Baby’s and Beyond October – December 2017
babys beyond TM
and
a family lifestyle magazine
Our search for
meaning
Healthy eating tips for new moms
www.babysandbeyond.co.za
January – March 2018 ISSN 2311-5467
Treating recurring ear infections
Understanding
challenging behaviour 9 772311 546706 www.babysandbeyond.co.za
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INSIDE: Features Competitions Kicks for kids Recipes 2018/01/09 10:49 AM
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ED’S NOTE Happy 2018!
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s we head into another year – and back to packing school bags, lunch boxes and sports kits, not to mention re-establishing routines after a fabulous long holiday – there will be many families facing some big changes. For children going from Grade 0 to Grade 1, the experts advise that the start of primary school can affect the whole household. Lani Fikkert is a Grade 1 teacher at Peacanwood College: Preparatory and provides some helpful tips on page 68 for this transition. Nikki Bush, a parenting expert working with Toy Kingdom, also offers her advice for first term jitters in an article on page 38. Her suggestions include keeping children active, spending time together to reinforce the support structure, making play a priority, and considering swapping the school drop-off role to help avoid adding mom’s natural maternal anxiety into the mix. On another educational topic, are you considering sending your child(ren) to a private school in 2019? Don’t miss the article, entitled ‘Private doesn’t always mean perfect’ on page 74. John Luis, head of academics at ADvTECH Schools, warns that quality and performance vary from school to school and that parents need to do their homework before deciding on a school. He offers plenty of sage advice, and points out that parents should find out how the school incorporates the important 21st Century Skills as identified by the World Economic Forum into their teaching methodology and curricula. He says that teaching children to become exam-focused parrots no longer serves us in the real world and will do so even less in future. ‘Globally, schools are moving towards empowering learners with the kinds of skills they need for our new workplaces – skills such as being able to creatively problem-solve, research, communicate and self-manage.’ Another fascinating read is my interview with Klasie Wessels from Streetschool (page 8). Mark Twain said: ‘The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.’ Klasie offers personal development coaching through distinctive practical experiences in the form of trips to Nepal, Tibet and India for Grade 10, 11 and 12 students, as well as for adults. His coaching is based on Logotherapy – a non-regressive, non-intrusive, meaning-centred counselling practice that’s established on a belief that life has meaning under all conditions, that everyone can discover their own unique purpose, and that we can take responsibility and live life courageously and with purpose. In our searches for a more meaningful, and purposeful life, Klasie offers a gift of happiness.
Until next time, the Baby’s and Beyond™ team wishes you and your families a meaningful and purposeful 2018.
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Happy reading!
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Baby’s and Beyond
CREDITS babys beyond TM
October – December 2017
Publishing Director: Elroy van Heerden elroy@babysandbeyond.co.za
and
a family lifestyle magazine
Editor: Emma Dawson editor@babysandbeyond.co.za Editorial Contributors Abigale Courtenay Barbara Eaton Bryden Morton Chris van Niekerk Craig Kiggen Dr Michael Mol Elizabeth Steenkamp Gillian Mooney Guy Ashburner Ina Paarman Justin Kistan Lani Fikkert Lynne Bluff Marene Jooste Mariska van der Watt Sarah Gouws Tania Hoskings
Our search for
meaning
Healthy eating tips for new moms
Treating recurring ear infections
www.babysandbeyond.co.za
Understanding
January – March 2018 ISSN 2311-5467
Content Manager: Melanie Taylor artwork@mediaxpose.co.za
challenging behaviour 9 772311 546706 www.babysandbeyond.co.za
INSIDE: FEaTurES CoMpETITIoNS KICKS For KIDS rECIpES
Pictures: 123rf.com
Design and Layout: CDC Design carla@cdcdesign.co.za Advertising Sales: Allison Davids allison@babysandbeyond.co.za Lorraine Beneke lorraine@babysandbeyond.co.za Chief Financial Officer: Shaun Mays shaun@mediaxpose.co.za Marketing & Communications Manager: Sarina Afonso sarina@mediaxpose.co.za
babysandbeyond @babysandbeyond
Distribution and Subscriptions: Maurisha Niewenhuysen distribution@mediaxpose.co.za Printing Novus Print Solutions www.novus.holdings
Published By:
babys beyond TM
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a family lifestyle magazine
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404 Commerce House, 55 Short Market Street, Cape Town, 8001 PO. Box 15165, Vlaeberg, 8018 Tel: 021 424 3625 Fax: 086 544 5217 E-mail: info@babysandbeyond.co.za Disclaimer: The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher or its agents. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information published, the publisher does not accept responsibility for any error or omission contained herein. Consequently, no person connected with the publication of this journal will be liable for any loss or damage sustained by any reader as a result of action following statements or opinions expressed herein. The publisher will give consideration to all material submitted, but does not take responsibility for damage or its safe return.
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babys beyond TM
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a family lifestyle magazine
CONTENTS FEATURES
Our search for meaning.............................................................. 8 Healthy eating tips for new moms........................................... 14 Giving after-birth more than just an after thought................ 18 Childbirth education for an empowered birth....................... 22 Financial advice for my teen self............................................. 24 Preparation for birth and breastfeeding................................. 27 Your double-jointed child......................................................... 30 Bedwetting myths debunked................................................... 33 How to overcome bedtime fears............................................ 36 Dealing with first term jitters....................................................... 38 Your newborn is ready for play................................................ 40 Road survival kit: 5 essentials to keep in your car.................. 42 Advertorial: Holy Rosary embraces critical thinking.............. 45
HEALTH
Osteopathic treatment for recurring ear infections.............. 46 Umbilical cord care................................................................... 48 How to care for your child’s wound........................................ 50 When to supplement your child’s diet.................................... 52 Baby vaccinations, what to expect........................................ 54 The do’s and don’ts of scar prevention.................................. 56 8 Ways to bounce back after festive binging........................ 58 Breastfeeding helps prevent breast and childhood cancers............................................................ 60 Advertorial: Breastfeeding and bones: advice for moms..... 61
EDUCATION
Helping your student child transition to adulthood............... 62 Ditching maths myths................................................................ 64 Four considerations when choosing your career................... 66 Ten tips for the transition from Gr 0 to Gr 1.............................. 68 Understanding challenging behaviour................................... 70 Cultivating emotional intelligence........................................... 72 Private doesn’t always mean perfect..................................... 74 Raising free-range children....................................................... 76
REGULARS
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Promising Products: Green Planet Laundry helps save water, Even more Oh My Goodness! now at Checkers........................................................................ 80 Super silver healing power, Goodness on the go.................. 81 NutriBullet’s new Baby Bullet, Educational tech for kids.......................................................................................... 82 10 Top tissue oil tips, Cherubs newborn naturally pure baby wipes........................................................................ 83 Grab Some Grub: Shin and oxtail beef potjie........................ 88 Crusty bread pizza..................................................................... 89 Kicks for Kids: Fun puzzles and activities................................. 91 Book Review: This edition’s recommended reading............. 94 www.babysandbeyond.co.za
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FEATURE
Our search for
meaning By Emma Dawson
There is nothing quite like unusual life experiences for achieving personal growth and achieving a clearer understanding of who we are and what is truly important to us. Emma Dawson chats to Klasie Wessels, a leadership coach and the founder of Streetschool, about his coaching philosophy to help students (grade 10, 11 and 12) and adults find the true meaning and purpose in life.
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fter 25 years, leaving his job – the first and only since he began working – was not an easy decision for Klasie. He took his career in advertising seriously and was committed to his work, his team and his clients. But he found himself asking some tough questions. ‘We were having fun, winning awards and making money, but I kept asking myself, “Is this it?” and “Will I stay in this job until I retire?”,’ he says.
‘Remembering a promise I made to myself when I was at school, I felt compelled to make a change. My long-time dream of being an explorer was haunting me. For two years I grappled with the idea, trying to fulfil this drive through my sporting events, but it wasn’t enough,’ he recalls. Finally, Klasie resigned and opened Streetschool, which combines two of his passions – working with people to resolve their challenges, and adventure.’
Photo credit: StreetSchool
Being greeted by HH the Dalai Lama outside his main temple on his birthday, June 7, 2012.
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FEATURE
School group on Lingor walk, Dharamsala trip 2012.
‘At Streetschool we specialise in personal development through distinctive practical experiences because we believe that change comes when people discover something for themselves. We are skilled at facilitating this personal growth, which we do through individual and group coaching and mentoring throughout the journey. By combining volunteer work with coaching, we help adults and students find their inner strengths, their dreams and their vision,’ Klasie explains.
Striving to find meaning in life To add structure to his coaching and mentoring style, Klasie qualified himself as a leadership coach. ‘I’m a certified neuro linguistic practitioner and I studied Logotherapy though the Unisa Centre of Applied Psychology.’ Logotherapy is the work of the renowned Viennese psychiatrist and psychologist, Viktor Frankl, and forms the basis of my work. It is a non-regressive, non-intrusive meaning-centred counselling practice that’s based on Frankl’s belief that people are primarily driven by a ‘striving to find meaning in life’, and that this pursuit is the key enabler in overcoming painful experiences. After enduring his own deep suffering in the WWII concentration camps, Frankl validated his hallmark conclusion by saying, ‘that life can be meaningful despite suffering’. So, in other words, the philosophy of Logotherapy is based on the premise that life has meaning under all conditions, that everyone can discover their own unique purpose and avenues to meaning, that we have a defiant will to live meaningfully, that we have the responsibility to make the right choices in life, and that we are free to do so. Logotherapy is ultimately a therapy that encourages us to take responsibility and live life courageously with purpose. ‘Our approach focuses strongly on creating clarity www.babysandbeyond.co.za
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and high levels of personal awareness for what life, or a situation, is calling for us to do. We use a coaching process to awaken the awareness and responsibility of what we ought to do or be, which typically begins by identifying what the individual wants to achieve (goals), insights into personal capabilities and uniqueness (personal reality), discovering areas of personal inspiration and motivation (voice of conscience), and by identifying tasks and activities to enhance personal development (tasks and action steps). Throughout the process we combine coaching with personal experiences and activities that offer impactful, sustained learning,’ Klasie explains.
Experiential youth development workshops Streetschool’s workshops to India and Nepal are 11 days, and each day combines practical activities with personal reflection on one of the trip’s eight themes. ‘We’ve extensively researched and refined our Logotherapy model for application to South African youth and our programmes are coordinated with the Unisa Centre of Applied Psychology and the Viktor Frankl Institute of Logotherapy South Africa.’ Programmes vary, but the main services offered by Streetschool are: • Youth development through experiential journeys to India and Nepal. • Group coaching and themed workshops focusing on discovering meaning in life, purpose and personal branding. • Experiential leadership development workshops in India. • Individual coaching and mentoring with the emphasis on personal leadership. Streetschool has facilitated 26 personal
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FEATURE
School group at Dolmaling, Dharamsala trip 2015.
development journeys to Everest Base Camp in Nepal, and to the Tibetan exile community of Dharamsala, India, involving more than 300 participants of which the majority were students from schools such as St John’s, Roedean, St Stithian’s, Kingsmead, St Mary’s and Sacred Heart. Whereas the journeys to Everest Base Camp are more physical by nature, the trips to Dharamsala are more focused on community development. The journeys are treated like workshops that are coordinated directly with the local communities. ‘In the case of the Tibetan experience to Dharamsala, we work directly with the Tibetan Government in Exile. Participants get to interact with monks and others who have escaped from Chinese jails. We meet with government officials, participate in English teaching and conversation classes, and have discussions with Tibetan philosophers. Adults get the chance to do Yoga, meditation and attend cooking classes. We also visit places such as the temple of HH the Dalai Lama; GuChuSum, an organisation responsible for rehabilitating Tibetan refugees; and homes for mentally handicapped children. Participating South African students qualify for the President’s Award Residential Gold when joining one of our programmes.’
The search for happiness The Dharamsala trip is unashamedly about ‘what am I doing in this life and how can I make my life more meaningful’. Klasie explains that it’s about a search for more happiness and more peacefulness – it’s a foundation to creating a more meaningful and purposeful life. ‘We also focus on personal branding to create individual brand prints, statements or slogans for each student. They write their own statements, which in the past have included, “Just do it”, “I’m not done yet”, and “Being a voice for the voiceless”. We also create mood or vision boards that students keep as
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a reminder of their meaning and personal brand,’ Klasie adds. ‘Our programme in Nepal is treated like a gap-week and students get to work in small arts and craft factories, hotel kitchens, and participate in a sports day in addition to teaching English. We coordinate this directly with the Bhaktapur Tourism Committee and students experience a home-stay as part of this experience.’
Film Week Bollywood A new programme just being introduced is ‘Film Week Bollywood’. On this trip, students spend a week learning about the Indian movie-making industry and making their own movies in the slums of Mumbai. This involves workshops on script writing, storytelling, conceptualisation and editing.
Learning through experience From all trips, life principles are elicited from each experience, and Klasie facilities this process and helps people understand the meaning of life. It’s also important to note that while time on these trips is spent with Buddhist monks and other spiritual people and visionaries, this is not about religion. ‘It’s about a philosophy – a way of life, or an attitude to life. Together with the fundamental teachings of Logotherapy – that life has meaning under all conditions, that everyone can discover their own unique purpose and avenues to meaning, that we have a defiant will to live meaningfully, that we have the responsibility to make the right choices in life, and that we are free to do so – this is a powerful combination of learning how to find meaning and happiness in life,’ Klasie concludes. To read more about the extensive research in refining Logotherapy for application to South African youth, visit Streetschool’s website (www.streetschool. co.za) and download the thesis titled, A Study into The Relevancy of Logotherapy in the Modern Era and its Effect on South African Teenagers. www.babysandbeyond.co.za
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FEATURE
Trips to Everest Base Camp evoke an incredible sense of achievement.
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Photo credit: Streetschool
Klasie Wessels is a leadership coach and his company, Streetschool, specialises in personal development with a strong emphasis on individual experiential learning. He works with groups of people using themes such as leadership, personal growth, and finding a deeper sense of meaning and purpose in life. The most exciting part of Streetschool’s offering is the experiential workshops to India and expeditions to Everest Base Camp in Nepal. Since 2011, Klasie has taken more than 300 people on 26 personal development journeys. His workshops are accredited for CPD with the SA Board of People Practices. He is associated with Unisa’s Centre of Applied Psychology as a lecturer to the Advanced group of Logotherapy students. Logotherapy is a form of counselling towards meaning and purpose and is based on the work of Dr Viktor Frankl. Klasie is an internationally-qualified Diplomate Trainer of Viktor Frankl’s Logotherapy and chairman of the Viktor Frankl Institute of South Africa. He also serves on COMENSA’s MCSC subcommittee. He’s married with 4 children, enjoys ultra-long sporting events and has participated in many Iron Man and Cape Epic cycling events. He also does a bit of altitude climbing in the Himalayas. For more information, visit www.streetschool.co.za.
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FEATURE
Photo credit: Kristi Agier
Sarah Gouws and baby Ava
Healthy eating tips for new moms By Sarah Gouws, registered dietitian and partner at Munchwize Dietitians
Are you feeling overwhelmed, tired, and unsure of where to find the time or energy to prepare healthy food for yourself? If this answer is yes, then here some tips to help you get you back on the right track.
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s a dietitian and new mom, I thought I would have the diet side of pregnancy and breastfeeding under control. How hard could it be to practice what I preach and follow a healthy diet and
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plenty of exercise? Well, I was in for a bit of a shock. I now have new found respect for busy moms who look after their babies and still manage to follow a healthy lifestyle. www.babysandbeyond.co.za
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FEATURE No one can prepare you for your first baby and how your life changes. Time simply disappears. In the first few weeks I was constantly tired and spending time preparing and cooking healthy meals was the last thing I felt like doing. Having a nap, a shower, washing my hair, and just trying to get out of my pyjamas by 13:00 became my daily goals. I envisioned myself as a new mom, eating fatty fish three times a week, making amazing smoothies every morning, and doing some form of exercise at least three times a week. Then our baby arrived and reality hit. Breakfast became a piece of fruit washed down with a cup of tea (and that was on a good day). Regular meals disappeared, and foraging was in. Whatever was in the fridge became my staple diet. Sleep deprivation gave me cravings for high-sugar treats and refined carb-easy foods to just pop into my mouth to keep me going. Sadly, these foods give short-lived energy boosts, play havoc with blood sugar levels, and just made me more tired. I also underestimated just how hungry you get when you are breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is an amazing gift you can give to children to ensure a good start to their little lives, as well as offering great benefits for moms (such as decreasing the risk of certain cancers and helping to shed those irritating, unwanted post pregnancy kilogrammes). In those first few weeks it felt as though I had a black hole for a stomach and an unquenchable thirst for water. But eventually I managed to put on my dietitian’s hat and I decided that my diet could not go down the drain. I started planning and cooking meals and made healthy eating a priority in my life again. Once I had improved my diet I started to feel much better and my energy levels improved. So, if you are feeling as I did, slightly overwhelmed, tired and unsure where you will find the time or energy to prepare healthy food for yourself – then this is just for you. Here are my tips to help you get through this demanding and special time.
Balance – the basic building block Good nutrition will help you to stay healthy and you’re aiming for a healthy diet that is varied and balanced. During pregnancy your general nutritional needs don’t increase much, but nutrient intake needs to increase during breastfeeding. Some of that extra energy required for breastfeeding comes from your body fat (stored during pregnancy). It’s also important to note that even if you aren’t too strict with your diet, you will still be able to breastfeed successfully.
Variety is key What should you be eating to ensure good breast milk production and meet the physical demands of caring for your baby and staying healthy yourself? Ensure you have all the food groups on your plate. Go wild with your veggies, fill at least half your plate with veg or salad. Lean protein (such as skinless chicken, fish, lentils and legumes) is usually about a palm size portion size for meat or a hand size for fish. Add some healthy, unprocessed wholegrain starch or starchy veg (such as sweet potato). This is about a www.babysandbeyond.co.za
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fist size portion. Don’t forget to add a small amount of healthy fat (half an avo, a handful of nuts, 2tsp olive oil) to your plate.
Pack and stack A great way to get in more salad is to make a big salad base at the beginning of the week (for example, lettuce, spinach, grated carrot, sliced red cabbage – things that won’t turn mushy) and store in an airtight container. Add other salad/veg (such as cucumber, tomatoes, left-over oven roasted veg), lean protein and healthy fats as you need it. Prepacking snacks is also a great way to help keep you on track. Create a snack container with preportioned snacks that you can grab on the go.
Plan ahead If you have healthy options in your cupboard and fridge, this is what you will eat. Write out a meal plan and shopping list. Don’t buy high-sugar or refined carbohydrate type snacks – these don’t do you any favours!
Get a good rhythm and meal structure going It is very normal to feel as though you have an appetite of an elephant when breastfeeding. Having a good eating rhythm in your day (such as three main meals and one to two snacks, spread evenly throughout the day) is much better than ‘grazing’ and will help control hunger and calorie intake. Aim to have something to eat every three to four hours, and try not to skip meals. Eat your snacks, not only are they good for you but they will help with weight loss if you want to shed a few kilograms.
Keep the fluids flowing Your fluid needs are increased during breastfeeding and staying well hydrated is important to help keep your milk production up. It is a good idea to have a big glass of water every time your baby feeds. Water is best! Avoid those sugary drinks. If you’re out and about with your baby, remember to put your own bottle of water into the nappy bag. If you make Jungle Juice – try adapting the recipe to use less fruit juice and add something like a berry-flavoured rooibos tea to cut down on the sugar content.
Be vigilant with your vitamins You have increased needs for certain vitamins and minerals during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Calcium and vitamin D are two that are especially important. Calcium helps build and maintain strong bones and teeth. Milk, cheese, yoghurt and milk alternatives (such as home-made almond milk) are excellent sources of calcium. Others include dark green leafy veg (such as spinach, kale), fish with edible bones (such as tinned salmon, sardines and pilchards), and tofu. Try to include these foods regularly into your diet. Vitamin D is our sunshine vitamin. We should be getting sufficient amounts from the sun, but you’ll probably be spending more time indoors with your little one in those first few weeks. Vitamin D also helps
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FEATURE protect against osteoporosis and boosts your immune system, but isn’t found naturally in many foods. So, if you aren’t getting out into the sunshine, make sure you are getting sufficient vitamin D from a supplement.
Be a clever mama Using dinner as leftovers for a lunch helps you to have a more balanced meal than just a slice of toast. If you have a budget for it, or if friends want to give you a special gift, why not make use of a reputable catering company that provides healthy balanced ready meals. It’s a great option to save you time as well as ensuring you are eating a balanced diet. You can contact us for recommendations (dietitians@munchwize.com).
Use your time wisely When your baby is having that rare sleep-a-thon, and you aren’t feeling too exhausted, be inspired and cook something delicious and healthy. While you’re at it make extra portions to freeze for a later stage. Investigate grocery delivery services in your area. Having groceries delivered can be very helpful in those first few weeks. A regular supply of nutritious food cuts out those expensive pop ins to the corner café, ensures that you avoid the sweet aisle, and mindlessly packing unnecessary items into your trolley as you wander around the grocery store in a daze. (Been there and done that!)
Be a super mom Put your needs a little higher up on the list of priorities – you only have one body and you need to look after it. Trying to follow a healthy diet and lifestyle will help
make you a better and more efficient mom – a super mom!
Asking for help is not a sign of weakness If loved ones offer help, take them up on it. A meal is a wonderful gift friends or family can give you. Get your partner into the kitchen and share the meal preparation load. No excuse for those partners who say they can only boil an egg – scrambled eggs or an omelette filled with veggies are also great, healthy meal options. Your own needs are often shifted all the way down to the bottom of the ladder, but it’s important to remember that eating a healthy balanced diet, accepting help from others, and trying to squeeze in some exercise (and, yes, a walk with your little one counts) will ultimately make you a better, healthier, happier mom.
Grab-and-go snacks Try Munchwize’s baby brain easy to grab-and-go snack ideas: • Boiled egg and carrot sticks (boil a batch of eggs and store in the fridge for the week) • A fruit and handful of nuts • Half an avo filled with cottage cheese • Veggie sticks and hummus • Whole wheat rice cakes or seed crackers with hummus/cottage cheese/avo • Plain yoghurt and fruit • Lean biltong and a handful of seeds Munchwize Dietitians can assist you with meal planning and meal ideas. We also have an online pregnancy and new mom guide available. Visit our website to find out more www.munchwize.co.za.
Sarah Gouws is a registered dietitian, qualified pilates instructor, and mom to her one-year old girl. She is passionate about breastfeeding, weaning babies onto healthy easy-to-prepare whole foods, and promoting healthy, unprocessed foods for kids. She is dedicated to changing parents’ mind sets and promoting a healthy, wholefood lifestyle for growing kids (without keeping mom in the kitchen for hours). She abides by the adage, ‘let food be thy medicine’, and believes in using nutrition as a tool to improve health and help manage and prevent illness. Sarah is a partner in Munchwize Dietitians, a private practice based in Cape Town.
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Giving after-birth more than just an after thought By Tania Hoskings
It may be that the placenta is the only transient organ in the body – developing in a woman’s uterus during pregnancy only to be expelled during the final stage of child birth. However, it’s a true workhouse and sadly so little is understood about this humble organ.
W
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Photo credit: Placenta Power
e wouldn’t not be here if it weren’t for the generosity of the placenta – the temporary organ that gets little thought in pregnancy and then passes as a kind of birth ‘after thought’. The placenta provides the growing foetus with all the nutrients and oxygen it needs, removes waste, and provides a barrier against bacteria and viruses; all while transferring crucial antibodies that help keep new babies safe after they leave the womb. The human placenta is immensely important because it affects pregnancy as well as lifelong health. Unlocking the secrets of the placenta may yield tremendous benefit for health and for science. The Human Placenta Project aims to revolutionise our understanding of the placenta, and ultimately improve the health of mothers and children. The Project participants believe that by determining how the placenta functions, one day this knowledge may help treat, and even prevent, a range of common pregnancy complications and provide insights into other areas of medicine and science, such as cancer treatment and organ transplantation. Historically, the placenta has been called ‘the after birth’, with connotations of disgust and uselessness. However, this is rapidly changing and there’s a calling for placental advancement in society from birth professionals and new mothers who argue that the gently-used organ is not bio-hazardous hospital waste but a tree of life that continues giving, even after its life mission seems to have been achieved. Perhaps the modest placenta hasn’t fulfilled its purpose when the cord is cut?
A cord keepsake
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FEATURE advantage’ to mammals. This would stand to reason since humans are the only mammals who do not ingest their placenta.
Positive feedback
Placenta capsules
Spiritual significance Placentas carry a special spiritual significance in many native traditions: some indigenous tribes dry the placenta into the shape of a doll, which is said to house the child’s spirit counsel; the leader of a Brazilian tribe is said to place his placenta out to bathe in the new sliver of the moon as a way of reenergising himself, with the placenta symbolising his external soul; in Bali the placenta is called the Ari-Ari and is regarded as the child’s lifetime guardian spirit; and in ancient Egypt the placenta even had its own hieroglyph. I read about someone who threw her placenta into the seal pit at the zoo and the seals ate it! The seal is one of her daughter’s totem animals. The Hawai’ians say if you have a shark totem, drop the placenta in the ocean and the child will never drown but will leave the island as an adult. There is a long Celtic tradition where parents acquire a special tree or bush in honour of the new baby and then bury the placenta under the plant. In keeping with the heritage of returning its energy to the earth, the tree or shrub will reap the benefits of the placenta’s nutrients and parents can enjoy watching their baby and tree grow in unison. Modern medicine sees doctors banking umbilical-cord blood to treat genetic diseases with harvested stem cells.
Placenta as a medicinal supplement The placenta is rich in nutrients that mothers can use to recover more readily after childbirth, and many women have found benefits from consuming their placentas. Placentophagy, or the consumption of the placenta, is not new: societies from around the world have practiced it at different times in history for different reasons. But now modern first-world women are taking to it in record numbers. For some to say that placentophagy is a recent trend, only explored since the 1970s, is inaccurate: a quick search reflects two articles in scientific journals appearing in 1954 and 1918 concerning the effect of placentophagy on the human milk supply. Zi He Che, the earliest Chinese term for dried human placenta, dates to at least the 1500s, where it was mixed with human milk as an antidote for exhaustion. Mark Kristal has been researching the phenomenon of placenta consumption for over twenty years and concludes that it must offer ‘a fundamental biological www.babysandbeyond.co.za
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In 2005, Jodi Selander coined the term ‘placenta encapsulation’ and standardised the method of transforming the afterbirth into pills. Placenta capsules consist of a mother’s dried, ground afterbirth packaged into a clear pill no bigger than a regular vitamin supplement. While some mothers are uneasy, the ‘ick factor’ seems to dissipate when they see the final product – a simple pill they swallow – citing that ‘when someone actually shows you, it’s not something gross, it’s a miracle’, and that ‘when I heard the benefits first hand from within my own circles, it resonated’. The internet is bursting with mommy-anecdotes triumphantly proclaiming redemption from postnatal trials: ‘I think my postpartum bliss was largely attributed to the replenishing nutrients in the placenta, like iron’; ‘they’re happy pills, they’re made by your body, for your body. Why wouldn’t you want to try it?’; ‘For me, the decision to do it was a no-brainer, since I experienced the baby blues after the birth of my first child. I researched the benefits, figured it was natural and safe if handled properly. I don’t know if I could have ordinarily handled the stress, but I was in a great frame of mind and had the energy to take on our new life.’ A telling sign is that second and third time moms report overwhelmingly positive results when choosing to encapsulate this time round, in areas they struggled with when previously pregnant.
Expert support for placentophagy Experts agree that the placenta retains hormones, and reintroducing them to your system is believed to ease postpartum and menopausal hormonal fluctuations. The placenta is known to contain high levels of iron, vitamin B12, and certain hormones. Advocates cite that placentophagy helps mothers produce milk – referencing the 1954 study that claimed 86% of mothers experiencing lactation problems showed improved milk supply after eating freeze-dried placenta. Many midwifes also support their client’s inclination: ‘my clients consider this practice, and especially those with a history of postpartum depression and those who got no relief from antidepressants or who want to breastfeed and don’t want to expose their babies to medications. I have never heard a patient say she didn’t feel better after ingesting placenta. Whether this is because it works or is a placebo effect, if she can take care of herself and the baby, we are reaching the goal I am looking for’; ‘my clients are educated women who have done the research – they are looking for an alternative to conventional medicine and to take charge of their recovery postpartum’. Around 80% of women experience some sort of postnatal mood disorder, the mildest of which is called the ‘baby blues’. Symptoms include anxiety, sadness and weepiness, and these negative emotions can last for the first several weeks of the baby’s life. With proper preparation, most women
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FEATURE can maximise their chances of getting through the gruelling postpartum period with their emotional and mental health relatively intact. Several other birth professionals who work closely and long-term with new mothers have also seen the benefits of placenta encapsulation. Jenny is a lactation consultant who recommends encapsulation to her patients and reports positive results. She also consumed her own placenta. ‘When I was pregnant I craved organs’, says the one-time vegan and raw-foodist who now eats grass-fed and organic meat. ‘I’d find myself ordering beef hearts and marrow . . . so the placenta just made sense. The body follows the mind and even if it is 100% psychological, it has its purpose. I’ve seen people report fewer breast-feeding problems and higher energy, and that’s evidence enough for me.’
Benefits of placenta encapsulation It’s also fascinating that the placenta is a haemorrhage preventer – you could chew a piece after birth to help reduce postnatal bleeding. Apart from raw placenta ingestion, encapsulation provides a less gooey, more shelf-friendly method to reap the after-birth benefits. In addition to turning your placenta into capsules, you can gain years of benefit from the ‘mother essence’ by steeping a piece of the raw placenta in high-grade alcohol, distilling placenta tincture. This elixir is used in addition to and long after the capsules are gone for psychological, mental and emotional instability, and may also be beneficial for treating PMS and menopause. Amazingly, the tincture can benefit the child as a sort of personalised ‘rescue remedy’ that should last until they undergo a separation from the mother (for example, when first learning to walk, when weaning, or when going off to school or on a trip). After an initial period of taking their placenta capsules, women’s feedback is that it helps their bodies heal faster (hastening the return of the uterus to prepregnancy state), prevents infection, and eases their transition back into menstruation. These ‘happy pills’ plow all the nutrients and hormones back into your body in a form that is more easily absorbed by your system than synthetic store-bought nutrients and hormones, and can help avoid prescription pain
medication by reducing postpartum pain levels. Women who use placenta have said it makes them feel nurtured – nourishing comfort for their bodies during a time of incredible healing and changes. In a nutshell (or rather in about 150 gelatinefree, tasteless vegicaps filled with steamed or raw dehydrated, ground placenta), there are convincing reasons to encapsulate: • Decreases baby blues and postpartum depression • Reduces post-natal bleeding • Replenishes B vitamins and increases energy levels • Helps the uterus to return to its pre-pregnancy state • Helps to balance hormones • Replenishes depleted iron levels • Decreases insomnia or sleep disorders Placenta encapsulation honours your body’s amazing ability to grow life within you and gives more than an after thought to the after-birth. Whatever your personal preference regarding the placenta, perhaps it is about empowering ourselves to tune into our bodies and engender a fundamental trust in our body’s ability to live our best lives.
Enter our competition: Placenta Power is giving away one placenta encapsulation and one placenta tincture to the value of R2 650 to one lucky reader. To enter the competition, visit the Baby’s and Beyond™ website at www.babysandbeyond.co.za.
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Photo credit: Placenta Power
Tania Hoskings is a proud mommy of three water-born babies and a fervent supporter of holistic, proactive care that lets our bodies support us in the way it knows best. Tania established Placenta Power, one of few encapsulation providers in South Africa that encompass a holistic view of the natural-birthing journey within the realms of a professional service. Her research blog on her website provides an educational debunk on all things after-birth. Get in touch with Tania by emailing info@placentapower.co.za or visiting www.placentapower.co.za.
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Give your feet Chocolaticas
Tilla & Jacob for unique designer shoes Phone: 056 2122517 20 Hill Street, Kroonstad Online Store: www.tillaenjacob.co.za 16_BABJulIssue2017.indd 21
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FEATURE
Childbirth education for an empowered birth Being comprehensively informed about safe birthing options, and understanding that there’s a link between a lack of knowledge, fear and the experience of childbirth, highlights how important pregnancy education is for empowering expectant parents and creating a better birthing experience.
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irth is the most natural process on earth, and yet studies reveal that one in every four women describes her birth as traumatic, one in every five to 10 meets the criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder, and one in three or four has postpartum mood disorder. Studies have also found that women who fear the childbirth experience labour for longer and were more likely to need an emergency caesarean than those who did not.
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Although childbirth is one of life’s most significant milestones, many parents are simply ignorant of the facts vital to decision making.
‘There is a link between a lack of knowledge, fear and the experience of childbirth,’ says Lynne Bluff, national coordinator for the Childbirth Educators Professional Forum (CBEPF), which is partnering with Bio-Oil and hospitals nationally for Pregnancy Education Month 2018. With the theme ‘Empowering Birth’, the campaign highlights how pregnancy education empowers expectant parents and helps create a better birth experience. ‘It is so important that parents are comprehensively informed about birthing options safest for the mother and infant in the event of a low-risk, normal pregnancy,’ says Professor Suzanne Delport, neonatologist. Lynne explains that good childbirth classes equip parents with knowledge about all available childbirth options and the pros and cons of each, practical tips and techniques for the birth and after it, and the confidence that comes from knowing what to expect and how to cope. Ideally childbirth educators are nurses and midwives, as well as being parents themselves who can prepare expectant parents for every aspect of childbirth and instil faith in their own ability and strength to give birth. ‘We believe that when parents are informed, any type of birth, from homebirth to caesarean, can be an empowering one. It shifts from a potentially overwhelming experience to one that is fulfilling, positive and, ultimately, beneficial to mother and child,’ says Anna Guerin from Bio-Oil.
There is a link between a lack of knowledge, fear and the experience of childbirth. ‘There is simply no substitute for evidence-based information provided by qualified and experienced professionals. With quality childbirth education, parents are empowered and properly prepared in a warm and supportive way,’ says Lynne, who is also a registered nurse and midwife. ‘Although childbirth is one of life’s most significant milestones, many parents are simply ignorant of the facts vital to decision making,’ Lynne adds. ‘For example, many parents are not aware that when a baby passes through the birth canal, he picks up a multitude of micro-organisms that will benefit his health and guard against chronic illness for the rest of his life; or that there are a number of caesarean options available, some more friendly to mother and baby than others. And most of us know little of the interplay of birthing hormones that click in, one step at a time, to pave the way for birth, help manage pain and stress, and give us the feeling of joy when seeing our babies for the first time. To find out more about childbirth education, Pregnancy Education Month activities, or to find a childbirth educator in your area, visit www.pregnancyeducation.co.za. www.babysandbeyond.co.za
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Financial advice for my teen self
By Craig Kiggen CFP®, Citadel’s regional head: Kwazulu-Natal
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oney is a wonderful thing and in a world of PlayStation and ‘in-app purchases’ it is so easy to spend money and have very little to show for it. When I think back to my teen years, it is fair to say that I had very little spare cash, if any. And while I was ‘in the moment’ it was even harder to imagine that the few cents that I did have could be stretched far enough to be anything but frivolous with it. With that in mind, I wish someone had taught me to do three things with my money on a monthly basis: 1. Give 10% away In a world where there is so much need, even a small amount given to a needy person or cause makes a massive difference. Only as an adult did I learn the true joy you feel when you see someone grateful for even the small amount that is given. By learning this early, you are able to look outwards with your money rather than only thinking about yourself.
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2. Save 10% Learning to save even a little begins to ingrain the mind-set and discipline of saving so that when you are an adult and earning a liveable wage, the discipline is entrenched and it is not as hard to begin doing. I have met countless adults who have told me it’s not that they don’t want to save but that it is just something they have never done before and it feels so unnatural. 3. Enjoy the rest If we enjoy the fruits of our labours and learn to be content with the little we have in our early years, it is far easier to manage the money you earn as your career develops, and also for you to enjoy it in a guilt-free way because you are not so worried about your future savings.
Be aware of money pitfalls You will always have friends who have more money than you do. Be careful of trying to keep up with them, or trying to keep up with the latest fashions that continually put a strain on your pocket. A note to parents is that you need to set this example because your teens will, as a rule, benchmark themselves against how their parents behave. I know it is not
Embrace technology, but understand it too I appreciate the way Millennials use technology to manage almost everything in their lives. When I was growing up we didn’t have access to information in the same way today’s teens do. They can see how much is in their bank accounts and how close they are to their savings goals. As a result, Millennials are far more attuned to their current reality than I was. As a teen, I needed to go into a bank to access money and into a store to spend it. Teens today simply log into the necessary app to facilitate transactions or to find information. This access to information brings about many opportunities for teens to consider the benefits of saving, shopping around for specials and identifying opportunities to save and invest in exciting new ways. Teens would be wise to use technology to empower themselves and not just use it as an even easier way to spend money. Use it to keep track of your finances, to help you to budget and to plan and to help you save towards a goal. There is also a vast array of websites and apps that will help to educate you about personal finance and they are certainly worth reading. The more you learn about money management and money behaviour, the better prepared you will be to generate and maintain real wealth. The world may be a different place from when I was growing up, but the social challenges are similar. There are different nuances that relate to the times we live in, but we all need to learn to work with money at some point, and all too often we begin later than we could have or should have. [Ed: Kindly note that this article does not constitute financial advice. All information and opinions provided are of a general nature and are not intended to address the circumstances of any individual.]
A member of the Peregrine Group, Citadel Investment Services Proprietary Limited is licensed as a financial services provider in terms of the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act, 2002. For more information, visit www.citadel.co.za.
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Photo credit: Citadel
The more you learn about money management and money behaviour, the better prepared you will be to generate and maintain real wealth.
easy to avoid running up too much debt, but parents have a high degree of influence on how their teens will behave around money.
Craig Kiggen CFP®, Citadel’s regional head: Kwazulu-Natal
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The increasing daily demands on their schedules leaves very little time for women to prioritize time for health screening and general wellness. Coincido is changing this by bringing convenient solutions and tests that are able to fit wellness into the daily routines of women. • AmnioPad is a highly sensitive,none invasive test to detect the presence of amniotic fluid in pregnant women (water breaking). • Distinguishes wetness potentially caused by amniotic fluid leakage fromwetness caused by urinary incontinence. • Amniopad is suitable for use in the hospital and home use, as the results are easy to understand allowing you enough time to get the appropriate medical care. • This test monitors for up to 12 hours and will react to the smallest leakage/ discharge. A feature not offered by any other product for your piece of mind.
Block 4, 150 Rivonia Road, Sandton, 2057 T +27 11 589 9089 C +27 82 307 6133 E lebo@coincido.co.za W www.coincido.co.za Order online at: www.coincido.co.za Also find us at Mediclinic and Netcare hospitals
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Preparation for birth and breastfeeding By Lynne Bluff
Preparing well in advance for the birth of your baby will give you much peace of mind as the final big day approaches. Here are some tips for the last few weeks and days of your pregnancy. www.babysandbeyond.co.za
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There is nothing as amazing as knowing that you have prepared well ahead for the birth of your precious miracle and breastfeeding moments you will have together.
• Rest during the day – you never know when you might go into labour so never let yourself get really tired because that is the day you probably will go into labour. If you are tired when labour starts, you start at such a disadvantage, rather start labour feeling refreshed and with high energy levels. • Stay active so you keep up your fitness levels. • Make sure your bags are packed and ready for labour. Keep them with you if you go far from home. • Make sure you have discussed your birth plan with the doctor/midwife and the hospital where you will be delivering to ensure everyone is on the same page as you. • Practice your skills learnt at childbirth education classes together with your birth partner. • Make sure you have a lactation consultant’s number saved in your phone in case you need one in those early days of breastfeeding. • Ensure you do a breastfeeding course. Knowledge is very empowering and helpful for this new skill that will be required of you. • In the lead-up to the birth, know your baby’s normal movements. Be aware that your baby should move nicely every day. Your baby should move 10 times in less than two hours. A quicker but as reliable method, is three kicks in an hour. You know your baby is fit and healthy by feeling him move. He has times of sleeping, too, so won’t be moving 24/7. If you cannot feel your baby moving, have something sweet to eat and drink and then do what generally gets your baby moving – for some it is to take a bath, others it’s lying down. If you are concerned your baby isn’t moving as well as usual, or is moving far more than normal, contact your caregiver or the labour ward at the hospital. Towards the end of pregnancy, your baby may move differently – fewer but bigger movements. • Spend lots of time communicating with your partner as you prepare for labour together, as well as about your new journey together as parents. Enjoy this time. Your pregnancy will soon be over and you will have lots of new skills to learn.
As a division of Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Nutrition is recognised as one of the world’s trusted names in children, adult, and healthy living products, including Ensure®, PediaSure® Complete and Similac® Mom. For more than 75 years, Abbott Nutrition South Africa has remained committed to the highest standards of quality, excellence, and innovation and as leaders in science-based nutrition, continues to support people’s nutritional needs throughout their life stages. For more information, visit https://nutrition.abbott/za. Lynne Bluff is a registered nurse and midwife, an internationally-certified childbirth educator, editor of the Expectant Mothers Guide, national coordinator of the Childbirth Educator’s Professional Forum and a mother to Jason and Tamii. To find a childbirth educator in your area, visit www. expectantmothersguide.co.za or www.facebook.com/ExpectantMothersGuideZA.
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Photo credit: Expectant Mothers Guide
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irth is such an awesome and exciting event. However, as pregnancy progresses into its final stages you will be faced with various physical challenges where just standing up has become a process on its own. Therefore, it is important to always take care of your health, fitness levels and continuing to prepare for the arrival of your baby. There is nothing as amazing as knowing that you have prepared well ahead for the birth of your precious miracle and breastfeeding moments you will have together. A few tips for those last few weeks and days of pregnancy: • Make sure you are eating healthily to keep up your energy levels for the hard work of labour ahead. Similac Mom provides you with all the special nutrients that you need for this time. • Keep Similac Mom close at hand for those days ahead when you will be breastfeeding. While you are breastfeeding, have a glass of Similac Mom next to you, not only to quench the extra breastfeeding thirst, but to also make sure you have the correct nutrition for both you and your baby during these precious times.
Lynne Bluff
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FEATURE
Your double-jointed child Hypermobility or in layman’s terms being double jointed, refers to extreme flexibility in the body. Marene Jooste, a Kinderkineticist, explains what hypermobility is, the signs and symptoms to look for and, if coupled with other symptoms, the effect it has on the body.
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hen a mother came to see me, worried about her three-year-old daughter, she explained she’d already seen a urologist, paediatrician and an occupational therapist who all said her child was fine. Nonetheless, she had a nagging feeling that this was not the case. The preschool teacher was also worried about how clumsy her little girl was. Over the years, I’ve learned to trust a mother’s instinct and we went through their medical history form. My eye caught the following words: ‘severe constipation, continuous bladder problems, bruises easily, battles to sleep through the night, complains of pain and tummy aches, very clumsy’. I sat upright in my chair as the mom gave me more detail about her own development as a child. It sounded like a cookie-cutter pattern – what mommy had been struggling with for years seemed to be troubling her child too. The clues slowly started to line up. Could this be genetic? Could this child have something that has been overlooked for the past three years? I took the little girl by her hand, which immediately gave me another clue, and started to play various gross motor games as part of our formal assessment. I quickly noticed that this child was indeed very clumsy. Although she could perform all the skills that I was testing, it was her way of execution that finally showed me what this family may have been dealing with for years. Holding her hands out to catch a ball, I noticed that her arms made an X when she lifted them in front of her, her elbows coming very close together.
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What is hypermobility? I had a proper look at the range of all her movements. Indeed, this child was extremely flexible. Her skin, full of bruises, had a velvety texture and it stretched further than normal. Although flexibility itself is not always a bad thing, it was all the other symptoms that were present with her extreme flexibility that made me suggest that she sees a paediatric rheumatologist. To cut a long story short, this little girl was diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and immediately began physiotherapy at a practice specialising in hypermobility. What on earth is hypermobility, you may ask? It’s just a fancy word for describing how flexible someone is. Some people may refer to it in layman’s terms as being double jointed, and it is quite common in children because they have an inherently greater range of motion in their joints than adults do. According to the Hypermobility Syndrome Association, between 10 and 50% of all children are hypermobile, with girls being more flexible than boys. However, most of these children do not experience any symptoms but rather see themselves as having super powers, like Elasti-Girl in the movie The Incredibles. Their bodies allow them to do crazy stunts like putting their feet behind their necks. Flexibility can also be an advantage in activities and sports such as athletics, dancing and gymnastics. But sometimes being hypermobile or bendy can cause problems or ‘symptoms’. This is what the word www.babysandbeyond.co.za
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FEATURE ‘syndrome’ means – other symptoms. In the past, children with mild symptoms were often diagnosed with Joint Hypermobility Syndrome. But since March 2017, this terminology has been changed internationally to Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder. Some hypermobile children may also be diagnosed with more serious disorders such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or Marfan syndrome. Joint hypermobility can also be seen in children with Down Syndrome.
What causes hypermobility? Low muscle tone may allow more movement in the joints. The shape of bones may also play a role in hypermobility as shallow sockets allow for a greater range of movement, which can also lead to dislocations. Although this is likely to affect only one joint in the body, it isn’t a common cause of hypermobility. On the other hand, ‘loose’ ligaments are likely to cause hypermobility in many joints of the body. Ligaments are made from several types of protein fibre, including elastin that provides stretchiness, and collagen that provides strength. Think of them as stretchy Elasti-Girl and her strong husband, Collagen. They need to work in harmony to make the relationship successful. Small changes in the chemical processes of the body can result in weakened collagen fibres and more elasticity in the ligaments, which help hold the joints together. This causes people to be super flexible. Evidence exists that hypermobility caused by abnormal collagen can be inherited. If one parent has this type of hypermobility, then half of their children are likely to also inherit it, though members from the same family may not be affected the same.
Signs and symptoms of hypermobility
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Treatment for hypermobility Most children become less flexible as they grow older and their symptoms improve. However, if you are concerned in any way, consult with your paediatrician. There are certain procedures, such as the Beighton scoring, that can be followed to determine if a child is hypermobile. If hypermobility is confirmed and your child displays some of the signs and symptoms mentioned above, it may be worth seeing a paediatric rheumatologist to determine the effect of hypermobility on your child’s health. You can also see a physiotherapist that specialises in hypermobility. It is important to remember that children with extreme hypermobility need to keep moving. Although lying on a bed engaging in screen time can feel nice at the time, it can make the pain worse in the long term. Children should therefore engage in lots of gentle stretching and moving. They should also build strong muscles and a good core to minimise the effect that hypermobility can have on their bodies. A registered Kinderkineticist can help with this aspect of your child’s development and can provide the child with an exercise programme that suits the exact needs of the child. For further guidelines and strategies for parents to follow, visit hypermobility.org. You are also welcome to contact our paediatric development centre or visit our website at www.kwandakinetics.co.za. Until next time, happy moving moments!.
Marene Jooste has a masters’ degree in Kinderkinetics and serves on SAPIK’s board as one of two vice-presidents. She is also an integrated learning practitioner and the founder of Kwanda Kinetics, an innovative paediatric development centre in Gauteng. To find a Kinderkineticist practicing in your area, visit www.kinderkinetics.co.za.
Photo credit: Kwanda Kinetics
What are the signs and symptoms of hypermobility that warrant the attention of a professional? Children may complain about pain in their joints or muscles. They also tend to fidget a lot and generally tire easily. Growing pains, especially at night, are also often associated with hypermobile children. Remember, in most cases these children’s joints and muscles are too ‘loose’. They need to put in extra effort to do the same things everyone else does. These symptoms may begin suddenly after the child has an accident, is ill, has a big growth spurt, or if the child doesn’t exercise enough. Hypermobile children are also prone to sprains, soft tissue injuries and dislocations of their affected joints. Some complain of stomach aches and feeling dizzy. Others may have loose skin, increased bruising and thin scars. In more severe cases, children may have reoccurring bladder infections or digestive problems such as diarrhoea or constipation. Because eyes are made of 80% collagen, a child with severe hypermobility may also experience eye problems. Collagen is also found in all the tissues and structures involved with speech and swallowing. Children with severe hypermobility could have problems chewing, speaking and swallowing. On the gross motor side, these children may have flat feet, poor balance and coordination, and an impaired sense of where their joints are in space in relation to the rest of their bodies.
It is important to remember that children with extreme hypermobility need to keep moving.
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Photo credit: DryNitesÂŽ Pyjama Pants
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Bedwetting myths debunked Dr Michael Mol, brand ambassador for DryNitesÂŽ Pyjama Pants, debunks seven common myths about bedwetting to help parents support their affected children. www.babysandbeyond.co.za
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edwetting is a common occurrence. Research has shown that up to 25% of children at the age of four, and an estimated 10% of South African children aged between four and 15, experience bedwetting. Even though bedwetting is common, it is often not spoken about openly because of feelings of embarrassment. This embarrassment and a lack of communication has contributed to many myths surrounding bedwetting.
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FEATURE Myth 1: Bedwetting is caused by drinking too much fluid before bedtime This is not true. The medical term for bedwetting is Nocturnal Enuresis, which means the involuntary discharge of urine after the age at which bladder control should have been established. The word to take note of is involuntary, which means that the child does not know that they are wetting the bed. There can be numerous reasons for bedwetting. In most cases it’s linked to delays in physiological development. Children are unique, with each developing at a different pace. It could also stem from being in a very deep sleep or a bowel issue such as constipation. It is suggested that you limit your child’s intake of sugary or caffeinated drinks a couple of hours before bedtime but that they should always be allowed to drink water as this doesn’t affect whether or not your child will wet the bed.
Myth 2: Using an absorbent product enables bedwetting Bedwetting products, such as DryNites® Pyjama Pants, have been shown to improve sleep quality, boost confidence and reduce stress, which can be a causational factor in bedwetting, because it makes wetting the bed less of a big deal. DryNites® Pyjama Pants also give your child some control over the situation, especially if they have reached sleep over age.
Myth 3: If your child is properly toilet trained, they shouldn’t be wetting the bed If your child wets the bed it doesn’t mean that they haven’t been properly toilet trained. Urine control during the day is completely different to what goes on when your child is sleeping. In most cases it will rectify itself in time and is nothing to worry about. Never blame yourself or think that you didn’t finish the job properly when you were toilet training.
Myth 4: Children wet the bed when they are too lazy to go to the bathroom This is false and, if believed, could lead parents to blame their child for wetting the bed, which will only exacerbate the problem. There are several reasons why your child may be wetting the bed. These are the most common problems associated with bedwetting:
• Delay in bladder reflex development, meaning your child’s bladder is not signalling the brain to wake up • Their body may not be producing enough anti-diuretic hormone, which slows down urine production at night, so we don’t have to wake up as much • A delay in bladder development can result in lower bladder capacity
Myth 5: Punishing your child for wetting the bed will help their progress Remember that your child has no control over the situation and probably feels incredibly bad about it. Being punished for something they can’t help will only cause self-esteem to decrease and stress to increase. The best thing a parent can do for their child in this situation is to remain calm and supportive while helping him to manage his bedwetting. Understanding the problem goes a long way in terms of maintaining his confidence levels.
Myth 6: Bedwetting is a sign of psychological problems or anti-social tendencies There is no evidence suggesting that primary bedwetting has anything to do with psychological issues. It is true that if your child begins wetting the bed after a period of six months or more of being dry at night (secondary bedwetting), it could be due to stress or an emotional issue, such as grief. If this is the case, then you should talk to your child about what’s on his mind and flag the issue with your GP, play therapist or psychologist.
Myth 7: Waking your child in the middle of the night for a bathroom visit will end bedwetting It is common practice for parents to wake their children in the middle of the night and encourage them to use the bathroom to prevent bedwetting. This is often referred to as ‘lifting’ and can seem like a good strategy if it helps keep the sheets dry. The reality is that this will not improve your child’s bladder control and could frustrate them, especially if they don’t need to urinate when you wake them up. If your child is over five years old it may also cause him to feel discouraged, which will have a negative effect on his self-esteem.
DryNites® Pyjama Pants are a discreet, comfortable and absorbent form of bedtime protection. They can be worn under pyjamas or a nighty, and come in designs suitable for age and gender to make them look and feel just like underwear. DryNites® Pyjama Pants are available for boys and girls and come in two sizes, 4-7 years and 8-15 years. These products have trusted absorbency and leakage protection to ensure a good night’s rest. And, because they’re discreet and underwear-like, children can feel more confident and independent at bedtime, either at home or on nights away. DryNites® Pyjama Pants allow your child to sleep on their usual sheets to ensure that both you and your child enjoy a much better night’s sleep. For more information about DryNites® Pyjama Pants, or to ask Dr Mol a personal question, or to request a free sample, visit www.drynites.co.za.
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How to overcome
bedtime fears By Elizabeth Steenkamp, principal of Junior College Castillian
Almost all young children have fears of the dark and experience nighttime fears. Here are some tips on helping to reduce your child’s bedtime fears so that she can sleep peacefully. Understand your child’s fears Understand what makes your child feel scared at bedtime and remember that young children find difficulty in telling the difference between what is imaginary and what is real. Never ridicule the fears, no matter how ‘silly’ they may seem.
Don’t support those fears It is important not to support those fears by acting like you believe in the imagined monsters because in this way your attempts to comfort your child actually enhance their belief in monsters.
Provide a safety object It can be helpful to give your child a safety object, such as a teddy or toy, to feel more relaxed at bedtime. You can create a sense of comfort and soothe your child’s fear by leaving the door open at bedtime so that your child does not feel separated from you.
Appropriate television programmes and story books Do not allow your child to be exposed to scary storybooks or TV shows. If your child has difficulty separating from you and calls out in fear, try to reassure her by saying ‘we are near you next door to make sure that nothing bothers you so that you can sleep safely all night’. Sharing the bedroom with an older sibling can help significantly, as long as they do not interfere with each other’s sleep. For more information, visit www.advtech.co.za.
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FEATURE
Dealing with
first term jitters First term jitters are a reality for some kids, especially those going to school for the first time. How do you ensure your child is emotionally ready for school and adapts well to her new routine?
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ccording to Nikki Bush, a parenting expert working in partnership with Toy Kingdom South Africa, this time of the year means anxiety levels rise for both parents and kids. The change in a child’s usual environment, in this case a new school or moving onto the next grade, means kids find it daunting and stressful to adapt. A new teacher, new classmates and the unknown school curriculum could make them anxious. And, if kids are fretful and uneasy, mom and dad are too. The trick is to dissolve that anxiety quickly for the child to familiarise herself with her new environment, make friends, and adapt well to the new routine. ‘We realise that change is unsettling, but parents also need to remember that it is stimulus for growth and beneficial for our children,’ explains Nikki. She suggests trying the following strategies to help kids avoid school jitters.
Movement matters Activities that involve the entire body are greatly beneficial and Nikki says these play an integral role in helping children reduce anxiety before school starts and during the first few months as they work towards establishing a routine. ‘Movement raises endorphins and indirectly helps children to work on their anxiety without them even thinking about it. So, whether it’s playing rough and tumble with mom and dad, or hide and seek with friends or siblings, these games will help them to relax,’ she says.
Time together Family time also eliminates stress. Nikki notes that games with the whole family in the garden are highly recommended. She says the parent-child interaction has a calming effect on kids and helps to minimise
stress. ‘Time together is important. Family bonding time provides a channel of support for children, makes them feel safe and secure, and reminds them that mom and dad are there for them every step of the way.’
Play, play, play Nikki points out that play is a universal language and understood by all kids, and is considered a great way for them to destress. ‘Play your sillies away! Mom and dad, haul out all sorts of games and toys and let them play to their heart’s content,’ says Nikki.
Drop-off – mom vs dad Nikki notes that if a child is more anxious with one parent than with the other, simply swap drop-off roles, and don’t feel guilty about it. ‘It’s easier said than done. But if flexibility allows and dad can do drop-off instead, why not? First-time school goers often feed off mom’s maternal anxiety and this can be counter-productive,’ Nikki advises.
Toy Kingdom is Africa’s most loved toy store with 24 retail stores, offering the latest and most recognised toy brands to families. Toy Kingdom brings together unrivalled quality toys, beautifully designed stores and friendly and knowledgeable staff who encourage children and parents to interact and play with the toys. For more information, visit www.toykingdom.co.za.
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FEATURE
Your newborn is
ready for play
From the moment you bring your baby home from hospital there is so much to think about, do and learn. In the first three months or so, it seems like all they do is sleep, cry, feed and have their nappy changed. So how can you connect with your baby and have fun?
K
ate Bailey, occupational therapist and Pampers Institute expert says, ‘Babies are absorbing information through their senses from birth. So, use your loving touch, soothing voice, mutual gaze, and sensitive handling to engage your baby’s sense of touch, sight, hearing and movement. By the end of these first three months, babies gain better head control, can follow you with their eyes, and may reach out and try to grab things. They begin to actively explore through their senses and will be fascinated by sounds, sights and touch.’ Kate suggests the following baby games as ways to enhance your loving connection and your baby’s development through playful interaction. Face-to-face time is a great way to develop your baby’s vision. In the first three months, babies learn to focus. They learn to maintain eye contact and become very interested in faces. It is important to gaze lovingly into your baby’s face as you are feeding. Over time your baby will begin to recognise you, make eye contact, and follow you with her eyes. When your baby is looking at you, smile, pull funny faces, and try sticking out your tongue to see if she copies you. The Pedaling Feet game is a great way to give your baby a sense of her body and movement. During nappy changing, gently hold her feet and pedal them slowly. This also helps with digestion and feeling more comfortable. Baby Boop is another fun game for nappy changes. Touch your baby’s body in different places making the sound ‘boop’ with your touch. Your baby may smile each time you touch her and may begin to anticipate the next touch by watching your hand. This will help her to follow with her eyes, smile at the sound, and enjoy your touch.
Additionally, using the correct nappy directly impacts the amount of time your baby is able to move around. Pampers Premium Care’s nappy is designed by experts to provide the following benefits: • New Silky Soft Topsheet: specially designed to provide skin protection • First and only absorbent channels: helps to distribute wetness evenly • Wetness indicator: lets you know when your baby might need a change • Breathable material: a backsheet for continuous air circulation • Stretchy sides: waist bands that gently wrap your baby in love.
Pampers® is the world’s top selling brand of baby nappies. For more than 50 years, Pampers® has been helping to improve life for babies, toddlers, and the parents who care for them through a complete line of nappies, training pants, and wipes designed for every stage of baby’s development. For more information, visit www.pampers.co.za.
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FEATURE
Road survival kit:
5 in your car
essentials to keep
Your car might be home to a coffee mug, a jacket and a pair of shoes – but does it have everything you need in case of an emergency?
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he promise of roadside assistance can lull us into a false sense of security, forgetting the need to prep for a roadside breakdown. Use this checklist to make sure you have the essentials. 1. Safety first A basic first-aid kit can go a long way if you have an accident, or are just feeling under the weather while on the road. Most new vehicles come with a basic first-aid kit, but you can also put one together yourself. Include bandages, ointments for bee stings and medication such as painkillers for headaches – just make sure they don’t have any side-effects like drowsiness. Most pharmacies also sell ready-to-go first-aid kits. 2. Car repair information and manual Always keep the business card of your auto repair shop or mechanic, the number for AA (if you’re a member), the details of your closest Battery Centre, and car insurance details, including claim forms in the car. It may seem unnecessary, because we store numbers on our mobile phones, but your phone battery can run flat. Manuals also contain useful information on how to keep your car running properly, like the type of oil to use, maintenance intervals, and maximum loads to carry or tow. They contain vital information on how to operate your car’s features or how to solve certain problems in an emergency. 3. Spare wheel A spare tyre (in good condition), and a wheel wrench and jack are essential. If the wheel requires a security key or lock nut, keep this safely stored in the
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car too. A tyre pressure gauge is useful for preventive maintenance – keeping your tyres fully inflated improves your mileage and reduces the risk of tyre bursts. 4. Jumper cables Always have an emergency battery booster on hand and make sure you know how to jump-start your car safely if your battery runs flat. A hazard triangle is essential for alerting other drivers you’ve broken down. In case of any battery emergencies, contact the nearest Battery Centre to check, recharge or change your battery. 5. Cell phone charger In case your phone battery dies, keep a phone charger with you. A power bank is the best option because it won’t drain your car battery. The age-old adage applies to your car: hope for the best but prepare for the worst. Even if you have roadside assistance, a car emergency kit is designed to help keep you safe until help arrives.
Battery Centre specialists are always on hand to assist with regular battery care and reliable car advice. Here’s where to find your nearest Battery Centre. For more information, visit www.battery.co.za.
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Al-Nisa Maternity Home
We are a private Midwife Obstetric Birthing Unit keen to serve women with low-risk pregnancies who seek a holistic, supportive, women only environment. Services we offer (Kindly visit our website for prices): • Antenatal Care • Postnatal care • Immunuzation & Vaccines • Breastfeeding Assistance • Delivery
• Phototherapy (for Jaundice)
• Antenatal Classes
• Family Planning
• Doula support
• Papsmears, Breast Screenings
• Yoga classes
• Ultrasounds
• Dietician consultant
Al-Nisa Maternity Home 7 Rokeby Road, Rondebosch East / Crawford Tel: (021) 696 8892 • Fax (021) 696 8847 Email: info@alnisamaternityhome.co.za / reception@alnisamaternityhome.co.za
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FEATURE
Holy Rosary embraces critical thinking A current and innovative approach, Philosophy for Children, has made a huge impact on the pupils at Holy Rosary Primary School.
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ur education system is continually challenged to examine itself. In an ever-changing world, every minute new trends are introduced, new systems are followed, and new inventions are birthed. Holy Rosary Primary School can proudly say it is a forward-thinking school that acknowledges that trends change, and systems need to move forward. The school is continually taking small steps in improving teaching skills and ideas to meet these changes. The school’s staff attended a Thinking Maps Skills course and this tool is being incorporated into daily teaching and learning. These tools enable critical, creative and collaborative thinking skills to be infused into the curriculum. In addition to this, some of the classrooms have been ‘flipped’, which means the ‘standard’ classroom layout has been replaced with
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exercise balls, and beanbag chairs. Furthermore, quiet, standing, and collaboration areas have been incorporated, which take the specific individualised needs of pupils into account. Holy Rosary School also recently hosted the internationally-acclaimed practitioner of Philosophy for Children (P4C), Jason Buckley, ‘The Philosophy Man’. The workshop gave teachers an opportunity to participate in hands-on activities and skills that will be used in the classroom alongside Thinking Maps. John Maxwell’s quote, ‘You’ll never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret of your success is found in your daily routine’, is inspiring and we understand that it is what we do in our daily tasks that makes all the difference.
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HEALTH
Osteopathic treatment for recurring ear infections Ear infections can cause pain and compromise a child’s ability to hear, speak, move, read and pay attention.
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ccording to a study published in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine (2003;157:861–6), osteopathic manipulation helps children who have had multiple ear infections by reducing the frequency of infections and preventing the need for surgery. Recurring ear infections, also known as otitis media, is an acute inflammation of the middle ear. The middle ear is a small cavity within the bone that makes up the side of the head (called the temporal bone).
Typical symptoms of otitis media Typically, the primary symptoms parents should be aware of to indicate that their children have fluid accumulating in their middle ears include grumpy behaviour, trouble sleeping (unwilling to lie on one side or lie flat), pain and discomfort in the ear and surrounding area, as well as rubbing or pulling at their
ears to try to relieve the uncomfortable feeling, fever (an ear infection may still be present in the absence of a fever), difficulty hearing, dizziness, balance problems, and loss of appetite. Ear pain is not always a result of an ear infection. Teething, for example, can also cause an earache. Ear infections are common in children up to six years old, and peak around the age of two. One child in three develops chronic fluid accumulation in the middle ear, making the child prone to recurrent ear infections and potentially causing minor hearing loss, as well as speech development problems and learning disabilities. Studies have shown that 80% of ear infections resolve on their own, in other words without antibiotics within two to three days, or shortly thereafter (The Laryngoscope, 2003). For this reason antibiotics may not be the best treatment for your child’s ear infection.
A graphic representation showing middle ear inflammation.
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HEALTH Why infections occur Children are more prone to having ear infections because of their anatomy. In children, the Eustachian tube is smaller in both length and width, and is directed more horizontally than in adults, where it is orientated more downward. The Eustachian tube is a small tube connecting the middle ear to the back part of the upper throat. This aids in fluid drainage from the middle ear and because of its size and position, fluid stagnation is more common in children. As we develop into adults, the lower part of our face elongates (gains vertical height) and the angle of the Eustachian tube becomes more vertical, allowing for better drainage of fluid and mucus out of the middle ear. This helps to prevent bacteria or viruses from getting into the middle ear from the throat, which causes less ear infections. When infected, the lining of the Eustachian tube can also become swollen, making it more difficult for the Eustachian tube to drain the ear and to balance the pressure. With this structural change, adults are less likely to experience ear infection than children. The Eustachian tube also helps to balance air pressure between the middle ear and the atmosphere. The Eustachian tube opens during crying, yawning and swallowing. Did you know that infants and children are more likely to get middle ear infections after they have caught a virus or cold? Because of the immaturity of their immune systems, young children have frequent colds, and ear infections can follow as a complication.
Treatment for otitis media Current recommendations discourage the use of antibiotics but offer few alternatives. Generally, doctors prescribe various medications, antibiotics or even steroids. Surgery may be suggested if ear infections occur despite the use of antibiotics. Types of surgical interventions include tube placement, membrane repair, and removal of tonsils and adenoids. There are other factors that could influence the development of otitis media in children. As the temporal bones (the bones that house the middle and inner ears) of the skull move in a normal manner, they assist the drainage of fluid from the middle ear through the Eustachian tubes to the back of the throat. Restricted temporal motion blocks the Eustachian tube, which results in fluid accumulation in the middle ear predisposing to inflammation and infection. The small amount of constant rhythmic motion present in the joint lines and membrane structures of the skull has been well documented in osteopathic and other scientific sources. A difficult labour and delivery may alter the mobility of cranial structures (temporal bones, and other cranial bones), and potentially affect the mobility of the cervical and thoracic spine surrounding ribs, muscles, ligaments and fascia, interfering with fluid drainage, and compromising healthy function of the ear.
Osteopathic treatment Osteopathic treatment for recurring ear infections aims to improve the structural relationship of the bones, soft tissues and muscles around the www.babysandbeyond.co.za
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Eustachian tube to promote better drainage of fluid from the middle ear and ultimately enhance our body’s natural ability to heal itself. The lymphatic system plays an important role in tissue health as it transports waste products away from the congested tissues. This allows increased lymphatic and venous blood drainage from the head and neck, which decreases inflammation, fluid, and therefore pressure in and around the middle ear, and improves blood flow to the area promoting healing and repair. If fluid is not present, ear infections are rare. Osteopathic treatment helps normalise lymphatic drainage and reinforce normal blood supply and venous drainage. By assisting the immune system this way, the improved overall health of the body also prevents future infections. Osteopathic treatment involves gentle techniques including massage, myofascial release, articulation (moving a joint through its range of motion), and cranial osteopathic techniques for the bones of the skull. Lymphatic drainage can be achieved through specific techniques to the area, but also by decreasing neck muscle and fascial tension with soft-tissue techniques, lymphatic pump and rib raising techniques. Exercises that can be done by the child and by parents to help promote Eustachian Tube drainage may also be given to be done at home.
Dr Guy Ashburner is a registered osteopath who emigrated from the United Kingdom to Cape Town in 2006. Before graduating from the British School of Osteopathy, Guy qualified and worked as a personal trainer in Kensington, London. It was his interest in babies, children and cranial osteopathy that led him to complete a Diploma in Paediatric Osteopathy at the Foundation for Paediatric Osteopathy in London where he later worked as a clinical tutor and osteopath. The Foundation, of which Guy is a registered alumni member, is renowned for its osteopathic treatment, quality care and education. In 2006, Guy established his practice in Constantia, Cape Town. Osteopathy Cape Town embraces holistic osteopathic principles with focused rehabilitation for people of all ages.
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HEALTH
Umbilical cord care One of the sometimes nerve-wracking things of becoming a new mom is caring for your baby’s umbilical cord. Huggies® expert, Lynne Bluff, a registered nurse, midwife and childbirth educator, sheds some light on this subject.
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n the womb, babies receive nourishment and oxygen through the placenta, which is attached to the inner wall of the mother’s uterus. The placenta is connected to the baby by the umbilical cord, which attaches to the baby through an opening in the baby’s tummy.
How long does it take for a newborn’s belly button to heal? After your baby is born, the umbilical cord is clamped and cut close to your baby’s body, approximately 5 to 6cm long. It’s a painless procedure and it leaves an umbilical stump attached to your baby’s belly button. The stump will dry up and drop off in about seven to 21 days. When the stump falls off, you may notice a little blood on the diaper, which is normal. Sometimes, after the stump falls off, there may also be a little oozing of clear or yellow fluid.
Cleaning the cord stump To clean your baby’s umbilical cord, you can apply surgical spirits to an ear bud or piece of cotton wool. Another option is to use sterile/cooled boiled water and gently clean the entire umbilical cord. The most important area to clean is where the cord is attached to the baby’s tummy. Your baby may cry when you do this, not because it is painful but because the spirits feel cold on the tummy. It is not painful to clean as there are no nerve endings in the cord.
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It is important not to put anything on the cord. Some cultures put dung on the cord, which is dangerous as it can lead to neonatal tetanus that is often fatal for the baby. Do not even apply any creams or powders. Just clean it well and let it dry. Over a week or so the cord will become drier and drier and eventually drop off. The drier the cord the sooner it will fall off.
Tips to keep your baby’s cord clean A baby’s umbilical cord can easily become infected if not cared for properly. That’s why Huggies® developed Huggies® Preemie nappies and New Baby Size 0 nappies with an innovative umbilical cord cutout. These nappies make cord care easier for moms as they help prevent infection by allowing the umbilical cord to stay clean and dry, which is essential. It is still important to clean your baby’s umbilical cord after every nappy change and bath.
Signs of umbilical cord infection Infections are rare, but consult your paediatrician if your baby cries when you touch the cord or the skin next to it, if the skin around the base of the cord is red, or if the stump smells foul or has a yellowish discharge. Also call the doctor if the stump bleeds continuously, as this may be a sign of a bleeding disorder. For more information, visit www.huggies.co.za. www.babysandbeyond.co.za
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HEALTH
How to take care of your child’s wound Whether it’s the monkey bars, swing, or the slide, injuries happen on the playground. Here are some steps to ensuring your child’s wound heals faster, without any complications.
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ounds occur quickly and are categorised as tears, cuts, or punctures (an open wound), or blunt force trauma that causes a contusion (a closed wound). Acute wounds, which are common on the playground, fall into five categories and are based on the mechanism and appearance of the skin injury: abrasions, skin avulsion, puncture wound, incision wound and laceration. Abrasions occur when the skin is scraped off from rubbing against a rough surface, such as a skinned knee or elbow. Skin avulsion is a serious injury where the skin is torn from the tissues beneath it from the skin catching on an object. A puncture wound occurs when a sharp, slender object penetrates the skin and possibly the underlying tissues. An incision refers to a clean cut in the skin caused by a sharp object such as a kitchen knife. A laceration refers to an injury caused by tissue tearing, often with damage to other deeper tissue such as bones and muscles. Appropriate injury management is important to reduce wound infection. Follow these three simple steps for minor wounds, but before you touch the wound make sure you wash your hands thoroughly to avoid the spread of infection. 1. Clean the wound as soon as possible by removing any large pieces of dirt or debris with sterilised tweezers. Rinse the wound under clean, cool water for about five minutes. Try to clean the
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area without causing further damage or distress to the child if the injury is serious. Make sure you do not reintroduce dirt by ensuring that cleaning materials (gauze, cotton balls) are not over-used. 2. Cover the wound with a thin layer of first aid cream or antiseptic ointment, such as Betadine®, to create a moist, healing environment. Apply a sterile dressing or a plaster, depending on the size of the wound. While covering the wound keeps it clean, if it’s just a minor scratch or scrape you can leave it uncovered. It is recommended that dressings should be changed daily, or more often. 3. As the wound heals, it’s important to monitor it daily for signs of infection. An infected wound may be characterised by increased or sustained pain, redness or swelling, pus discharge, bad odour or non-healing. The primary factor for avoiding infections is proper wound care. A wound requires a moist (not wet) environment for the cells responsible for healing to function properly. If your child is injured and there is a lot of blood, your priorities are to limit blood loss and get emergency assistance. Apply firm but gentle pressure to the wound with a clean cloth and elevate the wound until the bleeding stops. If it is deep or exposing fat or muscle, see a doctor immediately because stitches may be necessary. For more information, visit www.betadine.co.za. www.babysandbeyond.co.za
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HEALTH
When to supplement
your child’s diet
Children come in all shapes and sizes. But if you’re noticing that your child is shorter than her friends at school, it’s natural to wonder if your child is growing normally. Registered dietitian, Abigail Courtenay, answers a few common questions about the norms of children’s growth and development.
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ost children take well to eating solids for the first time. Being naturally inquisitive, children will try a variety of gloopy and colourful tastes and textures. Unfortunately, as babies become toddlers, their tastes in foods begin to change dramatically. The period may be particularly stressful for parents, leaving you worried about whether your child’s diet adequately meets her growing needs. This is a greater concern if your child is growing more slowly than her peers. Therefore, it is important to know what the ‘norm’ is when it comes to your child’s growth and development.
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Children from the ages of three to five have demonstrated the ability to self-regulate their energy intake.
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HEALTH What are the consequences of undernutrition/underweight? Being underweight interferes with optimal growth and development as it is often related to nutrient deficiencies. Specific nutrients are required to support your child’s cognitive health, immunity and physical development.
What are the causes for slow growth? There are many factors that could lead to slow growth: • Poor appetite (this may also occur in healthy children) • Acute or chronic illness • Restrictive eating due to illness (such as allergies) or misinformation • Poor absorption (such as coeliac disease) • Chewing or swallowing difficulties (children with cerebral palsy, for example)
What is considered normal eating behaviour? You can safely assume that children gaining weight appropriately, according to their growth charts, are getting enough to eat (even if you believe they should be eating more). Children from the ages of three to five have demonstrated the ability to selfregulate their energy intake. Your child’s appetite will depend on a variety of factors such as level of tiredness, activity levels and growth spurts. Some children experience what is known as a food ‘jag’. This is when a child gets fixated on a certain type of food or food group and refuses all other foods. It is not clear how long these food jags last but often a child’s overall nutritional status is not affected by them.
Pressuring young children to eat may cause overeating, which may lead to excessive weight gain, or may cause them to eat even less as a result of the stress.
It is important to know what the ‘norm’ is when it comes to your child’s growth and development. What can I do to help my child enjoy food more? • Offer a variety of nutritious foods • Repeat exposure to foods (sometimes it can take up to 15 repeated exposures before a food is liked or tolerated) • Schedule meal and snack times (this makes eating a routine and assists in managing your child’s nutritional needs) • Provide more frequent but smaller meals • Be your child’s role model for healthy eating – eat healthy foods yourself! • Remove distractions at mealtimes, such as TV, tablets and phones
What should I avoid doing? • Don’t force or pressurise your child to eat • Don’t prepare separate or special meals for your child • Don’t give rewards for trying new foods
Why shouldn’t I force or pressurise my child to eat? Pressuring young children to eat may cause overeating, which may lead to excessive weight gain, or may cause them to eat even less as a result of the stress. Either way, pressuring children to eat may upset your child’s natural appetite control system, resulting in them ignoring their internal hunger and satiety cues.
When should I consider supplementation (in the form of a nutritional drink)? If you are concerned about your child’s diet, observe slow growth patterns, or if your child is falling behind in height and weight, this could be a good opportunity to introduce a drink-type nutritional supplementation. Drinks are often well tolerated by most children and can be made into fun and tasty snacks using a variety of flavours such as hot chocolate or fruit puree. Drinks are preferential because they are easier to consume between meals, more than food, and may be more acceptable and manageable to a child.
PediaSure® is a tasty and convenient nutritional drink that can be used to supplement a child’s diet during these times. By giving two glasses of PediaSure® to your little one (as an early intervention) per day, you can support their nutritional status, promote healthy growth and normal development.
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HEALTH
Baby vaccinations: What to expect
The pros and cons relating to baby vaccinations are vast and usually strongly contested. Those in favour of vaccinations argue that, among other things, they save lives, are safe, and that adverse reactions are very rare. On the contrary, those against them claim vaccinations can have serious side effects, contain harmful ingredients, that they’re unnatural, and infringe on constitutionally-protected personal choices and religious freedoms, among other issues.
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s a brand that cares for the health and happy development of babies, Pampers believes that one of the greatest health achievements in the twentieth century is the near (95 to 100%) elimination of the common childhood infectious illnesses. However, these ‘bad bugs’ are still in our environment and our children need their immune systems to be ready to protect against them. Parenting and Pampers Institute expert, Sister Lilian, says, ‘your baby may need some additional shots or booster shots a few years down the line (generally sometime between age four and six, and again between the ages of 11 and 16). However, for the most part, children should have their vaccinations taken care of by the age of two.’ New parents should note that their hospital or health care facility will give them an immunisation card when they are discharged after the birth of their
baby, or at the first clinic visit. This will stipulate the recommended times for each vaccination. Changes are scheduled from time to time but the basic programme is as follows: • At birth – Polio, BCG (TB vaccine) • 6 weeks – Polio, DTP (Diptheria, whooping cough, tetanus), Hib (HaemophilusInfl B), Hepatitis B • 10 weeks – Polio, DTP, Hib, Hepatitis B • 14 weeks – Polio, DTP, Hib, Hepatitis B • 9 months – Measles vaccine • 18 months – Measles vaccine, DTP, Polio • 5 years – Polio, DT (Diptheria, tetanus) If your child still hasn’t had all these immunisations, mention it to your healthcare provider. Completing the regular vaccination schedule before age two is a national health goal and, according to Pampers, should also be an individual priority.
Pampers® is the world’s top selling brand of baby nappies. For more than 50 years, Pampers® has been helping to improve life for babies, toddlers, and the parents who care for them through a complete line of nappies, training pants, and wipes designed for every stage of baby’s development. For more information, visit www.pampers.co.za.
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HEALTH
Photo credit: Pixabay and Genop
The do’s and don’ts of
scar prevention
By Genop’s research team
Scrapes and falls are part of life, whether your adventurous toddler falls over or your C-section scar needs fading. The visibility of scars can be reduced by following a few simple steps… Get stitches if needed Deep cuts often heal better when stitched by a medical professional. If you are in doubt, see your doctor as soon as possible as stitches can’t be sewn if too much time has passed.
Keep the wound moist
ingredients such as cepalin, allantoin and aloe vera, and is highly recommended as it effectively cares for both old and new scars. This type of formula is best used directly after the wound has closed, or the stitches have been removed, to support the healing process, reduce skin redness, and make the scar softer, finer, more elastic and less visible.
As one of the first steps in healing a wound, the body starts to form a scab. By applying petroleum jelly and covering the cut you can prevent the wound from drying out, which can aid the healing process as wounds with scabs generally take longer to heal. If a scab has already formed, it is still important to keep the wound covered and moist while new skin cells grow beneath it – eventually the scab will loosen and fall off. Remember not to pick at the scab as it will slow down the healing process and can increase scarring.
Avoid the sun
Massage the scar
Healing takes time, usually longer than anticipated. The first phase of healing takes about three months, followed by a second phase of another three months. After a year the scar has formed, but the good news is that most scars never stop improving.
Massaging the wound will help to break down the dense bonds of collagen and lessen the appearance of the scar. You can start once new skin has grown and the wound has closed. Massage with a healing gel, such as Mederma Proactive Gel, in a circular motion a few times a day. Mederma Proactive Gel is a non-prescription gel that contains active
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Keep the scar away from sunlight to help minimise discoloration as much as possible. Always apply sunscreen (SPF30 or higher) to the wound after it has closed because ultraviolet rays slow the healing process and can discolour the scar. The sun stimulates cells that produce pigment and when your skin is sensitive and healing, it’s prone to discolouration.
Be patient
References: www.everydayhealth.com, www.aad.org, www.nhs.uk, www.cbsnews.com. www.babysandbeyond.co.za
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HEALTH
8 ways to bounce back after the Photo credit: Neutrapharm
festivities
Fear not. Here are a few easy steps to help you bounce back from caloric meals, a few too many drinks, and smelly nibbles.
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t is the season to overindulge – mince pies for breakfast, wine before lunch, trifle for dessert, tables bursting at the seams with juicy turkey, gammon and an array of vegetables, gravies and festive treats. Overdoing it in the holidays was inevitable and it’s no wonder that the holiday aftermath leaves us feeling (and smelling) a little overindulged.
Don’t cry over spilt milk Repeat after me, ‘new dawn, new day’. There is no point in beating yourself up over how many Quality
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Street chocolates you mowed down, or that you finished the whole holiday’s champagne allowance in one brunch. That was then. Begin your year with a fresh start and a new vision for a more balanced daily routine for the New Year. Did you know that research proves that beating yourself up about the past is not effective? According to psychologist Susan Albers, New York Times bestselling author of EATQ, starting your day with the simple mantra ‘today is a fresh start’ can be helpful in resetting your perspective. There you go. www.babysandbeyond.co.za
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HEALTH
Begin your year with a fresh start and a new vision for a more balanced daily routine for the New Year. Start your morning with movement According to Susan, exercise helps activate that lovely feel-good chemical, serotonin, which regulates your mood and helps you to make healthier choices. Why not go for an early morning walk? Get some fresh air, get those lovely legs moving, and let your body know that it needs to burn, burn, burn those extra calories!
Keep your regular routine Now nobody is saying rise at the crack of dawn for no reason. However, experts agree that routines can be both calming and important in getting back on track after overindulgence. Dr Joe Ojile, medical director and CEO of the Clayton Sleep Institute, says that ‘structure is key’. If you snap back to your regular structure and routine, your body will take care of itself. If your normal routine involved a morning workout, then wake up and hit the gym again, baby!
Bring on a healthy breakfast Kick start your day with a light, healthy breakfast – throw in some greens, freshly squeezed juice and some protein to equip your body with solid goodness to carry you through the day.
Let there be light By getting bright light early in the morning, your body realises that it is the end of a sleeping pattern and that it’s time for the body to wake up. Open the curtains, sit outside and have your morning tea, and soak up the good stuff. Bright light re-centres the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) – the part of your brain that controls your internal body clock. Dr Ojile suggests sitting outside to read the paper, going for a walk or light run, or even waking up with a bright reading light if it’s cloudy outside.
Banish the BO (body odour) Not only does overindulgence bloat our bellies, plump our thighs and drain our energy, many of the most delicious food and drinks we’ve wolfed down over the holidays are laden with garlic and strongsmelling ingredients. There’s nothing more delicious than bottomless wine and beer, garlic bread fresh out of the oven, or warm cheesy, garlic and onion pizza. However, while delicious, these indulgences can leave you smelling a little past your sell-by date. Who wants that? Did you know that you get bad www.babysandbeyond.co.za
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breath from garlic and onions because when you eat them, the digestion process releases sulphur compounds that are not expelled by your intestines? They are absorbed through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream and, from here, these ominous odours whizz through your body into the lungs and sweat glands – making you Prime Smell Suspect No 1. Great. And that’s why gum and mouth wash stand you up. Well, we’re pleased to tell you that if you want to enjoy garlic, with no smelly odours (garlic or alcohol induced) or embarrassment, there’s a new bad breath fighter on the market called Garlict. After your munch, swallow two Garlict capsules with some liquid and say goodbye to bad breath in 20 minutes.
Sip up Susan recommends that when it comes to trying to get back into balance after festive binge eating and drinking, the best thing to do is hydrate. Long days of sun, sangrias and turkey sandwiches can leave you bloated, depleted, and lethargic. Try to keep a nice big water bottle with you during the day – if it’s in sight, trust me, you’ll be sipping. Additionally, she recommends avoiding salty foods. Instead of snacking on pretzels or chips, rather reach for fruit, yoghurt or nuts.
Get plenty of sleep on Sunday Now don’t cringe, but you need to start getting a good solid night’s rest again so that you don’t feel like a sloth during the week. Also, avoid alcohol after dinner as it is known to disturb your REM sleep, and no PVR marathons or Netflix just before bed, warns Dr Ojile. The blue light emitted by these devices suppresses melatonin, causing you to stay awake longer. To ensure a good night’s sleep, make sure you begin winding down before you touch down on your pillow. Switch off all electronics, have a nice warm drink, and chill baby! So, here’s to a New Year and a new you! Garlict capsules are available at Pick n Pay Pharmacies nationwide and select independent pharmacies. 30 capsules R98,95 incl. VAT. For more information, visit www.neutrapharm.co.za or www.Facebook.com/GarlictSA.
By getting bright light early in the morning, your body realises that it is the end of a sleeping pattern and that it’s time for the body to wake up. 59
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HEALTH
Breastfeeding helps prevent breast and childhood cancers One in every 20 women in southern Africa will develop breast cancer at some point in their lives and the South African Breastmilk Reserve urges women to reduce their risk of developing breast cancer.
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any women understand the basics of breast cancer prevention – getting enough exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and eating properly – but few realise that breastfeeding your child for at least a year significantly lowers the chance of contracting breast cancer later in life,’ says Professor Suzanne Delport, breastfeeding activist and medical director of the South African Breastmilk Reserve (SABR). Breastfeeding benefits both mother and infant simultaneously, and improves long-term outcomes for both long after cessation, particularly outcomes related to cancer. A long period, six to twelve months, of breastfeeding: • Decreases the risk of invasive breast cancer by 7% – an annual prevention of 20 000 breast cancer deaths globally. • Decreases the risk of ovarian cancer by 18%. • Has long-term beneficial effects on health, nutrition, and the intellectual development of a child. • Greatly reduces the risks of obesity and both type 1 and 2 diabetes in a child. Clinical studies prove that producing breast milk tends to inhibit cells from ‘misbehaving’ and becoming cancerous. Many women have fewer menstrual cycles while breastfeeding, lowering their oestrogen levels that are a major cause of breast cancer. Women also tend to be healthier while breastfeeding, and will often stop smoking and drinking alcohol while they are nursing.
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Breastfeeding also reduces the chances of childhood cancers. A recent study found that babies who were breastfed for at least six months appeared to have a 19% lower risk of childhood leukaemia compared to children who were never breastfed or were breastfed for a shorter period. ‘Of course, breastfeeding is just one factor in combatting breast cancer. Women should take as many precautions as possible to reduce their risk,’ says Suzanne. ‘It’s vital that woman learn how to conduct breast exams on themselves and commit to having regular mammograms. Smoking is also a huge contributor, and quitting this habit can reduce your risk of all cancers enormously,’ she adds. Some women develop breast cancer before they have children, or even while they have a young child of breastfeeding age. ‘This doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t be able to breastfeed. Many breast cancer survivors successfully nurse their infants and it’s important to explore options with your doctor and not to give up hope,’ she continues. ‘Human milk banks exist, in part, to help those mothers who are unable to breastfeed at all. So even if you’ve had a double mastectomy, you can still feed your child nature’s perfect baby food,’ she concludes. To get involved and alleviate the challenges faced by the SABR, including the low breastfeeding rates in South Africa, sourcing donor mothers, and funding for the operation of the milk banks, visit www.sabr.org.za or call 011 482 1920 or email info@sabr.org.za. www.babysandbeyond.co.za
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HEALTH: ADVERTORIAL
Breastfeeding and bones: advice for new moms Are you concerned that your baby isn’t getting enough milk? Before turning to milk alternatives, we have some reassuring news.
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hile it’s rare for women not to have sufficient milk for their babies, your supply could be affected by illness or stress. But there are steps you can take to get your production back on track, and keep baby contented: • S tay healthy. Add health-boosting foods – oats, barley, salmon, fruit, leafy greens, carrots, basil and garlic – to your diet. urse your baby more often. Nursing stimulates • N your body to produce more milk. • T ake a supplement. Since biblical times, mothers have used supplements, such as fenugreek and fennel, to improve milk supply. Although yet to get a scientific seal of approval, moms worldwide have found that fenugreek supplements are effective and quick, reporting an increased supply within one to three days. Fenugreek is safe to use but may lower blood sugar if taken in large doses, so use it with caution if you’re a diabetic. Fennel helps trigger the letdown reflex and is useful for working moms struggling to respond to the pump.
Growing healthy bones If you are breastfeeding, your diet may not provide the calcium you and your baby need and a supplement may be advised. The selection of calcium supplements on the market is dizzying, especially as many warn of uncomfortable side effects such as gas, constipation and bloating. For an easy-to-absorb calcium supplement that’s kind to your digestion, try Flora Force DensiMAX™. This plant-based formula is made from Aquamin®, a product created from the ground skeletal remains of a single, mineral-rich marine algae. Added to the formula is vitamin D3, which helps the body absorb calcium. Sustainably harvested Aquamin® contains 74 health-promoting minerals and trace elements. DensiMAX™ directs calcium to the bones, where it’s needed, and doesn’t cause constipation. Always speak to your healthcare provider before taking natural remedies. For more information on Flora Force Fenugreek, Fennel and DensiMAX™, visit www.floraforce.co.za. www.babysandbeyond.co.za
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EDUCATION
Helping your student child transition to
adulthood Dr Gillian Mooney, from The Independent Institute of Education, explains why it’s important for parents to make their children appropriately responsible at the right time to empower them to handle their own affairs.
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EDUCATION
‘I
can’t adult today.’ Funny when stated ironically on social media, but not so much for parents of students who struggle to start taking on the responsibilities of adulthood as they should be doing in tertiary education. ‘Students need to start preparing for their adult lives and the world of work incrementally at university, but many of them may be reluctant to do so – to the consternation of their parents and guardians,’ says Dr Gillian Mooney, dean: academic development and support at The Independent Institute of Education, SA’s largest private higher education provider. ‘The central reasons for many young adults’ “failure to launch”, is often because parents don’t hand over the appropriate responsibility reins when they should, which means that their children don’t become empowered to handle their own affairs,’ she notes. From the mother who still cleans her daughter’s dorm room, or cooks weekly meals for her son, to the father who calls the institution to explain why his child didn’t complete his assignment, there are so many ways in which parents and others – in a loving effort – can do students more harm than good. ‘Higher education shouldn’t just be a period of life when young people acquire theoretical knowledge and a degree but also, importantly, a stepping stone from dependence at school into adult independence,’ notes Gillian. ‘It is understandable that letting go is a difficult thing to do for parents, but it is the developmental challenge of parents of university students to do so. Letting go of your children is a fundamental part of raising them and is developmentally appropriate for parents of children at tertiary institutions.’ Yet many parents don’t always know where they should step in, and where they should step back. ‘This is a complex question and depends on both the parents and the child. However, it may be helpful for parents to think of this developmental challenge as they did about any other. For example, we feed babies milk before we feed them solid foodstuffs. In other words, we implement incremental steps in any changes. Therefore, it is important to realise that the letting go needs to take place in small steps.’ Parents should consider the following developmentally-appropriate handovers:
Application forms Prospective students should be taking responsibility for researching their options, investigating entry requirements, filling in and submitting their applications. The parent’s role is a supporting one to ensure that proper research was done, and that forms were completed correctly and submitted timeously. Under no circumstances should parents be taking the lead in deciding on courses or institutions, or completing applications on behalf of their children. It is important to remember that many students who are not successful at university are the ones whose parents have ‘forced’ them into a specific qualification or university.
Budgets Parents and prospective students should sit together and determine what their available budget is to www.babysandbeyond.co.za
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Letting go of your children is a fundamental part of raising them and is developmentally appropriate for parents of children at tertiary institutions. cover studies, accommodation, materials, transport and other living expenses. Then the child should do the legwork to determine how this budget should be implemented – obviously with parental guidance and final approval. Looking for accommodation, for instance, is an important part of the process for the future student, which will start giving them an idea of the realities of affordability.
Troubles and challenges It is instinctive for parents to want to step in when a problem arises, but in their student years, young adults must learn the important twin skills of taking responsibility for their actions and negotiating the process of rectifying what went wrong. This develops the all-important emotional intelligence that is in demand in the workplace, and provides an opportunity for the student to demonstrate their maturity to those who can play an important role in terms of future options. However, this learning cannot be by osmosis. The parent should also institute an incremental approach here – preferably by allowing the child to handle progressively more complex challenges from when they are young or, at the post-school stage, doing this progressively. First the parent can brainstorm and plan with the child or even accompany them the first time, and then next time just talk through possible solutions until eventually the skills are learned and the first thing the parent gets to hear is how something was resolved.
Day-to-day life management Shopping, cooking, cleaning, doing the washing – these are all basic tasks that surprisingly many students still leave in the hands of the grownups. Parents should assist in showing how the budget needs to be spread, but thereafter the student needs to start managing these tasks independently. ‘If parents and guardians still feel that their ongoing interventions with these adult tasks are required, it could be an indication that the child is not yet ready to live alone,’ says Gillian. ‘If that is the case, this should be considered when choosing a higher education institution – by choosing one closer to home or opting for distance learning instead of a contact institution.’
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EDUCATION
Ditching
maths myths The best start parents can give children to ensure that they master maths throughout their school careers is to ensure they banish negative attitudes towards the subject from early on.
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Parents and caregivers must ensure they don’t pass on their own negative feelings about maths, or any other subject, because they themselves struggled with it in the past,’ says Barbara Eaton, academic development coordinator for the Schools Division at ADvTECH, Africa’s largest private education provider. ‘Children should be allowed to embark on their maths learning in the secure understanding that they are competent and capable, and without any kind of pre-emptive fear for the subject,’ she adds. ‘Those of us who work at the pre-primary level are aware that children’s results at prep and college levels will not improve if we don’t correctly teach maths concepts within the three to six-year age group,’ she notes. But she warns that early learning should be age-appropriate and concentrate on ‘hands-on, brains-on’ activities. ‘Early mathematical experiences have to be presented in kinaesthetic and concrete ways, leading to semi-abstract activities in Grade 0. We certainly do not favour worksheets for children at this young age,’ she insists.
Young children are ready to learn more advanced concepts as long as they are presented in an engaging and developmentallyappropriate manner.
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EDUCATION Barbara adds that while many young children enter pre-primary school with knowledge of counting, numbers and shapes, it is also important to expose them to more challenging content. ‘Young children are ready to learn more advanced concepts as long as they are presented in an engaging and developmentally-appropriate manner. This does not equate with pushing down the curriculum content to younger and younger children, as this could have the opposite of the intended effect.’ She advises parents to take a keen and active part in getting their children excited about maths, and maintains that the foundations of later maths mastery can be achieved through play-based activities in the early years.
‘Research tracking American, British and Canadian children found that children who entered preschool with a strong grasp of numeracy, counting, relative magnitudes and ordinality achieved better maths scores in later years, and that these skills were more predictive of general scholastic achievement than were language, attention or social skills,’ says Barbara. ‘However, to ensure their children’s future maths mastery, parents should not try to get them to learn something now, with difficulty, that they will manage more easily later. Helping your child at this stage does not entail teaching isolated maths skills through memorising or the reliance on worksheets. ‘Parents and guardians who want to make a substantial contribution to their children’s performance later in life can ensure they lay a solid and positive foundation in the early years, simply by making maths meaningful and relevant to everyday situations. Quite simply, maths should become child’s play.’
Children should be allowed to embark on their maths learning in the secure understanding that they are competent and capable, and without any kind of pre-emptive fear for the subject.
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Barbara Eaton, academic development coordinator for the Schools Division at ADvTECH, provides essential advice for parents and caregivers hoping to lay the early foundation that will help maths become child’s play later in life.
Photo credit: ADvTECH’s Schools
Activities that promote the acquisition of maths concepts include: • Singing number songs and rhymes. • Counting out everyday items such as plates and cutlery for supper, potatoes for cooking, biscuits for tea. • Matching how many times you clap using items such as bottle tops. • Baking, which involves counting and measuring ingredients. • Drawing attention to numerals on gates, cars, busses – anywhere in the immediate environment. • Sharing out sweets among the family or the teddies at the play tea party, which teaches division. • Dividing fruit, veg and cakes into pieces and talk about halves and quarters, which teaches the concept of fractions. • Working out how many sweets we need if everyone is to get two, which teaches multiplication. • Matching, identifying and counting coins, and giving coins to spend on small items in the shop. • Comparing the sizes of clothes and shoes that the family members wear and arranging them in ascending and descending order.
The ADvTECH Group, a JSE-listed company, is Africa’s largest private education provider and a continental leader in quality education, training, skills development and placement services. The Group reports its performance in a segmental structure reflecting the Schools and Tertiary as two separate education divisions, and Resourcing as the third division. It owns nine tertiary brands, across 28 sites across South Africa and the rest of Africa. Its higher education division, The Independent Institute of Education, is SA’s largest and most accredited private higher education institution. ADvTECH’s Schools division comprises seven brands with 90 schools across South Africa, as well as Gaborone International School in Botswana. For more information, visit www.advtech.co.za.
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EDUCATION
Four considerations when choosing your career By Bryden Morton and Chris Blair, 21st Century
After years of studying and hard work, scholars look forward to receiving their final matric results. Although this is a momentous occasion for those who pass, it is merely the start of a young person’s adult life.
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ccording to an article published last year by News24, there is a direct correlation between people’s levels of education and their earnings potential. So, how can young South Africans give themselves the best chance of entering a career that will fulfil their ambitions? Correct information about their chosen career is imperative. First, ensure that they have the correct subjects and aptitude for the career of their choice. Guidance counselling and advice from knowledgeable sources at an early age can have a significant impact a young person’s ability to identify potential fields within which they would like to forge a career. Secondly, demand for skills within a field should also be considered. It is important to be aware that sometimes a young person may need a plan B in case they are unable to find a career in their preferred field if the demand is too low or it is over-supplied. Having a second-choice career should not be seen a ‘cop out’ but rather an ‘insurance policy’ should obstacles arise that prevent a person from entering their field of choice. It is important to keep an eye on the national scarce skills lists and recruitment statistics (available from numerous recruitment agencies) as these show the competitiveness of the labour market within a chosen field. Thirdly, potential earnings associated with each
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field should be considered. Although, money is often not the most important reason for entering a particular career, according to 21st Century survey data, it always ranks in the top three most important factors for employees. As an example, it is no secret that the actuaries command a premium salary in relation to many other jobs at the same job grade. This may entice a mathematically-gifted young person to pursue actuarial sciences rather than statistics or economics as a career. Lastly, young people should also be made aware that studying at a formal University is not the only way to enter the labour force and earn a good salary. There are many opportunities within other careers, such as the artisan careers (boilermakers and electricians, for example) that provide incumbents with the opportunity to have lucrative and successful careers. In summary, knowledge and awareness are a young person’s most valuable resources when deciding upon a career to pursue. Not only do young adults need to understand the labour market and expectations within their chosen fields, they must also be self-aware and understand themselves. It is the role of guidance counsellors, parents and role models to ensure that they assist these young people with these resources which will place them in the best position to choose the most appropriate career for their skill set. For more information, visit www.21century.co.za. www.babysandbeyond.co.za
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EDUCATION
Ten tips for the transition from Gr 0 to Gr 1 By Lani Fikkert, Grade 1 teacher at Pecanwood College: Preparatory
Children often experience fear and anxiety when they start a new school year, especially in Grade 1, so it’s important for parents and teachers to support children making the transition from Grade 0 to Grade 1 as much as possible.
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tarting primary school affects the whole household. Family plays an important role in the preparation for primary school and their love and support will be invaluable for the child during this time of change. So how do we help our children make a calm and comfortable transition from Grade 0 to Grade 1? Here are ten tips to provide some guidance for anxious parents and siblings: 1. Make sure your child is familiar with the school. Walk around the school building and show your child their class and playground a few days before school starts. This will make your child feel more secure. 2. Attend the orientation day. If children can meet their teacher and see their classroom, they will feel more comfortable when they start their school year. 3. Introduce an earlier bed time a few days before school starts to give your child time to adjust to the new sleep routine and ensure a well-rested little one on the first day of school. 4. Start settling into a routine during the week as soon as possible. Children feel safe and secure when they know what to expect each day. 5. Help your child think ahead. Before bedtime, review plans for the next day with your child. This can make him feel more secure. Also help him to pack his own school bag the night before. 6. Create an organised work space at home for homework and projects. Make sure that children have enough stationary and equipment. They are motivated when they have a variety of colours and materials available to them. 7. Make time in the day to read to your child. This is a way of spending quality time together where they feel calm and content, encouraging them to open up to you about their experiences and feelings. Make use of this time to find out how your child’s day was or how he feels about different situations.
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8. Encourage social interaction with peers. If your child is new, or in a new class with different friends, he will feel more content if he knows other children. When school starts, organise a playdate for your child to socialise and get to know his friends. 9. Encourage independence, which creates confidence. Give your child a few more chores to do around the house. Let your him carry his own bag to his classroom and take more responsibility. This will motivate him to commit to tasks and feel a sense of achievement in other areas of learning at school. For more information, visit www.advtech.co.za. www.babysandbeyond.co.za
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EDUCATION
Understanding and managing
challenging behaviour
By Chris van Niekerk, principal of Founders Hill College
Understanding our children’s developmental phase will have a positive effect on how we manage challenging behaviour.
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EDUCATION
R
ecently, on a Tuesday morning, a grade 8 girl’s parents arrived at school insisting to see the school principal for an emergency meeting. The issue was that their daughter was apparently ‘not in the mood’ to come to school. The parents wanted to know what the school was going to do to change her ‘mood’. In another recent incident, a grade 2 child was dropped at school with visible bruising to his face and body. When he was asked what happened, he explained that he interrupted his mother while speaking, and received a ‘hiding’ as punishment for his indiscretion. Both examples show instances where parents tried to manage their children’s ‘challenging behaviour. These examples are deliberately chosen to demonstrate the potential opposite nature of parenting strategies when dealing with children’s discipline. The parents of the grade 8 girl were, in the end, advised that it is not the school’s role to change the ‘moods’ of children, and that the child would be marked absent. The school intervened in the case of the grade 2 boy to prevent further beatings of this nature. The purpose of these examples is to demonstrate that children are socialised very differently by their environments and experiences, and will respond very differently to external stimuli as a result. For example, during a classroom lesson, the grade 8 child in this example may feel completely entitled to interrupt the teacher when she does not agree with some of the teacher’s statements, while the grade 2 child may be too scared to even raise his hand to clarify something that he may not understand, let alone challenge the teacher. This principle of programmed responses based on previous experiences can be carried through to all social spheres of children’s lives, and their general understanding of what they can expect from the world around them and what this world expects from them. Therefore, understanding and managing challenging behaviour in children starts with understanding how children are nurtured and socialised into the weird and wonderful world of adults’ expectations of what kids should be and do.
Children are socialised very differently by their environments and experiences, and will respond very differently to external stimuli as a result.
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Foundation phase or intermediate phase teachers are often, and simply because of the developmental phase of the child, considered as superheroes.
The second important consideration, for getting a better handle on understanding and managing children’s behaviour, is to better educate ourselves as parents and teachers about the nature of children’s developmental phases, from birth to adulthood. For example, foundation phase or intermediate phase teachers are often, and simply because of the developmental phase of the child, considered as superheroes. Children in this developmental phase seek much approval from teachers and parents, and can therefore be managed well with clever and consistent positive reinforcement strategies, with the occasional negative reinforcement to prevent anomalous unwanted behaviour. However, this is less true as children progress through their natural developmental phases, and enter puberty and beyond, where their need to be viewed favourably by their peers often outweighs the need to be ‘approved’ by their teachers or parents. Consequences related to bad decisions, such as pregnancy, car accidents or substance abuse, become very real and parents and teachers get justifiably nervous when kids this age become defiant and difficult to ‘control’. But, if we make peace with (or at least attempt to understand) their development phase better, we might stand a chance of understanding why our current attempts to manage their challenging behaviour has been so woefully unsuccessful. This understanding should lead to us to change our engagement strategies to better align to the inherent nature of children in this developmental phase. There are other dimensions to consider when managing challenging child behaviour, including extraordinary physical and mental conditions in certain children, traumatic events, and unhealthy peer relationships. However, we could make some serious positive inroads into better understanding and managing challenging behaviour in children by educating ourselves on how the world (including us) are nurturing our youngsters as they progress through their natural developmental phases to adulthood. For more information, visit www.advtech.co.za.
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EDUCATION
Cultivating
emotional intelligence Years one to four, the foundation phase of school, are the most critical for cementing the long-term potential of children and enabling them to become successful adults.
‘W
hile academic excellence is important, developing children’s emotional intelligence may make the difference between success and failure in their lives,’ says Chris Van Niekerk, head at Founders Hill College, part of Africa’s largest private education provider, ADvTECH. He adds that when investigating schooling options, parents and guardians should consider more than the academic or sporting achievements and track record of a school, and enquire about a school’s approach to instilling vital life skills. ‘Nurturing emotional intelligence should be considered as important as teaching children to read, write and do arithmetic; and schools, parents and communities must ensure this fundamental life skill is not forgotten,’ he notes. ‘It’s in years one to four that children learn to love learning, learn about a world that challenges and rewards, and learn what makes them who they are: unique human beings who hold a wealth of potential and who can do anything they put their hearts and minds to. It is during these years that these skills become part of the child’s character and personality – guiding their decisions, helping them make sense of the world, and being the foundation of their relationships with others. Starting with five-year-olds is the best place to start.’ Emotional intelligence is a set of softer skills
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that help children grow up to become ‘likeable’, successful human beings who can accept that not everybody in the world is going to be like you, agree with you or think like you. More than this, it’s understanding that this diversity is not only good and desirable, but to be celebrated and embraced. ‘It’s learning how to give and take: to compromise and to negotiate, to relate to others – to empathise and communicate your own feelings. It’s learning to listen to what other people say, and how to speak your own mind. It’s acquiring the skills and the confidence to articulate your feelings and ideas, and it’s learning to identify exactly what makes you respond the way you do to people and situations. Critically, it’s learning how to manage those feelings, instead of letting them manage you.’ Chris adds that emotional intelligence skills aren’t taught in lesson slots on the timetable. They should form part of all interactions, whether they be during academic, social or physical activities. Additionally, provision should be made to assist children who show signs of needing early intervention to reach emotional intelligence milestones. ‘Success is not only measured academically and professionally. It is measured by the quality of our relationships, and by our ability to lead meaningful, effective lives,’ he says. For more information, visit www.advtech.co.za. www.babysandbeyond.co.za
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EDUCATION
Private
doesn’t always mean perfect When it comes to choosing the right school for your child, private doesn’t always mean perfect.
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hile thousands of parents are considering sending their children to private schools, which for many may not have been a consideration in years gone by, the rapid expansion of the private offering is seeing an influx into this sector. However, an education expert warns that just as they would do with public schools and higher education, parents must do their homework before simply signing up with any school because it’s private. ‘Just as with public schools, quality and performance vary from school to school, and it is incorrect to assume that just because a school is private, it is automatically the best choice for your child,’ says John Luis, head of academics at ADvTECH Schools, home of 91 private schools across South and southern Africa, including Trinity House and Crawford Schools.
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He says the philosophy, approach and capacity of various private schools are vastly different, and that a school should be selected only after consideration of the specific needs of the child to see how they match to potential schools. Additionally, parents should carefully scrutinise promises against track record. ‘First, parents must ensure that the overall ethos of the school is a good match to the family and the child,’ he says. ‘When visiting schools – a nonnegotiable part of the process of selection – parents should observe the learners and their interactions among themselves and their teachers. One should ideally get a good sense that the environment is safe and stimulating, and that the school has all the resources and facilities one expects from an www.babysandbeyond.co.za
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EDUCATION environment in which academic excellence can become possible.’ John adds that parents should also look at the long-term performance of schools and their students to ensure that learners are equipped not just to excel at school, but also to flourish in higher education and beyond. ‘Very importantly, parents should find out from the school how they are incorporating the very important 21st Century Skills as identified by the World Economic Forum into their teaching methodology and curricula,’ says John. ‘Schools should no longer be operating in the way they did ten or even five years ago, with the approach of imparting knowledge top-down, and learners being exam-focused parrots. This no longer serves us in the real world and will do so even less in future. Globally, schools are moving towards empowering learners with the kinds of skills they need for our new workplaces – skills such as being able to creatively problem-solve, research, communicate and self-manage.’
Steps for choosing a pre-school Trudie Gilmore, assistant general manager at ADvTECH Junior Colleges, says there are few things that instil more anxiety and apprehension in parents than the task of finding the right school for their child’s first foray into education. ‘The choices can be overwhelming, the deadlines are impossibly early, and the pressure to get it right is huge,’ she says. She advises parents to structure their search as follows: 1. Start your search at least one school year prior to attending, and note that many schools take applications as early as just after a child’s birth. Schools should have viewings scheduled throughout the year, and you should attend these at all the schools you have identified. If you missed the boat on timing, call around and arrange as many visits as you can. Most have waiting lists and there are often last-minute openings. Be persistent by checking back in and being proactive. 2. The viewing – you can attend an open day or expo to hear about the philosophy, admission process and much more, then submit the application and registration fee. You can view the school while classes are in session, and we recommend that you bring your child to spend time in the classroom. Be ready with a notebook and bring a list of all your questions. 3. Know how often and how long you’d like your child to attend. Children usually attend preschool anytime from three months to six years of age. Most schools should offer half-day and full-day programmes. Check that you are happy with the programmes for both the morning and the afternoon if your child will be there for the full day. Trudie says that parents should check for the following to ensure that a pre-school programme is well-run: • Assess the quality of children’s relationships with the staff. Pay close attention to the language used in the classroom and the friendliness of the staff. View a few different classrooms while school is in www.babysandbeyond.co.za
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session to see how the teachers interact with the children. • Home-to-school connections are important. Preschools that have high family involvement are often the schools with the strongest programmes. When families are involved, children do better, teachers feel supported, and everyone works together for the children’s learning and development. • High-quality preschools have structure: They follow a specific philosophy or model and have specific guidelines for addressing challenging behaviour. • Discipline policies should emphasise positive approaches to teaching children new skills and proactive strategies for behaviour management such as classroom rules, routines and socialemotional lessons or curriculum.
Steps for choosing primary and high schools Morag Rees, principal of Crawford College Sandton, says that to be academically excellent, a school should not only provide enriching, empowering and meaningful learning opportunities that challenge students’ thinking, assumptions and abilities, but should also ensure that these learning opportunities provide a foundation for further study and successful future lives. She advises parents to consider the following when looking at schools: • The culture of the school, which includes things such as diversity, community awareness, priorities (academics, leadership development, cultural activities and/or sports), student interaction, and commitment to learning. • Travelling distance is also a consideration – especially if the child and parents want to be fully involved. • Teaching philosophy and school ethos should align with the learner and parents’ expectations. • The school’s track record over the long term, which means not just looking at last year’s matric results. • The options available to learners in terms of subject choices, extra murals, and genuine interest in offering every student opportunities. • The staff and faculty (qualifications, personalities, passion, genuine commitment to students and education). • Awareness of current education trends and research, and using technology in a relevant way. ‘With the proliferation of private schools catering to a much bigger section of the population than ever before, parents may understandably be excited at the prospect of being able to give their kids “the best”, even if it entails some sacrifice,’ notes John. ‘But we urge parents to do their homework and to ensure that the sacrifice is not a blind one, because a cookie-cutter education – even if it is at a private school – is not desirable. Parents should ensure that the school they choose is able to tailor its offering to take into account each child’s uniqueness, that it is an enabling environment, that it encourages relationship building, and that it is optimally conducive to learning and development.’ For more information, visit www.advtech.co.za.
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EDUCATION
Raising free-range children By Justin Kistan, English & Information Science teacher at Crawford College North Coast
When do our concern and best intentions become an obstacle to our loved ones continued evolution instead of an advantage? How do we empower our children so that they are strong enough to live without us? And, perhaps most importantly, how do we go about making sure our children will be amply prepared for the struggles of the 21st century and have the faculties about them to gain from its many opportunities?
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here did the term ‘helicopter parents’ originate from? Is it from the way parents hover over their kids or is it because of the deafening sound they produce when their parental rotors are in a tizzy? Either way, it’s something of a spectacle to behold. We can’t blame parents for wanting the best for their children. It’s something we can all easily identify with. We want the people we care about to be looked after. We want to help them be happy, healthy and successful. But sometimes our help can be a hindrance. So where do we start? As the proverb goes, ‘the best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago, but the second-best time is now.’ So, let’s begin with ideas we can nurture and grow now. Parenting styles differ greatly. In her book, How to Raise an Adult – Break Free of the Over-Parenting Trap and Prepare your Kid for Success, Julie Lythcott-Haims mentions her preferred style, authoritative, which is demanding and responsive. ‘These parents set high standards, expectations, and limits, which they uphold with consequences. They are also emotionally warm and responsive to their child’s emotional needs. They reason with their kids, engaging in a give-and-take for the sake of learning. They give their child freedom to explore, to fail, and to make their own choices.’ This style with its balance of strictness and warmth helps engender a child’s trust and respect. We need to help our kids build self-efficacy. They need to see that success comes from doing work that matters and that it requires effort. They need to have faith in their own ability to complete tasks (without help from their parents!) and reach set goals. Foster grit and perseverance. They need to realise that while there will be challenges in life, they possess the tenacity to meet and overcome them. Encourage in them a stoic mindset. As Marcus Aurelius said, ‘What stands in the Way, becomes the Way. The obstacle is the path.’ The world will constantly test them. Can
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they get past the things that inevitably fall in their way? Will they stand up and show the world what they’re made of? While we’re talking about the self, help your kids develop the meta-skill of the 21st Century, selfawareness, which is the ability to see ourselves for who we are, appreciate how others see us, and to begin to understand our place in the world. Selfesteem, which is the belief in one’s worth and value, is important and must be appropriately nurtured but it is self-awareness that removes the blinkers from our kid’s eyes and allows them the vision to accurately tune into their current station in life. Our children will never get to where they want to go in the future if they don’t know where they are now. Help them develop their will and skill. Teach them to build their competence and, with that, they will deserve their confidence. Give them opportunities to enter flow – ‘the zone’ in which we achieve optimal performance and feel our best. Gaining access to flow means being completely engaged with a task, preferably something you love to do, and setting achievable goals. The task is normally something beyond your current level of skill and this requires you to stretch your skill set and reach to ascend to new levels. Kids should find a hobby or seek meaning in their learning that could give them a chance to enter flow. The more they operate in flow, the greater and more spectacular the accomplishments that our kids will accomplish. This is by no means an exhaustive list. But it is a place to start. We need to raise 21st Century citizens. Future adults who are critical and creative thinkers, resilient and gritty in their approach and, most importantly, purpose driven. Children who are taught not just to survive life’s hardships but who will seek out and thrive from its challenges. For more information, visit www.advtech.co.za. www.babysandbeyond.co.za
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SANDTON Are you an expecting Mama or New Parent? Join our BUB HUB TRIBE & enjoy Mamahood with new moms, professional instructors, great classes, all in a comfortable setting! Preggy Yoga Baby Massage Baby Stimulation Courses Baby Talks & Workshops CPR & First Aid – Babies, Toddlers & Adults (Earn 2500 Discovery Vitality Points) Nestling Photoshoots BabyGym Music Box Boutique Chants - 083 644 5250 sandton@thebubhub.co.za Riverside Centre, Bryanston FB: Bub Hub & Company Sandton Instagram: Bub_hub_sandton www.thebubhub.co.za 16_BABJulIssue2017.indd 79
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promising products
Green Planet Laundry helps save water
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Photo credit: Green Planet Laundry
aunched in October 2017, and the first of its kind in Africa, Green Planet Laundry uses purified borehole water instead of valuable drinking water to tend to customers’ dirty laundry. Absolutely no municipal water is used, and a whopping 98% of the borehole water used in the process is recycled and reused. Using this water, which is additionally ozinated in sophisticated machinery, the borehole water is purified and, what’s more, this entire purification system is powered by solar energy. The ozination process also kills microbes in clothing (eliminating odour and killing bacteria), and increases linen life by up to 50%. With the drought in the Western Cape worsening by the day, the launch could not have come at a better time. While the average home washing machine uses up to 150 litres of drinking water per cycle, Green Planet Laundry offers major relief for the Western Cape dams. Green Planet services the greater part of Cape Town, as far afield as Strand, Paarl, Duynefontein and Cape Point, and offers a convenient same-day collection service (conditions apply). Cape Town residents can now experience the convenience of sending their laundry to be cleaned without the guilt of wasting natural resources. Green Planet Laundry domestic ciients, hotels, restaurants, salons and other large-scale businesses. For more information, visit greenplanetlaundry.com.
Even more Oh My Goodness! now at Checkers
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Photo credit: Checkers
heckers has expanded its exclusive Oh My Goodness! range to include a variety of snacking options for kids, in addition to the great-tasting convenience meals. Developed exclusively for Checkers by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay and his daughter Matilda, Oh My Goodness! snacks are perfect for lunchboxes and to enjoy on the go. The range of Oh My Goodness! snacks retail from just R6.99 each and include: • Mini Rice Cakes – No MSG and naturally gluten free • Health Bars – Raw, preservative free and with no added sugar • Fruit Gums – Consists of 99% fruit with no preservatives, artificial colours or flavours • Flavoured Milks – Preservative free, full cream milk with no artificial colours or flavours • Smooth, Full Cream Yoghurts – Contains real fruit and veg • Berry Flavoured Sparkling Drinks – High in Vitamin C and made with natural spring water • Cookies – Contains 30% reduced sugar
To find out more about getting your product listed in this Promising Products section.
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promising products
Super silver healing power
Photo credit: NRF Health
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any people are still unaware of the astonishing healing and infection fighting benefits of colloidal silver with its broadspectrum antimicrobial qualities. Known as ‘nature’s antibiotic’, its benefits have been documented since the late 1800s when it was first introduced and used successfully by health practitioners for a myriad of ailments and infections. NRF Health has recently launched three new colloidal silver products: • NRF Colloidal Silver Cream – a mild silver protein that treats and soothes many skin ailments from nappy rash, sore nipples, dry, damaged skin, sunburn and cuts or nicks on hands and fingers, and it is completely safe to use on children and babies. • NRF Colloidal Silver Liquid – taken orally or topically. When taken orally on a regular basis, it helps to prevent, or increase the healing process of colds, flu, pneumonia or a sore throat. • NRF Colloidal Silver Liquid-Gel contains Xylitol, which is beneficial for maintaining healthy teeth when used as a gargle. It also helps to form a barrier by preventing microbial infections such as sore throats, infected tonsils, and cold sores and ulcers. Some colloidal silver products used over a long period gives skin a bluish tinge’, known as argyria. However, all NRF Colloidal Silver products are specially prepared to prevent this condition from occurring. Although considered safe, pregnant and breastfeeding woman should not use this product without first consulting a doctor. Should an allergic reaction occur, colloidal silver must be stopped immediately. If a condition does not improve within 10 days, a health practitioner should be consulted. NRF Colloidal Silver products are available from Dis-Chem and independent pharmacies.
Goodness on the go
Photo credit: Rhodes Quality
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ecently launched by Rhodes Quality, Squish 100% Pressed Juices are carefully crafted to capture only the most natural goodness from the fruit and veggies included in the range of blends. And, parents have the comfort of knowing that they are free from preservatives, flavourants and colourants. The quality fruit and veggies selected for the Squish range go through a gentle pressing process that extracts their natural juice while capturing their full flavours and essential nutrients. The Squish range includes lemon juice as a natural way to maintain PH levels. Free from pips, peel and pulp, Squish is an ideal hydrating, vitamin-packed treat to complement healthy meal planning. Squish 100% Pressed Juices are available in 200ml juice boxes for a recommended retail price of R9.99 at leading retail outlets nationwide, and are suitable for children aged six months and older. Flavours include Apple; Summer Berries (strawberry, raspberry and other fruit); Apple, Grape & Rooibos; Pear & Prune; Apple, Grape & Carrot; and Apple, Sweet Potato & Butternut. This 200ml ready-to-drink carton is designed for convenience and is the ideal serving size to eliminate waste. The size also makes it comfy for little hands to hold, and is the perfect portion to pop into lunchboxes. Squish can be served at room temperature, chilled or frozen.
To find out more about getting your product listed in this Promising Products section.
contact: Elroy van Heerden on 021 424 3625 or elroy@babysandbeyond.co.za www.babysandbeyond.co.za
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promising products
NutriBullet’s new Baby Bullet
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Photo credit: NutriBullet
utriBullet has launched the Baby Bullet – another easy to use, easy to clean blender that’s made specifically for the preparation and storage of baby foods. This high-quality appliance allows the effortless creation of delicious, healthy and nutritious baby food in seconds while simplifying storage. With the Baby Bullet, it’s easy to make individual meals or to create up to six portions at a time; each of which can be stored in sealable, date-dialled individual cups that can then be refrigerated or frozen. The 22-piece NutriBullet Baby Bullet set is the perfect gift for all new parents or those expecting. It is ideal for little ones ranging from six months to three years old as they adjust to finger foods. The recommended retail selling price for the Baby Bullet is R1 599 and it comes with a one-year warranty. For more information and stockists, visit www.nutribullet.co.za.
Educational tech for kids
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ammatek, a leading distributor of technology accessories, brings Pai Technology educational games to children in South Africa. The company is now adding TJ’s Math Adventure, Stem Lab-Little Engineer, Ocean Pets and Cube Tastic to its offering. TJ’s Math Adventure combines physical puzzles and augmented reality play to help children master basic math concepts in a fun and adventurous way. They join TJ as he leads an army on a mission to save the planet, learning to recognise shapes and solve math challenges. The system utilises an interactive app available from app stores, as well as a physical board game. Stem Lab-Little Engineer pairs toy blocks with augmented reality for children to learn basic programming skills. With Ocean Pets, children create their own virtual aquarium using augmented reality with a special lightweight putty. They can create fish and sea creatures with the mess-free putty and then scan it with a device to see their Ocean Pets come to life in 3D. Then they must care for their pets while learning fun facts about the ocean and its inhabitants. The more they take care of their pets, the more game features are unlocked. Cube Tastic is a throwback to the puzzle cube with a twist. It uses 3D augmented technology with an app to teach kids how to solve the cube. Once they master it, new combinations are unlocked for endless play. For more information, visit www.gammatek.co.za.
Photo credit: Gammatek
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promising products
10 Top tissue oil tips
Photo credit: African Extracts
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frican Extracts Tissue Oil is the head-to-toe all-natural answer for everything from dry scalps to cracked heels. Unlike other brands made mainly from mineral oil, African Extracts uses pure natural sweet almond and grape seed oil carrying high levels of its bio-active Rooibos extract and Vitamin E. This multipurpose oil protects, helps to regenerate, restore and rehydrate and can be used on the skin, nails and hair. It’s clinically proven to improve the appearance of scars, blemishes, stretch marks, uneven skin tone, dry and dehydrated skin, fine lines and wrinkles, brittle nails and cuticles, and dry, itchy scalps. Our Tissue Oil is not tested on animals (approved by Beauty Without Cruelty), and it is 100% plant based with no artificial fragrance, colourants or preservatives. Top tissue oil tips: 1. Spray on to nails and cuticle area and massage in. 2. Add a few drops to a warm bath for all-over moisturiser. 3. Apply to hair as a deep treatment, wrap in a towel and leave for five minutes. 4. Massage into your scalp to relieve flaking and itching. 5. Apply to dry skin on your elbows, knees and heels. 6. If you like a clean-shaven head, apply after shaving to keep skin smooth, soft and supple. 7. Add to your body lotion for deep moisturising power, or spray a mist onto legs and arms to avoid that dull, greyish winter look. 8. If you are losing weight, or expanding, smooth onto hips, thighs and tummy to tone the skin and avoid stretch marks. 9. Keep a bottle in the kitchen to rub into hard-working hands. 10. Rub a few drops into scars or blemish marks a few times a day. Available from leading retailers and pharmacies at R62.99 (60ml). For more information, visit www.africanextracts.com.
Cherubs newborn naturally pure baby wipes
Photo credit: Cherubs
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hat does a newborn baby really need in the first few months? There’s good news and bad – nothing you can buy is going to guarantee a stressfree existence with your newborn. Tiny people are a handful, and even the easiest babies will have some troubled times. That said, there are at least a few things that can make life a little easier. Baby wipes, especially formulated for the soft, sensitive skin of newborns are an essential, and Cherubs has launched a new, winning formulation. Most new moms are staggered by how often a newborn needs to be changed, how many diapers and wipes are used each day, and how annoying it is running out of wipes in the middle of a messy diaper change. Cherubs Newborn Baby Wipes come in packs of 100 wipes – the first 100s wipes pack in South Africa – so running out is far less likely. The distinctive clip lid on the pack also prevents wastage by ensuring that moisture loss is prevented. Parabens are a class of chemicals widely used as preservatives by cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. However, they are becoming increasingly controversial because they have been found in breast cancer tumours and they have been banned in the EU. The Cherubs Newborn Baby Wipes are paraben free. They also contain aloe vera, known for its skin-soothing properties, as well as Vitamin E, a natural skin conditioner. For more information, visit www.cherubs.co.za.
To find out more about getting your product listed in this Promising Products section. Contact: Elroy van Heerden on 021 424 3625 or elroy@babysandbeyond.co.za
www.babysandbeyond.co.za
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The first year of baby’s life captured in one package. A one year documentary of photo’s and special notes on baby’s first year, beautifully created in a coffee table book. Lorraine Moore T 082 776 9616 E info@novaphotography.co.za W www.novaphotography.co.za FB novaphotography.ct IN novaphotography.co.za/
Affordable quality private maternity care for women without medical aid Johannesburg +27 (011) 484 0568 randjhb@thebirthingteam.co.za Netcare Rand Hospital 33 Bruce Street CBD Johannesburg, 2198 DURBAN +27 (031) 314 6713 citydurban@thebirthingteam.co.za
An all inclusive end-to-end maternity progra mme in a private hospital starting from R20,500 16_BABJulIssue2017.indd 85
JMH City Hospital 83 Ismail C. Meer Street Durban Central, 4001
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cots
compactums
baby products and accessories
www.landAcreations.co.za landacreationsltd@gmail.com 073 186 3840
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Grab some grub
Shin and oxtail beef potjie
Serves 5 to 6
The combination of shin and oxtail delivers very good flavour and makes the dish more affordable. Prepare it in two phases – phase one, tenderise the meat and phase two, add flavour. Phase 1 (pre-prep) 1kg beef shin cut through the bone into 2cm thick slices 750g to 1kg oxtail (avoid the very big pieces) 4T (60ml) flour 2t (10ml) Ina Paarman’s Braai & Grill Seasoning 2t (10ml) Ina Paarman’s Garlic & Herb Seasoning 2T (30ml) canola or olive oil 1T (15ml) butter 1 large onion, chopped 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped 1T (15ml) Ina Paarman’s Beef Stock Powder 2 cups (500ml) water Phase 2 (finish) 2T (30ml) fat skimmed from meat 1T (15ml) butter 1kg small pickling onions or shallots, cut in half 2t (10ml) brown sugar 1t (5ml) Ina Paarman’s Garlic & Herb Seasoning 1 x 200ml Ina Paarman’s Sun-dried Tomato Coat & Cook Sauce 1 x 25g Ina Paarman’s Liquid Beef Stock ½ cup (125ml) water 3 whole cloves 2 bay leaves Gremolata ¼ cup (60ml) chopped parsley grated rind from one lemon 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
Method Phase 1 (pre-prep at home) Snip three times through the outside of each piece of shin (see pic). Measure flour and seasonings into a biggish plastic bag, add the meat and shake to coat. Brown the shin and oxtail in batches in the mixture of oil and butter, remove and keep on one side. Shake any leftover flour out over the meat. Add chopped onion, garlic and Beef Stock Powder to fat remaining in the pot and stir-fry briefly. Add the water and bring to the boil. Add browned meat pieces. Simmer very slowly or cook in a 150°C oven for 3 to 4 hours until the meat is tender. Allow to cool, decant into a container with all the sauce, cover and refrigerate. Phase 2 (finish on the fire) Prepare the fire for the potjie. Size 1 or 2 is best. Add some beef fat and butter to the pot and brown the small onions seasoned with sugar and Garlic & Herb Seasoning. Add Sun-Dried Tomato Coat & Cook Sauce, Liquid Beef Stock, water, cloves and bay leaves. Simmer for 15 minutes. Gently add the cooked meat and all the gravy. Simmer gently for another 20 minutes. Taste for seasoning. Top with gremolata mixture. Serve with polenta and a salad.
Ina’s technique tip
The reason for cutting through the outer connective tissue of the shin pieces is to prevent it from curling while browning.
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Grab some grub
Crusty bread pizza Easy as pie. Prepare your own homemade pizza using only five ingredients.
You will need: Utensils breadboard bread knife baking sheet pastry brush knife grater oven gloves
Ingredients
1 medium size French loaf or ciabatta olive oil Ina Paarman’s Garlic & Herb Seasoning Ina Paarman’s Roasted Red Pepper Pesto or SunDried Tomato Pesto 1 cup (250ml) grated cheese such as mozzarella, cheddar or a mixture of both
Method Adjust the oven rack one slot above the middle and preheat the oven to 200°C. Slice the bread in half, lengthways. Place on a baking sheet. Drizzle and brush cut sides with olive oil and sprinkle lightly with Garlic & Herb Seasoning. Bake in the oven for 7 minutes. Remove baking sheet from the oven and spread cut sides generously with the Pesto of your choice. Top with cheese. Return to the oven and cook for a final 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling. Variations: Add sliced cooked chicken, sliced ham, slices of salami or tomato before topping the pizzas with cheese. Cut into smaller serving portions.
Ina’s tip
This is so delicious you really do not need any extras. Try it!
Recipes and pictures courtesy of
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babys beyond
KICKS FOR KIDS
and
a family lifestyle magazine
Back to school Sadly, the holidays are over but going back to school is exciting. You’ll to meet your teachers, make new friends, see old friends, play the sports you love, and learn lots of interesting new things.
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KICKS FOR KIDS
Word game
a Write the letters in the relevant squares to reveal the hidden word.
b
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Join the dots Draw a line from dot number 1 to dot number 2, then from dot number 2 to dot number 3, and so on. Keep going until you’ve joined all the dots, then colour in the picture.
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Find
the route
KICKS FOR KIDS
c
d
Can you show this little ant how to get to school?
Spot
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the differences
Can you find the 10 differences between these two pictures? 93
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BOOK REVIEW
Wonder (Film tie-in) RJ Palacio Penguin Random House South Africa | R180.00 The unforgettable and life-affirming story of August Pullman – a boy who’s desperate to blend in, but is destined to stand out. ‘My name is August. I won’t describe what I look like. Whatever you’re thinking, it’s probably worse.’ Auggie wants to be an ordinary ten-year-old. He does ordinary things – eating ice cream, playing on his Xbox. He feels ordinary – inside. But ordinary kids don’t make other ordinary kids run away screaming in playgrounds. Ordinary kids aren’t stared at wherever they go. Born with a terrible facial abnormality, Auggie has been homeschooled by his parents his whole life. Now, for the first time, he’s being sent to a real school. All he wants is to be accepted. But can he convince his new classmates that he’s just like them, underneath it all? Astonishingly powerful, Wonder is a read you’ll never forget!
Goodnight Baby Moon Danny Fouri Penguin Random House South Africa | R190.00 A wonderfully charming bedtime story to share with children age two and up. The perfect introduction to our moon for young children, featuring an engaging light-up LED Moon on the book jacket. Learn about the different phases of the moon in Goodnight Baby Moon as you follow a family of little rabbits taking a night-time stroll through the woods. With easy-to-follow text, simple repeated phrases and beautiful spread designs, young children will be fully engaged by this delightful story that is perfect for reading aloud. Charming and unique, Goodnight Baby Moon will appeal to the imagination of any pre-schooler eager to learn about the natural world around them.
The Precious Years Photos credit: Penguin Random House South Africa
Jacqui Couper Penguin Random House South Africa | R180.00 Although child development may seem automatic, each phase is unique, building on what’s gone before and linking together like an intricate puzzle. Professionals agree that developmental difficulties are best identified and dealt with as early as possible. In The Precious Years, vastly experienced occupational therapist, wife and mother Jacqui Couper equips parents with the knowledge needed to properly monitor the developmental progress of their children and to seek help when they are concerned. Information based on years of research and experience is accessible and readable, and the author’s profound insights into all phases of child development and the needs of parents in caring for children who may be different are clearly and unambiguously expressed.
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To Advertise in the next edition of
babys beyond TM
and
a family lifestyle magazine
please contact 021 424 5625 or e-mail us at info@babysandbeyond.co.za
WIN
Brevi Dinette chair
How to enter: SMS the word ‘BREVI’
your name and surname to
33903
Value: R1 399.00 sms charged at R1.50, no free minutes apply
Competition closes 31 March 2018 Winner will be announced on our babysandbeyond Facebook page.
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2018/01/09 10:49 AM