ed'swelcome

I am starting to think 2023 is definitely the year about being adaptable.

While some are reluctant to change, the realities we are facing has forced us to be adaptable. Ongoing loadshedding is playing havoc with routines – we have to be flexible when it comes to making dinners for the family, trying to make sure we still have light for homework time etc.

Added to this we are aware of the increasing costs of living, and I am super excited to feature Mapalo Makhu in this edition (page 14) who shares some insights on managing finances.

We specialize in providing midwife care to woman with normal low risk pregnancies. The home away from home atmosphere has been created to provide women with an alternate place to birth their babies The environment allows parents to feel comfortable and confident during the birth We believe in normal active births where women can respond naturally to their bodies and make appropriate choices for their births We believe in freedom of movement and listening to your body during the birthing process

Stellarmed Medical Suites

53 Crownwood Road Ormonde

011 835 1607

083 388 4424 birthing@stellarmed co za

One of the things parents are always looking to find out are ways to ensure optimal development of kids. We feature some great topics on childhood development such as “How aftercare can assist with a child’s development” (page 32), and “Boost your baby’s development with play” (page 34). There is also an interesting article on “Gaming can prepare children for the future” (page 74), which speaks to how schools are innovating. Speaking about schools, the beginning of the year was a very stressful period for many parents who faced challenges in securing placement of kids in schools. Every year this is something that is in the spotlight. There are some really good public schools, but getting a child into it can be a challenge – my advice to parents to kickstart the process earlier in terms of research – which schools are nearby, is there transport available, backup options etc. In some cases, I know that parents have had to rework budgets as they were unable to get their child into their school of choice, and are now facing higher fees for private institutions.

Overall, the year has started a bit rough but that being said we are all doing the best we can with the hand we have been dealt and that is admirable and a testament about our resilience.

76 Through paramedic’s eyes: ‘Please safely restrain kids in the car’ www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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