for your home, dishes and clothes.

• Keep plants around the home and your workplace to clean the air because they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen.

ACTIVE LIVING Moving briskly for just 30 minutes a day will give your heart and other muscles a great workout, keep you strong and help you maintain a healthy weight.

• Do what you enjoy, so you keep doing it: walk with a friend, dance with your partner, do squats watching the news. Three 10-minute sessions a day will do it.

“Small pockets of exercise beat no exercise and add up,” says Durban fitness consultant Hayley Cassim of Gym in a Box. • Work out with weights (or water bottles) for 10 minutes, to strengthen muscles and bones.

• Hire a trainer for a session to get guidelines on what works best for your body.

EMOTIONAL AND MENTAL WELLNESS This is vital to cope with the challenges in turbulent times, helping you put problems in perspective and bounce back.

• Name your emotions: anger, stress? Don’t suppress or act on your emotions. Take a few moments to compose yourself (breathe deeply), then address them. If they’re more than you can handle, talk to an understanding friend, or a professional.

• Know the signs of depression – ongoing low mood, crying, agitation, angry outbursts, tiredness, changes in sleeping or eating patterns or libido and withdrawal. “Start by seeing a doctor who can rule out physical problems such as anaemia and hormonal imbalance, and refer you to other professionals,” says Cassey Chambers, operations director of the South Africa Depression and Anxiety Group.

• Get moving and eat sensibly: just exercising briskly for 20-30 minutes a day can help relieve stress and boost feel-good endorphins, and a balanced diet can improve mood.

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27

STRESSED OUT? /2 hr Aromatherapy Back Massage OR 1 /2 hr Reflexology R100 each GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE

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Paediatrician (casualty will contact Dr.Gokhul ifSpecialist neccesasary) 102 Street, Pinetown, Suite 42,Crompton Life The Crompton Hospital3610 Paediatrician (casualtydoctor doctor will contact Dr.Gokhul ifSpecialist neccesasary) Suite 42, Life The Crompton Hospital

Suite 42, Life The Crompton Hospital Pr No. 068 0109 | MP No. 066 3549 102 Crompton Street, Pinetown, 3610 102 Crompton Street, Pinetown, 3610 MBChBPr(UKZN), FCPAED No. 068DCH 0109(SA), | MP No. 066(SA), 3549MMED (UKZN)

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Temperature Control in Children High temperatures are part of growing up, especially in the first five years of a child’s life.

V

iral infections are the most common cause of high temperatures. Look for signs of infection before you blame it on teething.

A good thermometer is essential to monitor accurate temperatures. I use the digital thermometer, used over the forehead and even then I repeat it several times if the child is restless. Keep a record of the temperature to show your doctor. Normal body temperature is 37.2 degrees Celsius. A high temperature is anything above that. In case of a high temperature, react immediately!

Remove all clothes and use an antipyretic e.g. paracetamol oral/suppository, wipe down with warm water – you can use a warm water shower. Don’t let the fever exceed 38 degrees Celsius, because of the risk of convulsions. Febrile convulsions occur in the age group 6 months to five years. Please note that convulsions can be caused by other conditions besides a high temperature. A high temperature sometimes indicates a serious infection requiring urgent medical attention - look for a skin rash, vomiting, diarrhoea,

irritability, neck stiffness, bleeding, foul-smelling urine, a cough, croup, rapid breathing, jaundice, enlarged lymph nodes or contact with infections at school. Seek urgent medical attention because children are fragile and can deteriorate rapidly over a few hours. Always keep antipyretics/suppositories in stock. Temperatures return every four hours – so be prepared!

By Dr Raj Moethilalh, Specialist Paediatrician, consulting in Umhlanga, Isipingo Medical Towers and Kingsway Hospital. For bookings call 031 902 5440.

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Oakridge College: Preparing Learners for the Future Established in 1999, Oakridge College was arguably ahead of its time.

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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.

Children differ in their upbringing, interests and abilities and today our children are more informed than ever before, content is available everywhere and learning can occur wherever there is expertise or an internet connection.

Schools need to prepare their learners for more than a matric certificate; we need to teach them how to remain curious and build skills well into the future.

We need to prepare them

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for multiple careers and unimagined opportunities, in environments that enable teachers and learners to share ideas.

Diversity positively impacts learner performance and individual growth and at Oakridge College we have embraced this understanding from the beginning, striving to prepare our learners to make their mark on a connected global society.

There is no best way to teach. In order to balance achieving the traditional outcomes with 21st century skills, effective learning requires a safe, comfortable and flexible environment with more focused individual attention.

Oakridge College looks to encourage teachers to constantly innovate, review and

modify strategies ensuring effective engagement and laying the platform for learners to achieve their full potential.

By constantly challenging our assumptions, we aim to have a profound effect on the lives of our learners. The debate is over – the world has changed and continues to change for the better. Our children will have more opportunities for success than at any other time in history. We believe the point of education is to prepare youngsters to take advantage of the opportunities the future holds – to prepare a generation who are adaptable and can find where they can best make a difference.

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

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 22 Mackeurtan Avenue, Durban North EDUCATED LIFE WWW.MUMSMAIL.COM

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Empower Your Child to Reach Their Optimal Potential Farah Manjoo, an ex- educator and founder of Baraaqa, is passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of children, teenagers and university students.

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arah is also a mother and has a special way with children. She knows exactly how to get them comfortable enough to open up during sessions.

She helps them overcome a variety of challenges; mental, emotional, personal and academic. Such barriers can affect a child’s self-confidence, learning abilities and personal achievements. “At Baraaqa, I offer five main services to children, teenagers and

family backgrounds. She has helped many students overcome ADD/ADHD, thereby improving their concentration and overall academic performance.

If you are looking for a drug- free solution for your child, then contact Farah Manjoo for an appointment in Berea, Ballito or Stanger, KZN.

students: Educational Kinesiology, Brain Gym Therapy, Life Skills Coaching, Journey Therapy for kids and Aafiyah Healing for kids. I also host Student Empowerment programmes and workshops for children and teenagers throughout the year,” says Farah. These therapies unlock a child’s true potential and empower them to progress in all areas of their lives. Farah has a special interest in working with children from divorced

Contact Farah on 083 786 4417, info@ baraaqahealingsanctuary.co.za or visit www.baraaqahealingsanctuary.co.za.

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• Learning problems - ADD/ADHD • Depression • Anxiety disorder • Stress management • Behaviourial problems • Emotional stress/ trauma • Low self esteem/con�idence

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Ballito Berea Stanger KZN OR Skype session worldwide

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“You can teach a student a lesson for a day; but if you can teach him to learn by creating curiosity, he will continue the learning process as long as he lives.”

- Clay P. Bedford

Est. 1994

LANCELOT EDUCARE CENTRE & LANCELOT CRECHE Private Pre-School & Creche 12/14 Maxwell Avenue, Bluff

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Creche: 3 months - 36 months Pre-school: 3 years - 6 years (Grade 000 - 0) L A N C E L O T

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

Empathy Skills are Key to Better Learning Nelson Mandela famously stated that education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.

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ccording to Cindy Glass, Co-Founder and Owner of Step Up Education Centres, “Negative behaviours such as aggression, bullying, disrespect toward teachers and peers, intolerance and demotivation seem to be hindering our children’s ability to learn effectively and this has resulted in the learning experience, in general, becoming one of distrust, anxiety, stress and misery. Our innate need to learn is being destroyed by negative human behaviours and relationships and this equates to an ever-increasing lack of empathy skills.”

She adds that it takes a village to raise a child and it is time that parents step in and step up to help change the way their children see themselves and the people in their world. The one life skill that she believes can change this is empathy.

“This all-important life skill is the ability to identify with another person’s feelings and experiences. Empathy essentially allows children to ‘walk’ in another’s shoes and it teaches them to genuinely have respect for others, even in difficult circumstances. It teaches kindness, compassion and listening skills. Empathy teaches children to seek the good in others and to

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embrace differing beliefs and cultures. Empathy helps children to seek positive solutions to difficulties and challenges, without intending hurt for another.

Just imagine the possibilities in learning if our children could master the skill of empathy!”

Cindy gives 5 helpful tips to teach your child to become more empathetic: YOU are your child’s first and longest-lasting teacher: Your child is more likely to do what you do, rather than what you say. It is up to you to model, instruct and expect your child to care about and behave respectfully toward others.

Teach your child to express himself in a positive way: If he is upset, teach him to express the feelings he is experiencing in words so that a positive solution can be found. Allow uncomfortable conversations that need expression. Avoidance will lead to feelings of shame and even anger and this could lead to your child making negative choices in a bid to deal with their suppressed emotions.

Teach your child to allow others to express their feelings in the same way: This leads to listening skills.

Teach your child to learn to listen to understand the

other person without the need for defensive responses. Listen with an open, non-judgemental mind.

Genuinely hear what others are saying.

Strive to create a meaningful, face-to-face connection with your children: Social media has desensitised us in so many ways that meaningful, wholehearted human relationships are becoming rare! People make-up and break-up over the phone. Some of the most misunderstood arguments and hurtful words are given over a digitised device. Nothing can replace face-to-face positive human connection and relationships.

Teach your children to value themselves, their strengths and their weaknesses: Remember that we are only able to treat others based on how we feel about ourselves. Teach them of their worthiness to love and be loved. Teach them the value of each human being walking the earth with them- do we not ALL share the same human spirit? Do we not all bleed, cry, smile and breathe in the same way? Just as you teach your children to respect themselves, so we MUST teach them to respect others, to choose kindness and to master the skill of empathy.

Perfectionism Can be Self-Destructive

Mfundo (not his real name), a grade 1 learner, was struggling at school.

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is distraught parents explained that he was acting out in class and fighting with his classmates. His teacher did not know how to handle his angry tantrums and aggressive behaviour. His parents admitted that they were experiencing similar behaviour at home and they were confused. You see, Mfundo was an achiever. He was top of his class in academics and a champion on the sport’s field. He seemed unbeatable.

So, why was Mfundo’s behaviour so out of control?

On further investigation, it became clear that Mfundo was an exemplary young man when he was winning, but whenever he made a mistake or did not come first, he became angry and aggressive. He was known to punch children who dared stand ahead of him in a school line, or who ran ahead of

him in a race. His parents were surprised that it was concluded that Mfundo suffered from low self-esteem! How could this be, they wondered?

You see, Mfundo defined his self-worth on winning. He ONLY felt worthy of love, acknowledgement, purpose and joy when he was on top. In his mind, when he was not number one, he was nothing and that was a dangerous place for him to be! Nobody can always be number one. We are hardwired to experience challenges, failures and disappointments. It is at these times that we learn our greatest lessons. Mfundo, like so many children, had to learn to love and appreciate himself in all circumstances. He had to learn that NOT being number one, did not mean that HE was less. He had to learn the value of falling and being willing to rise again.

So, what do you do if your child is like Mfundo? Teach them: To always try their best: Striving for nonexistent perfectionism is self-destructive.

Their time, effort, skills and attitude count more than the win: Only one person can be number one, but EVERYONE can feel a sense of accomplishment when they have a can-do mindset!

Making mistakes and failing from time-totime is normal and expected: The very fact that your child is human guarantees this! It is the lessons that are learnt and how they choose to rise again that will ensure consistent success in their lives!

That YOU, as their parents, are not perfect: Model tools and attitudes that will assist your children in loving themselves through their challenges, just as you do the same!

Be happy for themselves when they win, but, to be happy for others who do the same. Being happy for others is a sign of positive self-esteem!

By Cindy Glass, Owner and Founder of Step Up Education Centres.

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Cultivating a Love of Maths and Physical Sciences Youth unemployment in South Africa is dire, with one in three young people without a job in 2018.

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ducation is essential to improve these worrying statistics. At the Tomorrow Trust, a non-profit organisation founded in 2005, orphaned and vulnerable children from across the country are given all the necessary tools and skills to complete their schooling through a holistic approach to teaching and fostering a love for maths and physical sciences. The Datatec Foundation sponsored sixty Grade 9 and 12 orphaned and vulnerable learners to participate in the Trust’s senior holiday and Saturday school programme in 2018.

The Datatec Foundation has been a financial contributor of the Tomorrow Trust since 2013, as it sees the huge potential this organisation has to offer our children engagement, self-growth and understand-

ing. “Every child should have the same opportunities, and the Tomorrow Trust recognises that every child has the potential to succeed if given the chance,” says Wilna de Villiers, Marketing and Communications Manager for Datatec.

Each student is carefully and individually evaluated, to establish specialised needs that can’t be met by a “one size fits all” mentality towards education. “In this way, from the very beginning, we build a tailored programme to help each student feel like they belong and where he or she needs assistance the most,” Rae explains.

Grade 7 learners graduate to the senior Saturday and holiday school programme, a comprehensive academic and psychosocial support programme focusing on building and strengthening understanding and prowess in English, mathematics, life sciences and physical sciences. The goal is to enable learners to pass their National Senior Certificate with improved results, which in turn will enable them to access tertiary-education opportunities.

The Tomorrow Trust has seen huge improvements in their learners’ performances, and their 2018 Matric results were particularly impressive, with their pupils achieving a collective 72 distinctions.

Visit www.tomorrow.org.za for more information.

Little Lyons Preschool We take pride in nurturing our cubs A loving and caring home away from home for children aged 1 year to 6 years.

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Professional, qualified Foundation Phase teachers Small classes for more individual attention A structured and balanced curriculum Creative holiday care programme

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Oh My! Kids’ Interactive Linen and Playmats Oh My! Kids’ Interactive Linen and Playmats are proudly South African and designed by a teacher with many years of experience.

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for your convenience.

Bedtime and hospital time provide special opportunities to really connect with our children. However, unless we are intentional about these times, they can be lost, particularly in this highly technological age.

We’ve all heard it said that children want and need our time, not our money. The vision behind these bed sets is to create conversations and build lasting memories.

While the games can be played with conventional game pieces, they are designed to be used with easily available resources, such as torn-up pieces of coloured paper or coins for counters and pencils for spinners. The games and conversation starters

encourage the development of 21st-century skills like teamwork. They encourage communication and other vital skills such as taking turns and listening, as well as the appreciation of others’ opinions.

Some of the activities include teaching basic sign language, learning about the planets in our solar system, learning about sounds, countries of the world, I spy, tic-tac-toe, checkers and snakes and ladders.

There are also conversation and story starters to help you learn more about each other in a fun way.

esigned initially as For more information contact Nicky on interactive bedsheets 083 273 0560 or email nickymazoue1@ and pillowcases to provide gmail.com. Find them on social media: children in hospital with Oh My! Kids’ Interactive Linen. something to do and to guide parents in conversation, they have also been WIN! WIN! WIN! Mum’s Mail has two Oh My! Kids’ developed to be used at Interactive Playmats to give away, valued at home as duvet sets. They R800 each. Visit www.mumsmail.com to enter. are also available as play and picnic mats and as such are proving very popular in pre-schools, primary schools, doctors’ waiting rooms and in 17 ST KILDA AVENUE, DURBAN NORTH • TELEPHONE: 031 564 7848 homes.

EMAIL: broadacrespreprimary@icloud.com They are all ma• Small classes • All staff hold ECD qualifications & up to date First Aid certificates chine-washable and • Caring Environment • Safe Playground • CAPS aligned curriculum • Mini Sport, come with instrucBallet, Grade R Swimming, Speech & Drama • Hot meals included in fee structure tions and guidelines, as well as beautiful “Educating The Future Leaders” “ We Build Foundations” drawstring carry bags WWW.MUMSMAIL.COM EDUCATED LIFE

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OPINION PIECE: Co-Educational Primary School Education C

Inclusive, real-world, family-based education

hoosing what primary school to send your child to is an important decision to make with lots to consider. Primary school provides an important foundation for high school and for life - so you want to make an informed decision.

When my wife Shelley and I made this decision for our three kids, we looked for a school that offered quality education, encouraged critical, independent thinking and embraced and celebrated diversity.

Single-sex education does not mean superior academic education at primary school level.

There seems to be a belief that children from single-sex schools perform better academically than those from co-educational ones. The implication of this is that sending your child to a co-educational school could compromise their

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academic performance.

While there is research that suggests that this may be the case at secondary school (due to an escalation of “attraction distraction” and other issues around adolescence) this is not the case at the primary school level. At primary school, academic performance is very much dependent on the quality of the academic programme offered by the individual schools themselves.

Co-educational primary education offers real-world education I have always believed engaging with a wide range of people makes for a richer and more interesting life. Our globalised modern world has made the ability to relate to and work effectively with diverse groups of people an essential 21st-century skill.

Diversity includes people of

different ethnic groups, religious persuasions, sexual orientation and members of the opposite sex.

I have seen the benefits of co-educational primary schooling in this regard first-hand. All three of my children adjusted easily to the co-educational nature of university life, and are able to work comfortably and positively with members of the opposite sex.

Like most people, I have made some good choices and some not so good choices in my life, but I have also made a few smart ones. If you are considering what primary school to send your child to, you have an opportunity to make a really smart choice too - send them to a great coeducational school– send them to Epworth!

By Patrick Makkink, Epworth Prep Schools IT Teacher.

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In operation since 1994

Safe & Reliable Transport

School transport includes door to door pick up & drop off. We offer services from Westville, Cowies Hill, Pinetown, Reservoir Hills & surrounds.

Transport available to & from the following schools: Westville Junior and Senior, Wendon Academy, Kainon, Saturn, Little Dolphin, Avon Junior, Athol Heights, Pitlochry, Westville Girls, Westville Boys, Star College, ADL High School, Reservoir Hills High plus other schools.

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Registration for 2020 open • 3 months to Grade R • Exclusive baby care • Leave your baby in a warm, loving and stimulating nursery with individualised attention • First aid trained staff • CAPS integrated • B.ED Degree Teachers • CCTV cameras - classrooms & playground • 2 hot meals & 2 snacks daily - healthy & nutritious • Open during school holidays (except 3 weeks over the festive season) • Aftercare and Homework facilities with meals included

Opening hours 7am to 5:30pm A variety of extra murals Contact (031) 564 2712 E-mail: info@playlearn.co.za 215 Station Ridge Rd Durban North

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OPINION PIECE:

Less talk, more action: How to get Physical Education in Schools Back on Track Although some parents would argue that it feels as though their children never sit still, South Africa is actually struggling to meet the right standards of physical activity for children, which is evident in our rising child obesity rates.

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Institute for Higher Education have identified the gap in policy implementation of PE and are working to improve its students’ perceptions and knowledge about PE and PE training.

Encouraging schools and educators to prioritise PE begins with better general training on health and the importance of healthy lifestyle choices. With

ne of the key areas where physical activity can be improved is through physical education (PE) programmes in schools.

Rather than waiting for government to be the exclusive avenue for improving this area of the curriculum, educational institutions themselves can get the ball rolling. Training institutions like the Embury

Grade 1 - Grade 3

training institutions helping cultivate this understanding, educators coming out of PE-prioritising and health-positive institutes can have a progressive effect on the implementation of PE programmes in the schools where they work.

South Africa is a remarkably innovative country, and schools are one of the best places to apply

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Alicia Cason - Principal 082 864 3092

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ROW 21 ENNO 20 R FO

innovation. Often, educators or schools feel that they’re unable to implement PE due to a lack of equipment or sporting resources. This shouldn’t be a barrier to helping children get moving. PE or physical activity does not necessarily require fancy resources – it could be as simple as making one’s own equipment from consumable products, such as filling an empty soft drink bottle with beads or rice to create a shaker, which children can shake and move around with. And, of course, the government does have a role to play. In a study of 12 countries, South Africa had the greatest percentage of learners (32%) who were not participating in PE at school. There seems to be no clear evidence of progress in the prioritisation of PE in the school curriculum or school environment at a national level.

More funding from government is required to correct this and improve knowledge on the importance of being healthy, especially for educators who are already in the system. Education conferences often include extensive discussions on the importance of children being active, but actual implementation of these expressed values requires money and a focused effort. When prioritising PE, education departments and training institutions need to emphasise the importance of getting parents and caregivers involved to help promote active behaviour.

If educators are encouraging learners to be healthy at a school level, but their parents don’t promote a healthy lifestyle at home, it will be harder to improve the standards of physical activity in South African children.

Education is a mighty tool for improving the lives and prospects of children.

The HAKSA report says that “there is overwhelming international evidence that physical activity and physical education in schools is positively associated with academic achievement.” This means that all parties involved in the education landscape of SA, including government, individual schools, principals, educators, parents and training institutes can play their part in amplifying the importance of PE and helping to effectively implement it in schools.

By Michael Mthethwa, Physical Education Specialist Lecturer at the Embury Institute for Higher Education

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To Win Or Lose?

Has the fun element gone out of school sport? Does it matter if you win or lose? Should professionalism even be entertained at school-level sport? David Knowles tackles this thorny debate.

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rofessionalism has changed and continues to change the face of sport across all disciplines – it has also wrapped its claws around school sport, particularly rugby. People in their mid-40s and beyond will remember sport at school as fun, a chance to test your skills and enjoy time with mates.

It never mattered who won or lost, and being chosen to play a game and representing your school was enough to swell the heart and get the adrenaline pumping. These days, school sport has become a semi-professional environment. Youngsters with a particular talent are singled out, nurtured and enrolled in a designated high performance programme where they eat and sleep their sport, regaled with stories of big money backed by a lifestyle previously unheard of.

Such a scenario begs the question, has the fun element gone out of school sport? It’s a topic of endless argument, yet the general feeling from a few sports personalities in Durban strongly supports and ticks the “yes” box on this one.

East Coast Radio sports personality Sky Tshabalala coaches 1st team rugby,

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1st team girls’ soccer and U14 cricket in a school environment and has a two-fold outlook, depending on the status of certain schools. “I see a distinct A and B league especially regarding rugby at boys’ schools and hockey for the girls. For kids playing at 1st team level, it becomes like a job, their main focus, having gym sessions and the like during school time,” he said.

“As a coach you like winning, but the underlying factor for the kids should be the privilege of representing their school at whatever level, no matter the outcome. Winning or losing should not be a representation of the status of your school or cast a dark cloud over a kid because he or she did not perform on the sports field.”

Tania Richardson, mother of Dylan Richardson – who played 1st team rugby for two years, captained the side and made his debut for the Sharks in 2019 while also representing the SA U19 side – offers words every parent should heed.

“Dylan started rugby at senior primary school and it was something he took a liking to and pursued.

He set his own goals and worked towards them in his own way. As a parent,

I supported him but never forced him or interfered with what he was doing,” she said.

“All he has achieved has been his own doing, but he enjoys it and still sees the fun element because he has appreciated what the game has given him without added pressure.”

But, some schools say: “We believe that sports participation is more than just fun, more than optional recreation. It helps to build character. It teaches leadership. One learns to try harder when things get tough, instead of giving up, to persevere, concentrate, and practice.”

To summarise: There is competition out there whether we like it or not.

Some people get medals and recognition and that’s not a bad thing.

As parents, regardless of our children’s struggles or skills, how we help them manage the competitive landscape, is key.

Competition at school level needs to be healthy, but respect, humility, sportsmanship and enjoyment are the key elements, not a win at all costs, prove we are the best attitude.

It’s an endless debate.

Why Reading Aloud Reaps Rewards

In a country where nearly 80% of Grade 4 learners cannot read with comprehension in any language, including their home language*, there is one day on the international calendar that deserves every educator, parent and child’s attention: World Read Aloud Day.

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elebrated on 5 February this year, World Read Aloud Day celebrates the power of words, as shared audibly among people of all ages.

Reading aloud holds so many rewards.

For one, this activity promotes a stronger vocabulary. One of the main ways in which children hone their language skills is through listening. Kids don’t just hear the word in isolation; they are exposed to the context in which that word is used. This opens up a world of possibility for them and expands their communication potential.

‘Attention deficit’. This term is bandied about so frequently nowadays, but just imagine the power that is just waiting to be unleashed, in a few weekly ‘read aloud’ sessions in the classroom setting! No phones to distract the thoughts and someone who reads a popular choice of reading material, grabbing the audience’s interest, increasing the learners’ attention span! Make no mistake: the right book, read by an enthusiastic reader, can make a world of difference to children, young and old!

A well-written story can communicate coping skills to a group of learners who might be faced with a particular problem.

Reading aloud can provide a safe way of identifying emotions in the classroom or home setting… think of a topic like bullying, for example. A gripping tale on the subject could encourage children to express their feelings during discussion time, and help to diffuse emotions.

Both in the classroom and at home, reading aloud undoubtedly promotes bonding.

The quality time also helps adults unwind, reinforces relationships and helps kids develop their social and interpersonal skills.

The child who grows up to read with

understanding is set on a sure path of success. Help the children you know, stand out of the crowd, today!

Since 1979, READ Educational Trust has successfully promoted literacy across South Africa; reaching the historically disadvantaged, and making a difference in the lives of children hungry for knowledge and skills. Together, we celebrate World Read Aloud Day!

Visit www.read.org.za to find out more about what we do, and join the conversations on social media: @READEduTrust. *Reference: https://nicspaull.com/2017/12/05/the-unfolding-reading-crisis-the-new-pirls-2016-results/

Future Leaders In Training

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Book Review:

Follow Me Around The World by Priddy Books Follow Me Around The World by Priddy Books is a finger maze adventure with colourful continent scenes and grooved maze trails to trace with fingertips.

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ox is off on a brand new adventure around the world in this finger maze book brimming with busy scenes and familiar sights. There are eight exciting and colourful trail scenes allowing children to explore using their fingertips to trace along grooves on the pages. Explore every continent of the world and spot unique landmarks, meet cute characters, and trace each winding maze from hole to hole.

Roger Priddy’s passion for educating children through fun, informative and engaging books has led him to create some of publishing’s most enduring and successful non-fiction early learning books. Roger lives in London with his three children, who have been the inspiration behind many of his best publishing ideas.

We really enjoy reading this book together, and my son loves tracing the mazes and showing off his knowledge of the countries around the world! It’s colourful and exciting and there are loads of cool pictures and learning opportunities… We’ve found it’s a great way to learn about other countries.

Visit www.priddybooks.com/tag/south-africa/

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081 013 7338 www.lime-light.co.za Stores in DBN/PMB/CT Nationwide home delivery as well

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Science Experiment: Hot Ice Ingredients: 4 cups of white vinegar 4 tablespoons of baking soda a pot a glass measuring cup or mason jar a dish & spoon Making Hot Ice Pour the vinegar into a medium pot. Add the baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) one tablespoon at a time. Add the baking soda slowly so it doesn’t erupt over the edges of your pot. Stir the mixture until all the baking soda has dissolved.

Boil the solution over a medium-low heat for a little over an hour. You’ll want to reduce the solution by about 75% or until you have about ¾ to 1 cup. You should see white powdery crystals forming on the sides of the pot near the top of the solution.

Pour the concentrated sodium acetate into a glass measuring cup and place it in the fridge to cool. Scrape a little of the dried sodium acetate powder off the inside of the pot to use later. After about 30-45 minutes, the solution will be cool enough to turn into ice. Place a small pile of the sodium acetate powder from the pot in the centre of a plate. This will act as a seed for the crystals to start forming on.

Carefully take the cool solution out of the fridge – it will still be liquid. Any bump could start the crystallizing process in the solution so be very careful not to jar the solution.

Pour the liquid very slowly onto the sodium acetate powder on the plate, and instantly crystals began to form.

Once you are done creating and exploring the crystallized salt you can re-melt it to use again and again. We ended up repeating the experiment a few more times and every time the cooled solution was ready, the kids came running with excitement!

Source: www.playdoughtoplato.com.

Stockists of: Party Decorations, Baking Goods, Wedding Accessories, Polystyrene & Foil Containers, Plastic Packets & Gift Bags, Serviettes & a whole lot more!

431 Inanda Road, Parlock, Newlands-West 031 577 0604 • sprinknspark@gmail.com WWW.MUMSMAIL.COM KIDS’ LIFE/PARTY LIFE

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Valentine’s Recipe Heart-Shaped Fruit Puff Pastries with Vanilla Glaze

These heart-shaped fruit puff pastries are perfect for your Valentine’s Day breakfast, brunch, or dessert!

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brush them with the remaining egg wash.

Sprinkle with coarse sugar. Bake hearts for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and puffy. While hearts are baking, in a small mixing bowl, whisk together confectioner’s sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla Ingredients extract. Add more cream if it’s too thick Puff Pastry Hearts: for your liking, or add more confectioner’s • 1 packet ready-made puff pastry sugar if it’s too runny. Once done baking, • 1 jar jam/preserves remove puff pastry hearts from the oven Egg Wash + Garnish: and place them on a cooling rack. Once • 1 Egg they’re somewhat cooled, drizzle them with • 1 tsp Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half • 1 TB Coarse Sugar to sprinkle on after egg the vanilla glaze and enjoy!

Source: Jennifer Anne, www.flourandfloral.com. wash Vanilla Glaze: 1 cup Confectioner’s Sugar 2 TBS Heavy Cream 1 tsp Vanilla Extract his buttery, flaky puff pastry filled with your favourite preserves is best served warm and drizzled with vanilla glaze. Store in a sealed container at room temperature.

Instructions Roll out the puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface. Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, begin cutting out hearts, being meticulous to get the most out of your dough.

In a small bowl, whisk together egg and heavy cream to create your egg wash. Using your finger, brush the outer edges of half the hearts with egg wash.

Spoon one and a half tablespoons of jam/ preserves onto the centre of the hearts.

Place remaining hearts on top of jamtopped hearts. Using a fork, press around the edges of the hearts, sealing them together.

Place hearts on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, and place into the freezer for at least 10-15 minutes.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Once the hearts are chilled, using a pastry brush,

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Party Game: Paper Bug Hunt You will need: paper, printer and computer or pens and coloured paper, paper collecting bags or even a large envelope, snails/ sweets for the winner.

This is the perfect bug hunt for people who are squeamish about bugs – and for bugs who are squeamish about people. In fact, it doesn’t really involve bugs at all – which is good, because they have very busy schedules. Print or colour lots of pictures of different bugs and creepy crawlies.

Make sure you keep a note of each one - or even better, another picture – to put on the collecting bags. Place the bugs around the garden (or ask an adult to do it, so you can take part in the hunt). It’s a nice idea to place bugs near where you would expect to find them – purple flowers for butterflies, compost bins or soil for worms, fresh green leaves for caterpillars.

Every Person has a collecting bag listing all the bugs they have to find – or a picture of each (especially for younger children). On the word “go”, everyone begins hunting for their bugs.

The first person to collect one of each is declared the winner and is given some snails to eat. Sorry, I mean sweets. They are given some sweets to eat. (It’s an easy mistake to make).

The Mimbee Interchangeable watch set features a fun unicorn dial with 4 unique straps.

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

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Adrian the Magician For children’s parties and family and corporate events, you want |entertainment that’s visual, easy to understand, and (of course) extremely funny.

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hands, making him/her feel very special.

Plus there’s plenty of hilarious audience participation. Every child gets to help out in some way.

Adrian is a ‘South African Magic Family/ Children’s Entertainer Champion’ and is available for birthday parties, school fundraisers, day care centres, holiday resorts and corporate functions, as well as weddings and Christmas shows.

He has also been a regular special guest star performer on board the MSC Sinfonia, MSC Opera and MSC Musica Cruise Ships over the past several seasons.

ou want someone who has spent years working on and perfecting their Contact Adrian Smith on 071 837 1731, magic@themagician.co.za. programmes, someone who has performed Visit www.themagician.co.za for price and package options. thousands of times in front of live audiences. You don’t want a part-time entertainer clowning about; you want someone who’s good enough to work as a full-time professional!

Hire Adrian Smith! For over 28 years Adrian has dedicated his time and talents to making life easier for mums and dads.

How does he do this? By blending comedy and magic into a totally unique, one-ofa-kind, fun party extravaganza that your child, your family, and your entire neighbourhood will never forget! All Adrian’s party package solutions provide a guaranteed, laughter-packed, 40 to 60 minutes of magic, comedy KIDS BIRTHDAY and fun! There’s no PARTIES experimental material in Adrian’s show – it’s The Durban Ice Arena offers three fun-filled kids birthday all tried and tested A+ party packages for you to material. choose from, which are And the star of the guaranteed to make your show? Your child! party the talk of the town!

Throughout the show, magic will continu031 332 4597 • marketing@durbanicearena.co.za ally happen in their www.durbanicearena.co.za | 81 Somtseu Rd, North Beach, Durban

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031 - 201 2515 or 031 - 201 2613 or 083 725 0925 adi@cherryco.co.za cherryco@telkomsa.net www.cherryco.co.za

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For enquiries/bookings call 071 837 1731 or visit www.themagician.co.za or e-mail magic@themagician.co.za

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Location Pin: Sunset Ridge Farm Camperdown

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Bee Mine Valentine’s Day Craft This little busy beE works great as a classroom craft for Valentine’s Day, or if you remove the hearts you can have yourself a lovely ordinary paper plate bee craft.

What you need • 2 paper plates • Pink, red, and black craft foam sheets • White and black puffy paint • Scissors • Yellow craft paint • Paint brush Paint one of your paper plates yellow and let it dry and cut the other white plate in half From your black foam sheets cut the following:

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- Three ½ inch wide strips the width of your plate - Small triangle for the stinger - Half a large oval - Two 3 inch x ½ inch strips and two small circles to go on top for antennas Then cut one heart from each your pink and red.

Now glue one white paper plate half onto each back side of your yellow plate.

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Glue your long black strips across the yellow plate for the bee’s stripes.

Glue your half oval on the top of the plate and glue the antennas onto the oval.

Draw your bee’s eyes under the top of the bees head with your white and black puffy paint.

Now glue the hearts onto your bee and write ‘bee mine’ onto one of the hearts and let dry.

Source: www.easypeasyandfun.com.

Easy Party Treats These party treats will go down well with adults or kids, and they are super easy and quick to whip up for your next party!

Rainbow Fruit Skewers

Cheat’s sausage rolls Ingredients: • 12 pork chipolata sausages • 1 sheet ready rolled puff pastry • 1 egg, beaten • 1 tbsp sesame seeds Instructions Preheat the oven to 200C. Line two baking trays with parchment paper.

Unroll the pastry and cut it into 12 equal strips. Wrap each strip of pastry diagonally around a chipolata, just enough to cover the sausage and use a knife to cut away the excess pastry.

Place each wrapped sausage on the baking trays and brush with the beaten egg. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and bake in the oven for 25 minutes.

Once they are cooked you can then garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Source: www.myfussyeater.com

These fruit skewers are a simple, colourful and fun way to get kids to eat fruit.

Healthy Strawberry Milkshake Ingredients • 1 cup strawberries (fresh or frozen) • 1/2 cup cashews (must be unsalted, can be roasted or raw) • 2-3 dates • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 2.5 cups milk or dairy alternative

Ingredients • 7 raspberries • 7 hulled strawberries • 7 tangerine segments • 7 cubes peeled mango • 7 peeled pineapple chunks • 7 peeled kiwi fruit chunks • 7 green grapes • 7 red grapes • 14 blueberries

Instructions Place everything in a blender and blend!

- If you use frozen strawberries, the milkshake is nicely chilled when first made - Cow’s milk, almond milk and rice milk all work well.

Take 7 wooden skewers and thread the following fruit onto each – 1 raspberry, 1 hulled strawberry, 1 tangerine segment, 1 cube of peeled mango, 1 chunk of peeled pineapple, 1 chunk of peeled kiwi, 1 green and 1 red grape, and finish off with 2 blueberries. Arrange in a rainbow shape and let everyone help themselves.

Source: www.mykidslickthebowl.com.

Source: www.bbcgoodfood.com/

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Exciting February Events I Heart Market When: 1 February at 08:30am – 2pm Where:The Hay Store, Cnr Camperdown Rd and Albert Terrace, Durban The first #iheartmarket of 2020 will be the annual SUMMER SALE on 1 February! Bump into old friends, make some new ones and lazily stroll through stalls featuring quality locally designed and produced items.

We’re a community of makers, and as you trade your Rands for one-of-a-kind creations, you can rest easy knowing that you’re helping to grow the local Durban creative scene!

Visit www.iheartmarket.com.

The Musgrave Market When: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 February at 9am Where: Berea Park, Stephen Dlamini Road, Durban There’s a host of food stalls, live music, craft and thrift stalls plus lots to do including horse and pony rides, henna art, cup cake decorating, slime decorating, face painting and more… The Musgrave Market is held at Berea Park under the lush canopy of trees that line this beautiful park.

The market is wheelchair and animal friendly so you can bring the whole family along.

The kids will stay occupied with the kids’ entertainment available while you browse the variety of stalls selling everything from one-of-a-kind handmade items to bargain second hand items. There are lots of food options so you can grab something to eat and sit back and relax whilst enjoying the live music on offer.

Contact: melissa@themusgravemarket.co.za or visit www.themusgravemarket.co.za.

Outdoor Movie Night When: 15 February at 7pm Where: Granada Square, Umhlanga Cost: R30pp With so much going on in our lives, what could be more magical than a night spent under the stars, watching a romantic melodrama, enjoying quality time with your loved ones.The movie being screened will be “Me Before You”.

Tickets are R30 per person and may be purchased via the Zapper QR code located on the Granada Square website or Facebook page. Alternatively, on the night using cash or Zapper. Children under 3 are free. Camping chairs, picnic blankets/cushions and picnic baskets are welcome. No alcohol allowed.

With there being a variety of restaurants to order food from, this is a night out you don’t want to miss. All monies received from ticket purchases will go towards donating Easter eggs to a charity of Granada Square’s choice, in April.

For more information visit www.granadasquare.co.za.

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ECR Kings & Queens of Comedy When: 14 February Where: Durban ICC Cost: R280 – 280pp Kings & Queens of Comedy has always been about celebrating the best in South African comedy. The annual event kicks off the 2020 season with a steamy Valentine’s Edition in Durban featuring fan favourites and some brand new faces to the KNQ stage. Kings & Queens of Comedy will set the scene for a perfect night out on the 14th of February 2020 at the Durban ICC and the royal lineup includes Nik Rabinowitz, Tumi Morake, Mo Vawda, Thenjiwe, Rob Van Vuuren, Rory Petzer: Comedian, Dillan Oliphant, Mojak Lehoko, Ebenhaezer Dibakwane, Neil Green and Prins, with Darren Maule as the master of the royal court.

Book at Computicket.

Beachwood Mangroves When: 15 February, 8am – 1pm Where: Beachwood Mangroves, Riverside, Durban North The Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve is only open to the public on the third Saturday of every month from 8am to 1pm (or you can arrange a special visit with the conservation officer). Although this technically does not fall during the holidays, it is a great outing for the whole family. There is no cost and it’s great to be out in nature, learning about this important ecosystem on our doorstep.

Contact 082 559 2839.

Rob Warren’s One Man Show When: 21 – 23 February at 8am/2pm Where: Rhumbelow Theatre, 42 Cunningham Rd off Bartle Road, Durban Cost: R160pp Versitile Durban musician Rob Warren presents a new show entitled ‘One Man Show’. This intimate, well-crafted show is a must for music lovers and features hits by the songwriters who inspired Rob through his early years as a young musician. This show includes music from Neil Finn (Crowded House) Jim Croce, Bruce Springsteen, Paul Simon and many more unique renditions of much loved classics. Also showcased will be original songs from Rob’s personal songbook. This show is intimate, honest and fun.

Book at COMPUTICKET or email Roland on roland@ stansell.co.za WWW.MUMSMAIL.COM PARTY LIFE

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Tribute To Dire Straits When: 31 January - 9 February Where: Rhumbelow Theatre, 42 Cunningham Rd off Bartle Road, Durban Cost: R160pp Starring The Reals - Barry Thomson , Dawn Selby, Mali Sewell, Jason Andrew & Guest Guitarist Shaun Dragt. Back by popular demand - Paying tribute to the music of Mark Knopfler and his band Dire Straits. To date, Dire Straits have sold in excess of 120 million albums and this show features a selection of their hit songs including, ‘Brothers in Arms’, ‘Walk of Life’, ‘So Far Away’, ‘Sultans of Swing’, ‘Romeo and Juliet’, ‘Tunnel of Love’, ‘Private Investigations’ and ‘Money for Nothing’.

Book at COMPUTICKET or email Roland: roland@stansell.co.za

Diva Lost Vegas When: 7 - 9 February (also running at Durban 14-16 Feb) Where: Rhumbelow Theatre, Tina’s Hotel, 14 Beryldene Rd, Kloof Cost: R160pp Starring Marion Loudon & Lisa Bobbert, ‘Diva Lost Vegas’ pays tribute to the woman (and some men) who have called the desert strip their home - a new musical comedy starring Durban leading ladies, Marion Loudon and Lisa Bobbert as Celine Dion, Brittany Spears, Bette Midler, Donna Summer, the irrepressible, Tina Turner and many more. If you’re looking for a feel-good show that doesn’t take itself too seriously, Divas is just the ticket. Venue opens 90 minutes before show for drinks Book at Computicket or email roland@stansell.co.za. For Restaurant reservations please contact 031 764 7843.

Legends Of Reggae When: 28 February - 1st March Where: Rhumbelow TINA’S, Tina’s Hotel, 14 Beryldene Rd, Kloof Cost: R160pp Starring Tanner Wareham Trio - Tanner Wareham, Reece Cook & Yesh Naidoo. Hot off the heels of a successful Bob Dylan Tribute, Tanner Wareham and his trio are going take on their next chapter performing a tribute to the Legends of Reggae! The show will consist of the band performing the most loved reggae hits from artists such as Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, UB40, The Police, Eddy Grant and others.

Venue opens 90 minutes before show for drinks.

Book at Computicket or email roland@stansell. co.za. For Restaurant reservations please contact 031 764 7843.

If you would like your event featured in our March 2020 Events Diary send your event information along with an image to sarah@mumsmail.com before 10 February 2020.

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