Issue 158 | Pietermaritzburg & Midlands | March 2020 | Free
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IN THIS ISSUE WWW.MUMSMAIL.COM
From The Editor’s Desk...
March is upon us, and with it comes the school holidays (already?)!
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hen it is Easter a few days later! I must say, I really do love this time of year when the weather starts to cool down (at last), but the school holidays are not an easy time for most parents! As a working mom, I really struggle during the school holidays. I try to use a holiday club as much as I can, but the costs add up. Then there is the cost that comes with entertaining a child – it never ends! Play dates are also an option, if you have friends that can help out.
I have some mom friends from school and we all work full time, so last holidays we formed a WhatsApp group specifically for helping each other out during school holidays. This has become a lifeline for me. Mom friends are so important – we’re all in the same boat, and we need to help each other out as much as possible. On the plus side, the best part of school holidays is not having to wake up so early to do the school run, and not having to prep school lunches – can I get an “Amen”?
I’m so excited to share this edition with you – we have some really great articles and competitions for you. We are gearing up for our 7th Annual Mum’s Mail PMB Ladies breakfast in support of The Sunflower Fund – be sure not to miss this spectacular event – you can find out more in the mag! So take a few minutes, put your feet up and enjoy our “life’s little toolbox” with a nice warm cuppa – or wine, whatever floats your boat! Until next time, Sarah.
CONTENTS
Everyday Life 4 5 6
Meet the Cover Star Bring on the Flower Power Green Your Home In 2020
Healthy Life/Beautiful Life 7 8 9
Temperature Control in Children Say Aaahhh and Unite for Mouth Health World Down Syndrome Day
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Kids’ Life/EDUcated life 10 11 12 13 14
Building Tomorrow’s Leaders Through Play Spring Chicks Egg Carton Craft Kip McGrath Education Centres Science Experiment: Hot Ice Exciting March Events
The Mum’s Mail Team
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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: Candice McDonald: www.candicemcdonaldphotography.co.za 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.
WWW.MUMSMAIL.COM EVERYDAY LIFE
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Meet the Cover Star Our adorable cover star this month is 17-month-old Zachary Rogers from Pietermaritzburg.
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is parents are Margie and Tim Rogers and he has three doting older sisters – Lilly (7) Willow (5) and Olivia (3). “Zachary is Dad’s team mate in a family of girls. A strong but gentle giant, always smiling and wanting a love. He loves his sisters, animals and being very busy. He climbs onto anything possible like kitchen counters or mom’s work desk, absolutely loves playing with water and balls and is very proud when he carries his kitten who is just
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EVERYDAY LIFE WWW.MUMSMAIL.COM
as busy and inquisitive as him. Also he is just ‘flippen’ cute!” says Margie. “We always wanted a big family. We often see mouths drop when people realise that all four young kids are ours and then we are often asked if we are stupid or brave?! It isn’t either, to be honest. Yes, being a parent is HARD work and we have had many days where life is just overwhelming. But the word family would not have any soul or depth to it if we didn’t have our kids.” “Being able to grow with
your kids, learning things like selfless love, or being forced to slow down for a moment, or seeing all your hard work that you have put in flourish out of a family member, just makes living this life, with all its scary, yucky and difficult moments, so much more worth living! These young people also remind you that it is ok to be authentic and vulnerable and to keep your goals and dreams in life going, something that tends to get lost when adulting,” concludes Margie.
Bring on the Flower Power The 7th Annual Mum’s Mail PMB Ladies breakfast in support of The Sunflower Fund and sponsored by Vitalab and Maritzburg Arch Lifestyle Centre, is fast approaching.
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he theme this year is Flower Power - think 60s, bellbottoms, peace signs and hippies! This fun event is taking place on Friday 3 April at The Victoria Country Club in Pietermaritzburg from 8.30am to 11am. Tickets cost R320 per person or R3 200 for a table of ten and include a twocourse breakfast, decadent individual desserts by Chateau Gateaux, a B.O.N Natural Oils gift per lady,
fabulous goodie bags, guest speakers, surprise treats and loads of exciting prize giveaways. Guests can also look forward to a fun photo booth, pamper station and numerous retail therapy pop-up shops. A prize will be awarded to the bestdressed guest. Funds raised from this event will enable The Sunflower Fund to create awareness as well as educate and recruit more blood stem cell donors. This is fundamental
in offering the hope of life to patients suffering from lifethreatening blood diseases. Booking is essential as numbers are limited to 220 guests. To book tickets or expose your brand through prize or goodie bag item sponsorship, contact Mechelle on 083 328 2688 or mechelle@mumsmail.com. For more information on The Sunflower Fund and what they do, call them on 0800 12 10 82 (toll-free) or visit www.sunflowerfund.org.
WWW.MUMSMAIL.COM EVERYDAY LIFE
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Green Your Home In 2020 T
here is no easy 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 gardens look “green”. However, look a little closer and most are ecologicallysterile deserts 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 start slowly and gradually. 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. 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. Install a JoJo tank to catch more rain to water the
garden during dry months. Reduce your electricity footprint: Consider installing a solar-powered-geyser the next time your electric geyser bursts. Solar systems are getting cheaper as more people make the choice to switch over to greener power. Ditch the air-conditioner and open the doors and windows when it gets hot. The inconvenient truth is that we have to find ways to fly less, drive less and buy less while we navigate back to a less glamorous but more environmentally-sustainable future. Tony Carnie
Tel: 033 341 5044/000 162 Masukwana Street, Pietermaritzburg @Midmedic midlandsmedicalcentre www.midlandsmedicalcentre.co.za Celebrate the birth of your precious arrival with comfort and care, in state of the art Maternity, Nursery & NICU facilities at Midlands Medical Centre (MMC) Private Hospital.
Paediatric Surgeons MMC-Based Paediatrician Off-site Paediatricians
MMC-Based Obstetricians & Gynaecologists Off-Site Obstetricians & Gynaecologists
Prof. F. Ghimenton Dr S. Naidu Dr O.F Jooma Dr T. Mazwi Dr D. Naidoo Dr R. Takoordeen Dr T. Bhika Dr P.P Songca Dr T. Nqayana Dr S.B Amod Dr S. Drew Dr U. Mlonzi Dr M. Peprah Dr E. Sibanda
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Dr H. Mangray
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Dr M. Maderkurozwa 033 345 2053 Dr L. Mzizana 033 345 3340 Dr F. Bocking 033 342 8235 Dr P. Singh Dr I. Tootla
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Dr K. Dhavaraj Dr V.P.S Mbabane Dr K. Moodley Dr R.C Pillay Dr S. Stavrides
033 387 8703 033 342 2821 033 394 2074 033 342 1073 033 342 8803
BOOK A TOUR OF OUR NEW FACILITIES, AT YOUR CONVENIENCE, BY CALLING 033 341 5044/000. MMC DELIVERS EXCELLENCE IN MOTHER AND CHILD CARE. World Kidney Day event FREE to the public at 9am on 12 March (Thurs) at Midlands Medical Centre Canteen (Ground Floor, Block C). Call 082 7917 093/033 341 5158.
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EVERYDAY LIFE WWW.MUMSMAIL.COM
Temperature Control in Children High temperatures are part of growing up, especially in the first five years of a child’s life. rapidly over a few hours. Some children often play as normal, even if they are developing something serious. Be alert and react early rather than late. Always keep antipyretics/suppositories in stock. Temperatures return every four hours – so be prepared! Current infections going around are gastroenteritis, chest infections and viral infections – and always keep bacterial infeciral infections are the most common tions in mind. cause of high temperatures. Look It’s difficult for working parents using dayfor signs of infection before you blame it care facilities - get a good support structure on teething. in place and speak to employers honestly A good thermometer is essential to moni- about the exact situation. tor accurate temperatures. I use the digital By Dr Raj Moethilalh, Specialist Paediatrician, consulting in thermometer, used over the forehead and Umhlanga, Isipingo Medical Towers and Kingsway Hospital. For even then I repeat it several times if the child bookings call 031 902 5440. 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, you must 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 Shop 115, Liberty Mall Entrance 1 (Game Entrance) breathing, jaundice, enlarged lymph nodes or Tel: 033 342 2114 Head Office: 033 387 2411 contact with infections at school. Mobile/WhatsApp: 064 786 7868 / 082 619 0007 Seek urgent medical attention because Web: www.blingcreations.co.za children are fragile and can deteriorate very
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WWW.MUMSMAIL.COM HEALTHY LIFE/BEAUTIFUL LIFE
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Say Aaahhh and Unite for Mouth Health Backed by the World Dental Federation, World Oral Health Day aims to spread the message about good oral hygiene and the important part oral health plays in maintaining general health and well-being. Celebrated every year on 20 March
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orld Oral Health Day focuses on a different theme each year. Under this year’s theme ‘Unite for Mouth Health’, the World Dental Federation encourages everyone to make a pledge to look after their oral health – “Through everyone’s collective pledges and efforts, we hope to reduce the burden of oral disease worldwide.” “Oral diseases will affect all people at some point during their lifetime. It is particularly worrying to see an increasing number of children with tooth decay, which can lead to the development of early childhood caries, negatively affect how a young mouth develops, and create lasting health issues for young children.” Oral Hygiene Tips for Infants, Toddlers and Children Establish good oral hygiene habits right from the beginning. Follow these recommendations to prevent early tooth decay and ensure a healthy mouth. Your baby’s mouth should be cleaned a few days after
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birth. To clean, wipe gums and tongue with a damp gauze pad or special infant gum wipes that are stocked at pharmacies. Never add sugar to milk in a baby’s bottle. Try not to let your baby ‘comfort feed’ by sleeping with a bottle in his mouth. Take the bottle away after your child finishes drinking. Drinking milk or formula from bottles over long periods can lead to tooth decay. Don’t be tempted to pacify your baby by dipping his dummy in sugar, honey or any other sweet treat. Clean your baby’s teeth in the morning and before
HEALTHY LIFE/BEAUTIFUL LIFE WWW.MUMSMAIL.COM
bedtime once the first tooth has cut. Your baby should have visited the dentist by his first birthday and every six months thereafter. Saying no to sugar outright may be impractical. Save sweet treats for after meals because this is when the amount of saliva produced is greater and this will help protect your child’s teeth. Choose sweets wisely. Hard sweets like hard boiled candy and toffees can get stuck between your child’s teeth, which may lead to cavities. Softer sweets like marshmallows and chocolate will be gentler on your child’s teeth. Children should have all their baby teeth by the age of three. Baby teeth start falling out around age six to make way for permanent teeth. Gaps in baby teeth are normal as they make way for permanent teeth. Children should start flossing as soon as teeth touch, or earlier to help build good habits. Source: https://www.fdiworlddental.org/. By Khurhsid Guffar.
World Down Syndrome Day World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is observed on 21 March.
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n this day, people with Down syndrome and those who live and work with them throughout the world organise and participate in activities and events to raise public awareness and create a single global voice for advocating for the rights, inclusion and well-being of people with Down syndrome. People with Down syndrome must be able to enjoy full and equal rights, both as children and adults. This includes the opportunity to participate fully in their respective communities.
What is Down Syndrome? Down syndrome is a naturally occurring chromosomal arrangement that has always been a part of the human condition. It is universally present across racial, gender or socioeconomic lines. “We Decide� All people with Down syndrome should have full participation in decision making about matters relating to or affecting their lives. Effective and meaningful participation is a core human rights principle supported by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The reality today The reality today is that prevailing negative attitudes, low expectations, discrimination and exclusion, ensure that people with Down syndrome are left behind and do not have opportunities to participate
fully in decision making about matters relating to or affecting their lives at all levels. This occurs in society, but also within the disability community and the Down syndrome community. At the root of this discrimination and exclusion is a lack of understanding of the challenges individuals face across their lifetimes and a failure to support them with the opportunities and tools needed to participate meaningfully. Across areas of life such as lifelong personal development, personal relationships, education, healthcare, work and livelihood, recreation and leisure and participation in public life, ALL people with Down syndrome must participate in decision making, and should be included on a full and equal basis with others. Source: www.worlddownsyndromeday.org.
WWW.MUMSMAIL.COM HEALTHY LIFE/BEAUTIFUL LIFE
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Building Tomorrow’s Leaders Through Play Children are naturally wired with a desire to play – where adults might see a simple cardboard box, a child envisions an exciting new fantasy world where anything is possible.
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pending time creating these realms of possibility in their minds is how children develop their ability to be creative and, ironically, to think outside of the box. By simply having the freedom to play, children are not just having fun, but learning new skills and making huge strides in their physical, cognitive and emotional development. This lays the foundation for the careers they will one day choose, the types of interests they will develop, and the kind of adults they will one day grow up to be.
The state of play As digital technology advances, so has the landscape of play as we know it, making it a far more dynamic and overlapping experience that brings the real world, imaginary play and digital experiences together as one. Children today are more inclined toward digital play, while the current generation of parents still prefer physical activity like sport and ‘rough and tumble’ play. Interestingly, children still want their parents and caregivers to play with them
– even if it is digital-based play like streaming a TV show or playing a game app on a tablet. This has resulted in a shift in play – parents are incorporating technology into games and playtime with their children and agree - despite a belief that screen time is anything but healthy - that digital play can be creative and rewarding for children, and a way to bring families closer together. Playing to learn Play is incredibly important in a child’s development and journey of learning, and playing together as a family is just as crucial for building stronger family ties. Having the freedom to play breeds creativity and encourages a sense of curiosity, while specific focus areas like ‘constructive play’ gives children a goal to work towards and a sense of progress and achievement as they go. By Kristian Imhof, Country Manager for The LEGO® Group in South Africa
WIN! WIN! WIN! Mum’s Mail has 1 x LEGO® DUPLO® My First Bricks set (valued at R329.99) and 1 x LEGO® Classic Bricks and Lights set (valued at R549.99) to give away. Visit www.mumsmail.com to enter.
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KIDS’ LIFE WWW.MUMSMAIL.COM
Spring Chicks Egg Carton Craft Grab some egg cartons, paint, and a few other craft supplies to make these chicks!
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fun kids’ craft project to make for Easter or as a rainy day activity! You will need: • Egg cartons • Acrylic paint & brush • Glue, scissors, marker • Construction paper Directions: 1. Cut apart two egg holders from the carton and trim off the excess on the edges. 2. Glue the two pieces together. 3. Paint and allow to dry. 4. Add a beak and some eyes. And that’s it! With such few supplies needed, this is a great last minute craft for a rainy day. I had everything I needed in my craft supply stash. Source: www.typicallysimple.com.
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Location Pin: Sunset Ridge Farm Camperdown WWW.MUMSMAIL.COM KIDS’ LIFE
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Kip McGrath Education Centres “Children are getting ‘lost’ in the large class sizes at school,” says Julie Glass, director of Pietermaritzburg North Kip McGrath Education Centre.
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ith up to 40 learners in a class, it is not possible for teachers to give the individual attention required to each and every child in his/her class. Kip McGrath Education Centres provide assistance to learners who are finding certain academic concepts challenging in a non-threatening environment. They cater for learners who just don’t understand; learners who are frustrated, have given up and have a low self-esteem. “We offer an objective, professional assessment and academic advice - for free! An individualised, remedial programme is designed to cater for each child to correct his/her specific problems. The tutoring is a “back to basics” rotational system with indi-
vidual attention and personal care given by qualified teachers. Computer, written activities and regular feedback of child’s progress form an important part of the programme,” explains Julie. Kip McGrath makes it easy for children to learn! The Kip McGrath system is a resounding success in Australia (where it originated over 40 years ago), New Zealand and United Kingdom, as well as in South Africa. The programme has been adapted to comply with the South African Education systems – CAPS, IEB and Cambridge. There are now more than 60 centres in South Africa. “We are committed to helping each child enrolled at the centre to achieve the best that he/she can,” concludes Julie. To book a free Assessment and get more information, phone 033 342 2042 or 084 941 1771. Book & Pay ONLINE!
Providing a loving environment since 1983, for babies from 8 months to 6 years. Half/Full day option
Situated in Scottsville, close to UKZN Tel: 033 386 8742 www.lindiwepreschool.co.za
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Widest range of jumping castles for hire in the KZN, greater Durban & Midlands areas! WhatsApp us on: 072 065 2749 bookings@jollyjumpers.co.za www.jollyjumpers.co.za
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
Kick-start your child’s 1st term
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.
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083 998 6792 WWW.MUMSMAIL.COM EDUCATED LIFE
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Exciting March Events Rusty Red at Music in the Hills When: 4 March, 7pm – 10pm Where: The Knoll Historic Guest Farm, Knoll Drive, Hilton Cost: R50pp (cash only) Music in the Hills takes place every second Wednesday at The Knoll Historic Guest Farm, Knoll Drive, Hilton. Doors open at 6pm and the music kicks off at 7pm. Catering: Bring your own booze. Food and soft drinks are available for sale. The venue is enclosed and seating is available. Arrive early for good parking and seats! • 7pm: Blackbird • 8pm: Roly Struckmeyer • 9pm: Rusty Red For more info contact mithbookings@gmail.com.
Parenting on the Run with Nikki Bush When: Thursday 12 March 2020, 6pm Where: Cordwalles Prep School, 101 Howick Road, Hilton Cost: R70pp or R120 per couple Parenting on the Run with Nikki Bush. Hosted by Singakwenza. Don’t miss this talk if you are a parent of 2 to 12 year olds. Bookings: Linda Hill, 082 3211 283, info@singakwenza.co.za.
Murder Mystery Game at Fern Hill Hotel When: 21 March, 6.30pm Where: Fern Hill Hotel Cost: R300 – R400pp Play a role in a murder mystery game set in a 1920’s Speakeasy. Gangsters, Molls, Politicians, Police and more are all attending a party at ‘The Juice Joint’ when a murder happens. Your character will have their own backstory, secrets and goals to achieve in the game. Your goals might be to solve (or get away with) a murder, or you may have other goals that have nothing to do with the murder. Bookings: murdermysterieskzn.co.za/ join-a-game/
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