c a p e
t o w n ’ s
b e s t
g u i d e
f o r
p a r e n t s
spring 2019
your guide to Education 4.0 how to raise & educate your child to be at home (and happy) in the world
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social media
top tips to keep children safe online at home & at school
ready, steady
SPRING
outdoor toys
summer snacks
what’s on in your city
free h e a lt h
e d u c a t i o n
e n t e r t a i n m e n t
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contents
spring 2019 - the tech & toy issue
magaz ne
upfront
publisher
4 pub’s note Helping our children identify what makes them unique
14 dealing with difference How to help a dyslexic child overcome and triumph
Lisa McNamara lisa@childmag.co.za
6 over to you Our readers have their say and share their news and views
16 parenting Prepare your child now for tomorrow’s digitalised workplace
editorial
features
26 recipes Try these yummy allergyfriendly recipes
8 health Expert advice on allergy prevention, testing and treatment 20 let’s play Our pick of the best outdoor toys, from small to big 22 education Puzzle time in the classsroom is not just for preschoolers 30 tech How to protect your child from the pitfalls and dangers of social media
28 parenting When exam fever strikes, manage stress and anxiety using these top tips 38 a good read Story and resource books to help young and old deal with emotions, difference and social issues 40 what’s on this spring Family events, workshops, holiday programmes and open days
34 getaway Relax in luxury, dine well and spot the Big Five at this game reserve
46 finishing touch A royal send-off (and second appearance) for a family pet
36 how-to The smart way to spring clean and de-clutter
classified ads
regulars
45 let’s party Cape Town’s best party resource
10 health Answers to your most frequentlyasked questions about children’s health 12 baby Use our checklist to ensure you have everything you and baby need on the big day
46 family marketplace Family and community-related resource
Editor editor@childmag.co.za Resource Editor capetown@childmag.co.za Freelance Copy Editor Brenda Bryden Online Content Manager online@childmag.co.za
art
Designers Laura Davey studio@childmag.co.za Thea Woodman
client relations
Renee Bruning renee@childmag.co.za
print & digital advertising Lisa McNamara lisa@childmag.co.za
subscriptions & circulation Nicolene Baldy subs@childmag.co.za
accounts
cover image supplied by: Jana Lubbe Photography
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Nicolene Baldy admin@childmag.co.za 0861 867 885
Joburg’s Child magazine 55 207 Cape Town’s Child magazine 47 958 Durban’s Child magazine 40 117 Pretoria’s Child magazine 40 189 Free requested Oct 18 – Dec 18
Cape Town’s Child Magazine is published quarterly by Hunter House Publishing, PO Box 12002, Mill Street, 8010. Office address: Unit 6, Canterbury Studios, 35 Wesley Street, Gardens, Cape Town. Tel: 0861 867 885, email: info@childmag.co.za. Annual subscriptions (for four issues) cost R150, including VAT and postage inside SA. Printed by CTP. Copyright subsists in all work published in Cape Town’s Child Magazine. We welcome submissions but retain the unrestricted right to change any received copy. We are under no obligation to return unsolicited copy. The magazine, or part thereof, may not be reproduced or adapted without the prior written permission of the publisher. We take care to ensure our articles are accurate and balanced but cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage that may arise from reading them.
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pub’s note what makes you uniquely human? What are your attributes and aptitudes? As parents, we need to take the time to think this through, so that we can help our children identify what makes them uniquely human. It is important if we are to ensure that our children are prepared for a world that they, and we, cannot yet fathom. We need to remind ourselves of some basics, and stick to the core of what makes us, us. More importantly, we need to single out what makes our children unique – helping them play to their strengths and not pushing them to grow into a constructed (parental/societal/peer pressured) idea of what it means to be successful. The question that plagues parents and teachers is “how can learners prepare for an increasingly uncertain future?” The good news is that much research has been done on this topic and one of the findings is that as parents we must hone in on what is at our children’s very core and grow that! If we get that right, then the next generation will truly have the best chance of succeeding in every sense of the word. Read more on this topic in our informative piece about preparing your child for the digital future (page 16) and watch the video for advice on what you can do to ready your child for Industry 4.0. It will make you smile, refresh your mind, and equip you to live and parent with purpose and confidence.
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page Lisa McNamara, Publisher
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magazine | cape town spring 2019
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letters
over to you
Have your say – send your thoughts, suggestions and feedback to editor@childmag.co.za
I found the article on sleepovers (childmag.co.za/content/safe-home#. XVKGH3B4JFQ) interesting. We are also against sleepovers, but our sevenyear-old daughter bugged us about sleeping at a friend. We reluctantly went ahead and arranged it, but on condition that there had to be more than two of them at the sleepover. So, it was arranged that my daughter and a friend would sleep over at another friend’s home. The feedback afterwards was that my daughter missed us and even though she had fun, she was scared being in a strange house. She told us she doesn’t want to sleep over again until she is older. She has made her mind up about it already. Robs
to Potchefstroom Girls High – a brilliant school. But, she did not cope emotionally away from home. She came back this year and I have placed her in a public school, which she dislikes and feels is toxic for her. I believe in education and the happiness of the child. The nearest school to take her to is a private one, but I have not budgeted for the higher fees this year. Your opening note made me think that a school should be a place of joy and should strive to champion and ignite the imagination of a child so they can engage and learn with optimism. This made me think that I don’t want to regret not listening to her when she says the school is toxic. I hope I will make the right decision. Thank you and please comment if you have some thoughts to share with me on my decision-making journey. Zodwa Mhlangu
education and happiness
Child Mag responds: We are sorry to hear that your daughter is so
Thank you for your issue of Child Mag about schools (Winter 2019, The Education Issue). It has been a difficult year for me. My 14-year-old daughter is in Grade 9 this year. When she was in Grade 5, she knew she wanted to go
unhappy. The fact that you are really listening to her is encouraging and
sleepover dilemma
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magazine | cape town spring 2019
certainly the best place to start. It is also helpful for us, as parents to get help. Have you enlisted the help of the school and asked them what is really going on? They may have a counsellor who could help you and
your daughter. We would suggest speaking to a professional outside of the school environment; an educational psychologist may be a huge help in determining the best type of learning environment for your child. A therapist may, on the other hand, assist her with coping mechanisms that will assist her now and throughout her life. We wish you and your daughter all the best.
safety skills for children Crime is a reality in South Africa and equipping our children with essential safety information will help them pre-empt and appropriately handle any danger they may encounter. A child’s safety is a top priority for any parent and ensuring they are responsible is a necessity. Teaching them not to engage or leave their school’s premises with any strangers, especially overfriendly individuals, is the golden rule, but it is just one of many important rules. Children waiting to be fetched after school should always stay inside the school’s premises. If they usually walk home, parents should advise their children to walk in a group. Some communities have started “walking buses”, where adults walk with a group of children on their way to or from school as an added safety and security element.
If children have to make their way home alone, advise them to stick to familiar roads and avoid quiet sideroads, alleys or fields. Children who are alone at home should not open the door to strangers and have all the emergency numbers pre-programmed on their mobile phones. Charnel Hattingh, national marketing and communications, Fidelity ADT
Send your letters or comments to
editor@childmag.co.za
We reserve the right to edit and shorten submitted letters. The opinions reflected here are those of our readers and are not necessarily held by Hunter House Publishing.
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health
understanding, diagnosing and treating
allergies in children CHILD MAGAZINE
allergenic food groups that cause the majority of reactions in children. These include cow’s milk, hen’s eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy and seafood.
what can you do to help your children?
can children outgrow their allergies?
There are ways to lower the risks of your children developing allergies, but allergy prevention should begin when a mother first finds out that she is pregnant. “As the foetus develops, so too does the baby’s immune system. As the baby develops its own antibodies, exposure to potential allergens at this time can assist in preventing them from developing allergies to these substances,” Trikamjee observes. “Most mothers don’t know that when they eat something, tiny food proteins pass through the umbilical cord to the foetus. As this continues through pregnancy, the baby’s immune system starts to recognise these food proteins. This process continues after birth and after the baby starts eating solids.”
what foods can cause an allergic reaction? People can potentially have an allergic reaction to any foods. There are, however, some main
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how do I know that my child is allergic? An allergic reaction can present with many symptoms. Often, when it comes to food, the reaction will occur the first time your child eats a specific food. Symptoms to look out for include: • hives • stomach upset • vomiting • diarrhoea or bloody stools • difficulty breathing • change in consciousness or activity
Most children outgrow their allergies. For example, a large proportion of children outgrow milk, egg and many nut allergies. An allergy
specialist will be able to guide you through the process to the point where your child is able to safely overcome their food allergy. “So, as much as food allergies are on the rise, so too is our knowledge on this subject, and the management and treatment of food allergies has drastically improved over the last decade. Gone are the days when children have to spend their lives in fear of accidental exposure to an allergic food or substance,” concludes Trikamjee.
Dr Trikamjee practises at Netcare Sunninghill Hospital and is currently a consultant at the University of Cape Town Lung Institute. She is a member of the Allergy Society of South Africa (ALLSA), the American Academy of Asthma, Allergy and Immunology (AAAI), and the only African-elected board member of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI).
diagnosing and testing for food allergies An allergologist will take a history of your child’s diet and the foods that have caused any reaction. Based on this, they will decide on targeted allergy tests that should be done to determine exactly which foods are causing the allergic reaction. Tests for allergies can either be performed on the skin, or by drawing blood. skin prick tests: a liquid containing the allergen, or a protein extract is placed on your child’s forearm. The skin is then pierced with a small sterile lancet – this is not a needle that goes through the skin and, therefore, will not draw blood and does not hurt. The doctor will then wait 10 to 15 minutes before analysing the reaction on the skin. This reaction is measured in millimetres and gives an idea of how
magazine | cape town spring 2019
sensitive your child is to the food substance that was tested. specific IgE testing: For this test, blood is drawn and sent to a pathology laboratory. Your child’s blood will be exposed to the allergen proteins, and a laboratory analyst with experience in allergy tests will assess how many Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies are reactive to the allergen your child has.
PHOTOGRAPH: julia kusenkov | pexels
t
here has been a dramatic rise in allergic diseases both in South Africa and globally in recent years; so much so that we are finding ourselves in the midst of what we might call an “allergy epidemic” today. This is according to Dr Thulja Trikamjee, a specialist paediatrician and allergologist. Individuals today have a higher risk than ever before of suffering from some form of allergy. According to the Allergy Foundation of South Africa, a baby without any family history of allergies now has a 15% risk of developing an allergic condition within their first few years of life. If one parent has an allergy, then the child’s risk increases to between 40 and 50%. If both parents are allergic, the risk is as great as 60 to 80%. A child who has siblings with allergies also has a significantly increased risk of developing allergies.
q&a
health
q
your health questions answered
why does my child always wet her bed? Bedwetting is a form of enuresis, or loss of bladder control. Trish Holgate, a social worker who specialises in counselling children, says: “A child under the age of about four years who is wetting their bed should really not be considered enuretic. While the parent may long for dry sheets, the child may still not have the required bladder control. Even once dryness has been achieved, the odd wet bed can be expected. It should resolve itself by about the age of seven.”
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two types of enuresis Primary enuresis refers to when a child has never managed to achieve dryness at night. There are three contributing factors: • going into a very deep sleep and not waking up from the sensation of a full bladder • having a small functional bladder capacity • the overproduction of urine while sleeping (polyuria), caused by a lack of an antidiuretic hormone. This affects about 60% of sufferers. Secondary enuresis refers to children who have achieved dryness at night but then begin wetting their beds again. Causes can be:
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q
bedwetting solutions Solutions vary, depending on the cause and nature of the enuresis. It is important to show confidence in your child’s ability to eventually control their bladder function. Letting your child know that you also suffered from this when you were a child provides comfort and reassurance. If you are concerned, let your GP examine your child and advise you of the appropriate steps to take. Medication such as an antidiuretic hormone can slow down urine production at night. Certain foods such as dairy products, caffeine, carbonated drinks and acidic foods irritate the bladder and should be eliminated. Many parents swear by the use of a bed alarm. A sensor is placed inside the child’s underclothes and is connected to an alarm that goes off if the child starts to urinate. It is important to remember that bedwetting is not bad behaviour that needs to be punished.
what is creche syndrome?
Creche syndrome refers to an ongoing cycle of colds, sniffles and more serious illnesses when young children are infected at a creche or pre-school where they come into contact with other children daily. After repeated infections, their immune systems become compromised. Cape Town paediatrician Dr Hanneke Heyns says creche syndrome strikes from eight or nine months old, when some babies start daycare, and is prevalent among toddlers. “These children have constantly runny noses; it’s usually clear, sometimes with a mild fever attached and there may be coughing from a postnasal drip. It’s about the continuous virus load, one after another, that wears down their health,” she says.
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• constipation • urinary tract infections • congenital defects Interestingly, enuresis is three times more common in boys, and a child is 70% more likely to develop this condition if both parents were enuretic themselves, suggesting a strong hereditary link.
Babies have no immunity at birth aside from their mother’s antibodies. Young children need contact with a certain amount of viruses so that if they catch a cold, their bodies can make antibodies to build resistance. But creche syndrome doesn’t build enough resistance because of the unrelenting cycle of illness.
fight it with food Many toddlers are fussy eaters and parents fall into the trap of feeding them something they know they’ll eat; often frozen and processed meals instead of nutritious foods. Their immune systems and gut health become impaired so they catch colds frequently and become constipated.
magazine | cape town spring 2019
creche syndrome checklist: ask questions when antibiotics are prescribed. Colds, flu and gastro are caused by a virus. Antibiotics don’t kill a virus; they only kill bacteria. Viruses can cause throat and ear infections, but bacterial infections play a bigger role. give your child an annual influenza vaccine, available from the age of six months onwards. parents can only relieve the symptoms of creche syndrome. If these danger signs are present, alert your doctor: persistent fever with a temperature above 38°C; fast breathing; a chesty cough and wheezing; green nasal mucus; diminished interest in eating and drinking; and vomiting. don’t dry out a runny nose. Use a saltwater nose spray to loosen the phlegm. Steam and elevated sleeping also help.
q
why is my child the shortest in the class? A growth problem can occur at any age and have any number of causes, from genetic to malnutrition, certain syndromes (PraderWilli and Turner), skeletal disorders, head injuries, chronic medical conditions (kidney, heart, lung and intestinal diseases), serious illnesses (meningitis, encephalitis and brain tumours) and an underactive thyroid. “Most children don’t have a serious problem with growth and will eventually reach a height that’s similar to that of their parents,” says Dr Yasmeen Ganie, a paediatric endocrinologist at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital in Durban. But some have Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD) and need treatment.
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injecting hope GHD is treated with daily injections until the growth areas of the bones close. “In severe deficiency, treatment may continue into adulthood at a lower dose,” says Ganie. Parents are taught to give the shots, and once they’re older, the children themselves. If a diagnosis is made early enough and a child responds well, they can grow to their normal or near-normal adult height potential, but it’s important to have realistic
expectations. Growth hormones can’t override genetic potential, and if both parents are short, the child will probably be short too. (To estimate their adult height, average your height and your partner’s, then add 7cm for a boy or subtract 7cm for a girl.) A slowing of growth can be noticed from around age two, it’s usually diagnosed when children start school and their height is compared to others their age, or at puberty when short children can become selfconscious, or subjected to teasing.
when to act All children need to be measured twice a year and their growth plotted on growth charts. Ask your GP about seeing a paediatrician or paediatric endocrinologist when your child: • is shorter than most others of the same age and the same gender • has a face that looks younger than his peers, a chubby build and prominent forehead with small hands and feet • has delayed puberty (lack of breast development by 13 years in girls, lack of testicular enlargement by 14 in boys). For more information, contact semdsa.co.za
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best for baby
new baby on the way? Be prepared when baby decides to enter the world. Our handy checklist of must-haves, suggestions, and a few nice-to-haves will ensure you’re all set for the big day. Child Magazine
start sooner rather than later By 37 weeks you should have made the majority of your purchases so that you can enjoy the last few weeks of pregnancy. This is especially important for your hospital bag because you never know when you might need it.
pack that bag
PHOTOGRAPH: ISTOCKPHOTO.COM
Try to have your bag packed by around week 36 of your pregnancy. Knowing you’ve got everything you need for your baby’s birth will make you feel more relaxed. Check with your hospital or birthing centre to see what they have available for your use while in labour.
Use this checklist to see you have all you need: prepared for labour A comfortable, loose-fitting nightie or T-shirt that you can wear during labour. A water bottle and some sweets. Any snacks or drinks you or your partner might like. Lip balm. Hairbrush. Warm socks (your feet may get very cold during labour). Massage equipment and any oils or creams. Heat pack. Camera and video camera (ask before you start taking video footage). Music to play during the birth of your baby.
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for hospital Some hospitals and birth centres supply all of baby’s needs while you are there, check what they supply and what you need to add. Remember to pack these essentials for your stay in hospital: 3 easy-to-open night clothes (for breastfeeding) 3 nursing bras, nipple cream and breast pads Dressing gown and slippers Toiletries and make-up kit Plenty of underwear, perhaps even some disposable 2–3 packs of maternity sanitary pads Day clothes and an outfit for leaving the hospital An outfit for baby when leaving the hospital: babygro, socks or booties,
magazine | cape town spring 2019
cardigan, beanie if cold, and a blanket for in the car. welcome home little one Budget for these essentials first. Besides nappies, nappy cream and all the other everyday necessities, here are the top 10 must-have baby items: pram/stroller/travel system car seat cot or bassinet baby carrier baby monitor first-aid kit breast pump nursing pillow baby/nappy bag bath changing table or compactum
find the best deal online There’s no need to pound the pavements, especially when you are heavily pregnant. Why not shop online? Your options are endless, from Gumtree and Facebook groups to top-of-the-range online baby stores. Try using a comparison site such as PriceCheck to find the best deal and compare prices and specifications online. Some items such as baby carriers, prams and camper cots should be seen or tried before being purchased. In these cases, you can start your search in-store and then compare online or vice versa. Try both large and small retailers, but well-stocked boutiques like Kids Emporium will have all your new baby needs.
nappies, nappies and more nappies If you find nappies on sale, buy them regardless of their size – even if you are still pregnant. You can never have too many nappies! PriceCheck has a handy Nappy Alert feature to make sure you receive
alerts when nappy prices drop. Also consider using environmentallyfriendly nappies, Faithful to Nature is just one great online source.
don’t break the bank The best products don’t necessarily need to cost a small fortune. Musthave items do not need to be expensive, top of the range or even brand new, there are often very good second-hand, barely worn items advertised for sale. Compare, shop around, ask for recommendations and deals on social media and join groups that meet both face-to-face and through online groups to find the guidance and support you need.
Buying a baby monitor? Here are our tips: childmag.co.za/content/baby-monitors
Some items such as baby carriers, prams and camper cots should be seen or tried before being purchased.
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dealing with difference
words don’t come easy
For dyslexic children, reading and sounding words is a huge challenge, but with perseverance and help, they can overcome this difficulty. juliet newberry
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magazine | cape town spring 2019
to turn those “I can’t do” statements into “I can do” and “I love to”. Over the past several years, I have had the wonderful opportunity to bring the best that learning science has to offer to many individuals struggling with their reading in the Johannesburg area.
what is dyslexia? The Yale Centre for Dyslexia and Creativity defines dyslexia as “an unexpected difficulty in reading in an individual who has the intelligence to be a much a better reader. While people with dyslexia are slow readers, they are often very fast and creative thinkers, with strong reasoning abilities”. Children with dyslexia often struggle with: 1. the sounds of letters 2. decoding words 3. knowing the phonetic code, such as the
PHOTOGRAPH: david baldow | unsplash
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an you imagine picking up a book and encountering text that is so difficult to read that not many words make sense? You look around and notice all the other children are giggling as they read, answering the teacher’s questions and seemingly enjoying the story that just makes no sense to you? This is the plight of 5–10% of children in school today. Some sources say that 17% of the world’s population have or may be identified with dyslexia. As an educator with family members who have been diagnosed with reading disabilities, I am all too familiar with the struggles that many learners encounter with reading text. I have also heard, way too many times, comments such as “I can’t do this”, “I am stupid” or “my brain is broken” among many other negative comments of defeat and pain from young learners. My educational career goal is
how to help your child long versus short vowel rule or when “c” should make a hard “k” sound as in “cat” versus a soft sound “s” as in “city” 4. auditory analysis spelling 5. reading the words To be a fluent reader, children need accuracy, speed and prosody: • accuracy: This involves reading words correctly. Students who have excessive miscues when they read, do not read with accuracy. • speed: The ability to recognise words automatically, without having to decode or process them. • prosody: This includes reading with feeling, intonation, phrasing and expression. This helps us to see that the child understands what they are reading.
at school Ensure that your child is receiving highly individualised and intensive instruction that explicitly and systematically teaches them the phonetic code through a well-designed and sequential curriculum. Speak to your child’s teacher, or the head of department if necessary. Find out if the school has a highly qualified professional to provide evidence-based reading interventions. You can also ask them about Response to Intervention (RTI.) RTI is a model of intervention that provides the child with general reading support in a smaller group with instruction typically being delivered by the general education teacher.
at home Make sure you provide enriching reading activities for your child: • notice your child’s strengths • celebrate every success • be honest with yourself and set realistic goals • read aloud to your child; it’s fun and helpful • keep your child engaged by reading together • pick books that your child loves • play rhyming games • build vocabulary through games such as 20 questions Remember that all children can learn to read. For some children, it may require just a little bit more work.
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WATCH VIDEO How to prepare your children for a digital future http://bit.ly/31WvCMj
the future is digital get your children ready
How do we prepare our children for a future we can’t predict? And careers we can’t even imagine? Here’s what you can do to get your children ready for Industry 4.0. Child magazine
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e live in a digitally disrupted world – where a tweet can tank an economy, where currencies are losing their value; where our digital footprints lead to our front door; and where climate is changing the financial landscape. The world as we know it has changed and nowhere more than in business, banking and money. This is the new frontier. The relentless pace of technological innovation is transforming the way we work and live. Developments in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, automation and robotics pose a threat to human jobs, but it’s not just menial and repetitive trades at risk. The ability to compute billions of data in seconds, without the influence of human emotion will supplant professions such as diagnostic medicine, accounting and actuarial science. Thankfully, though, the technologies that characterise the fourth industrial revolution will do more than simply replace existing jobs. They will also create new career opportunities and forever reshape the context of work in our lives.
new career paths will emerge The question that plagues parents and teachers is how can learners and scholars today prepare for such an increasingly uncertain future? What we know for sure is that to participate in the digitalised workplace of tomorrow, today’s youth will require a new set of skills and a vastly different approach to education. To help elucidate the dynamics at play and contextualise the skills that the younger generation requires to function in the future workplace, Investec sponsored an event at the South African College School (SACS) 16
magazine | cape town spring 2019
that hosted Sameer Rawjee as a keynote speaker. Rawjee is a founder of the Life Design Lab at Google and the current CEO of O-School, which helps companies design their organisation for the evolving workplace. He also helps South African schools adopt the Mars curriculum, an education programme that aligns with technology education standards and aims to prepare students for the future of work.
how to prepare your children for a digital future Rawjee explained to pupils, parents and teachers at the event that the impact of AI and other industry 4.0 technologies will reshape traditional career options for today’s youth. “We’re effectively trying to prepare our children for a new world of work where traditional careers may no longer exist, and new, previously unimagined options will emerge. It’s a world for which we have no knowledge or experience, which is enough to make anyone anxious. But I’m also hopeful that this uncertainty excites us, at least a little, for the many possibilities and opportunities it holds.” Our children’s ability to exploit these opportunities and thrive in a future technology-dominated world will depend on the skills and abilities we empower them with today. It is, therefore, pertinent to ask if our current formal education system, which is predicated on a predetermined set of outcomes, is sufficient to prepare them for this future?
how can schools future-proof children? Rawjee believes that the basic subjects of maths, science and biology will remain relevant. “These are building blocks of knowledge. Children
PHOTOGRAPH: ISTOCKPHOTO.COM
parenting
need this foundation to apply their acquired knowledge. If we’re always focused on the leaf of knowledge, we don’t know which branch it came from and we won’t know anything about the source of that knowledge – the trunk from which it extends or the soil from where it began. “We need to understand the entire ecosystem of first-principle thinking to know where knowledge came from and what it means. As such, there is still immense value in this kind of education, but is it enough?” According to Rawjee, the obvious answer is, no. “We also need to think about how we connect this knowledge, which is why some schools are introducing the STEAM syllabus – science, technology, engineering, mathematics and arts. This is based on the idea that technology is just a tool that humans apply. “However, you can only learn about humans through the arts and humanities. By adding the arts to our curriculums we are, in a sense, connecting all of these topics to determine how best to apply technology and layer this approach with new ideas.” In this context, it’s worth questioning whether a loss of jobs and traditional career paths deserves such concern because our current concept and understanding of work is an archaic social construct that emerged during the first industrial revolution.
career prototyping “We need to understand that there’s no specific career for which a child can prepare. We can only impart the skills needed to envisage and create different careers – what I call career prototyping,” explains Rawjee. This requires a focus on a concept he refers to as systems thinking. “It’s basically an understanding that the world is just a series of systems. When we understand that every subject is connected to every other topic within a bigger system, we can begin to organise information and deliver it in a school format that helps to connect the dots through systems thinking.” This is an essential skill required to function in an augmented world, where man increasingly works with machines, rather than being disintermediated by technology. This collaboration between machines and humans will enhance workplace efficiency and will free human resources from mundane and menial work to focus on areas that can add value to the business and redirect human intellect to work on tasks from which we can derive greater meaning and purpose. “This new workplace paradigm will fulfil the promise of work, giving humans the ability to be creative, express their ideas and spend their time building solutions that will move the world forward. Technology
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parenting
“Robinson’s five kinds of intelligences help us realise our greatest levels of human creativity. These aspects of intelligence are what future employers will look for in potential employees so that they can effectively navigate their future uncertain paths,” Rawjee explains. “In this regard, I wholeheartedly believe that if we focus on what it means to be human, follow our passion and think about and contemplate why we are here, then we will, without doubt, align our future trajectory with a career that will help us realise our best self and find true meaning in the world.”
will help us achieve this dream because all of the so-called grunt work will happen in the background by AI, which is truly exciting.” “Instead of thinking about a career in your particular craft for 30 years, you need to think about being multiskilled, independent and massively flexible in as many different working environments as possible,” says Marc Kahn, global head of organisational development and human resources at Investec. “So you think about yourself on a horizontal axis of capabilities rather than a vertical axis of specialisation. You need some specialisation, but the idea of being multiskilled and being able to work independently in different environments will be the differentiator for those who are more successful in the future,” says Kahn.
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magazine | cape town spring 2019
focus on what makes us uniquely human However, carving out man’s new niche in this technology-dominated world will require a focus on developing the human faculties that intelligent machines and robots can’t mimic or acquire,” states Rawjee. “We need to think about those attributes that make us human; that elevate us.” In this regard, Rawjee believes that our education programmes should focus on developing key aspects of human intelligence, as per the philosophy of education expert and author Sir Ken Robinson. He defined five kinds of intelligence that make us human. These include intellectual, emotional, physiological, intuitive and spiritual intelligence.
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Intellectual intelligence The capacity to reason and apply logic to solve problems and comprehend what we’re learning. This intelligence allows humans to make inferences or interpret what we’re reading and studying. Those are all aspects of cognition – of intellectual intelligence – which is what mainstream education, business and society deems important.
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Physiological intelligence Movement, activity and sport affects and contributes to our intellect and our thinking. The body and mind are interconnected, so what you eat and how (and how often) you move can determine or influence how smart you become.
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Intuitive intelligence In a world obsessed with data and evidence-based research, it is easy to lose our creativity. Without a keen sense of intuition, humans will fail to produce anything creative in this new world. The ability to make decisions without analysis is a distinctly human trait that we need to nurture.
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Emotional intelligence This is an aspect of intelligence that we know very little about – how it works in practice or how to develop it. What we know for certain is that it’s something we will need in our future society because we’ll work closely with other people to create and nurture partner, client and human relationships in a business world where technology increasingly takes care of everything outside of these human interactions.
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Spiritual intelligence Spiritual intelligence is about more than religion. It’s about the notion of spirit – that aspect of our being that makes us distinctly human, which goes beyond our mind-made self. This is the “higher self” that controls our thoughts and functions.
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let’s play
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top 14
outdoor toys
1 1. Custom-made playhouse by A-ZZZ Woodland. Available at a-zzzwoodland.co.za. 2. Baby Flamingo Float. Available from babycouture.co.za for R399. 3. Combination D Jungle Gym from Jungle Trix. Available from monkeytrix.co.za for R12 557 (do-it-yourself kit) or R15 417 (installed). 4. Indi Board by Wooden Elements. Available at woodenelements. co.za for R1 950.
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space saver
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5. My Fairy Garden – Fairy Flowerpot by Prima Toys. Available from Builders Warehouse and takealot.com for R249.99. 6. My Fairy Garden – Fairy Picnic Basket by Prima Toys. Available at Builders Warehouse and Toyzone for R269.99. 7. LEGO® Ideas Treehouse. Available at greatyellowbrick.co.za for R3 499.99. 8. Bumper Drone Mini by Prima Toys. Available at Toy Kingdom, Toyzone and West Pack Lifestyle for R799.99.
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magazine | cape town spring 2019
9 green fingers
12. Haba Sieve Roller by Young At Heart Toys for R336. 13. Quut Alto by Young at Heart Toys for R205. 14. Quercetti Tecno by Young At Heart Toys for R459. All available at youngathearttoys.co.za
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We all had a playroom growing up: it was called “outside�
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sand play 9. Varnished veggie box by Just for Kids. Available at justforkids.co.za for R799. 10. Pirate ship sandbox and slide by The Wood Workshop. Available at thewoodworkshop.co.za for R9 300. 11. Monster Jam 1:24 scale die cast vehicles by Just Fun Toys. Available from selected Checkers, Game, Makro, Toy Kingdom, Toy Zone and Toys R Us stores nationwide from R349.99.
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education
r, e d n , po
s s e r g o r
play
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There’s a new approach to learning, designed to improve critical thinking and problem-solving skills. MICHELLE MYBURGH
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uch has been written about the skills learners need to equip them to cope with the demands of society and life once they leave school. And there are certain skills that regularly appear on most educators’ lists: Complex problemsolving; critical thinking; creativity and imagination; collaboration and teamwork; and cognitive flexibility and adaptability. The International Baccalaureate, an examination written in many European countries and across the world, expects students to have been conditioned through their education to become enquirers,
thinkers, open-minded, risk-takers and reflective, among others. This demands new ways to expose children to and hone some of the skills mentioned above. And, this is exactly what the teaching staff at St Martin’s Preparatory School in Johannesburg have done with the introduction to the curriculum of puzzle challenges to both teachers and pupils.
puzzle period In 2018, it became apparent that the school’s newly-appointed executive headmaster enjoyed visiting various classes, particularly the
I find the puzzles challenging because I am impatient.
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They teach us to think differently.
mathematics classes and it was not unusual to have him suddenly appear and present the pupils with a quick puzzle or challenge to work through. These unexpected visits unnerved some, energised others and got some parents and pupils thinking. Perhaps it was the perplexed look on the children’s faces that led him to suggest the introduction of a puzzle period into the timetable. It was decided that Grade 4s would be exposed to various English puzzles, Grade 5s would play chess, Grade 6s would do number puzzles and Grade 7s coding. Every Wednesday, the Grade 4s tackle crosswords, crack codes, solve riddles, find words and try to decipher rebus puzzles. This helps to build vocabulary, improve spelling, expand general knowledge and develop comprehension skills while having fun. In Grade 5, playing chess assists with developing problem-solving skills and abstract reasoning using “if and then” scenarios. It also teaches calmness under pressure, patience, creative thinking, pattern recognition and strategic planning. Most importantly, it teaches pupils how to execute a strategy. All of these skills are essential for success in mathematics. The Grade 6 pupils tackle number puzzles including strategy games, puzzles and nonroutine problem-solving in mathematics, which develop skills such as numeric agility, complex problem-solving and persistence. Pupils in Grade 7 learn how to use basic computer programmes using Sketch. Coding enables pupils to gain logic and critical thinking skills. They learn what it’s like to approach a problem the way a software engineer does, with logical, computational thinking.
We really have to use our brains in the puzzle lessons!
education
The puzzles are helping me in maths.
Chess is teaching me to concentrate!
teachers learn too The school’s teaching staff are open to change and growth, so are developing the same skills as their pupils as they present these lessons. The teachers all believe in “never limiting the children you teach to your own knowledge”. Grade 6 teacher Nicole Bell says that this phrase turned a senior primary English teacher’s fear of maths puzzles into a challenge that, initially, she was terrified to undertake. The concepts and way of thinking were so far removed from her specialised subject that she questioned whether she would have the ability to teach the number puzzles. “For many teachers, our confidence lies in what we know, and we believe that it is our responsibility to transmit that very knowledge to the children in our care. However, what happens when you have to impart something to them that you have not even dipped your toe into? The answer, I found after battling with these puzzles in preparation for the lessons, was to not always seem like I had it all together. To question, to doubt, to struggle and to simply have no idea – is this not part of being human? “I realised that while teaching the pupils tenacity, perseverance and diligence
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through these lessons, I would be doing them an injustice if I did not share my own vulnerabilities with them. This meant that in every puzzle lesson, I would attempt the activity the children were completing. I would share my victories with them, ask for guidance from those who got it, and share my frustrations when I could not find an answer. This meant that we got to celebrate as a whole when a solution was found. “To teach ‘thinking’ is a difficult concept, but with this new approach to problemsolving, children are encouraged to think for themselves and pursue success at their own speed while learning through the entire process,” she says. Incorporating the puzzle period into the timetable ensures that all pupils are exposed to the challenges the lessons bring. “This has been a great way to bring play into the intermediate phase classrooms. At a recent IEB meeting, we were reminded about the importance of using games in our classrooms. We are regularly told that generation Z and Alpha pupils learn differently; this is probably why our pupils have become fully engaged in the puzzle lessons,” says Michelle Myburgh,
magazine | cape town spring 2019
Puzzles make us think a few steps ahead!
deputy head. ”Although still in the early stages of development, it can be said with confidence that both pupils and teachers alike have grown during these lessons and I look forward to seeing how it continues to elevate their thinking through the rest of the year. The comments from our pupils are a true indication that they are beginning to think about their thinking. Metacognition in action, how wonderful!” says Myburgh.
Connecting your family
The V-Kids Watch by Vodacom is a smartwatch designed for children that is connected to Vodacom’s mobile network, enabling parents to stay in contact with their child when they start to give them more independence. The device includes voice and emoji messaging to up to five designated contacts, an SOS alert, reminders and a number of pre-installed games. An accompanying app enables parents to monitor their child’s location, establish safe zones like their home and their school, with alerts if they leave that area, and disable games and messaging at times when the child should be distraction-free. Set little adventurers free with a smart watch that allows kids to explore while giving parents reassurance that they’re safe, even when they’re not nearby. V-Home by Vodacom is a highdefinition mobile security camera that automatically connects to Vodacom’s IoT network. This enables customers to set up continuous remote video monitoring of any location where there is 3G or 4G coverage.
V-Pet Tracker by Vodacom is a location and activity tracker for dogs and cats. Owners can track their pets using a combination of GPS and the mobile network and get smartphone alerts if their pet strays from a designated area. They can also use the activity monitor to track their pet’s movements and sleeping patterns.
recipes
sensational snacks We hope you find these recipes as fun to prep and eat as we did. Most of the recipes are adaptable to cater for specific allergies. Where appropriate, involve your children in the recipe prep and enjoy delicious allergy-friendly meal options!
meatball spiders 25 minutes Makes 12 • 1 gluten-free roll • coconut oil • 1 onion, chopped • 1 bay leaf • 600g mince • 1 egg • 1 tsp mustard • 1 tbsp chopped basil • salt and pepper, to taste • red and green bell peppers, sliced into strips, for serving • mayonnaise, for serving • capers, for serving Roughly chop the roll and soak in warm water. Heat the coconut oil in a pan and gently fry the chopped onion and bay leaf until the onion is soft, but not browned. Remove the bay leaf and mix the onion with the squeezed-out bread roll. Add the mince, egg, mustard, basil and salt and pepper. Mix well. Using wet hands, form into small meatballs and gently fry on all sides in coconut oil until cooked. To serve, arrange the meatballs on plates. Attach strips of the peppers to form “spider’s legs”, make eyes from dabs of mayonnaise and capers, and a mouth from a triangle of bell pepper attached with mayonnaise. A fun recipe to prep and eat. Gluten- and dairy-free, but does contain egg as a binder (can be replaced with an egg replacer). Use egg-free mayo for egg-allergic children. Allergens: egg
about the book
Allergy Sense – for families: a practical guide contains over 70 easy and quick to prepare recipes using simple, allergen-free ingredients. Compiled by Meg Faure, Dr Sarah Karabus and Kath Megaw, the book is an excellent guide for all those living with food allergies. Published by Quivertree Publications, the book is available at leading bookstores for R395. Visit quivertreepublications.com
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magazine | cape town spring 2019
pavlova pudding 1 hour 35 minutes Serves 4 to 8 • 375g + 2 tbsp castor sugar • 6 large egg whites • 2½ tsp cornflour • ¼ tsp ground black pepper • 2 tsp white wine vinegar • ½ tsp rose water • 300g strawberries, chopped (adding blueberries optional) • 6 granadillas, halved and pulp strained • 300ml double cream, or dairy-free Orley Whip
raspberry yoghurt with dairy-free dark chocolate chip ice-cream 40 minutes, plus 4 hours freezing Serves 8 • 400g raspberries • ¾ cup natural yoghurt • 2 tbsp lemon juice • ¾ cup icing sugar or equivalent stevia granules • 2 cups whipping cream • 100g dairy-free dark chocolate chips
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Add the castor sugar to the egg whites gradually, while whisking fast. Fold in the cornflour, ground black pepper, white wine vinegar and rose water. Draw a ± 22 cm circle onto wet paper. Dollop the meringue mixture onto the circle. Smooth the sides and top, and place in the oven. Immediately turn down the heat to 150°C and bake for 1 hour. Add the chopped strawberries to a bowl, then pour over the granadilla juice, add the additional 2 tbsp castor sugar and mix. Whip the double cream or Orley Whip and smooth on top of the baked meringue base. Spoon over the strawberry mix. This recipe will always contain egg and there is no replacement for this ingredient. However, using Orley Whip will make this dessert dairy-free. Allergens: dairy and egg
Wash the raspberries, then drain well. Purée with the yoghurt and lemon juice, and add the icing sugar to taste. Fold about ½ cup cream into about 1/3 of the raspberry purée. Mix the remaining cream with the rest of the raspberry purée. Pour the lighter raspberry cream into 6–8 clean yoghurt cups. Freeze for about 30 minutes. Remove the cups from the freezer and place a wooden stick in each. Pour in the remaining raspberry cream and dairy-free dark chocolate sprinkles. Freeze for 3–4 hours. Shortly before serving, place the yoghurt cups into hot water then carefully push the ice-cream out of the yoghurt cup onto a plate. Serve immediately. An easy-to-make yummy nut-, egg- and gluten-free dessert. To make it dairy-free, replace the chocolate chips with dairy-free dark chocolate chips, replace the yoghurt with soya yoghurt and the cream with Orley Whip. Allergens: dairy
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parenting
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s we enter the home stretch for the students of 2019, there is often an increase in anxiety, which affects not just the children, but also their parents and the family surrounding them. Exam time is one of those times where some anxiety is to be expected, given the emphasis placed on exams, especially the matric exams. But, what about those who aren’t actually writing the exams, yet are still feeling the pressure and its effects? We know that anxiety can be difficult for a child to manage alone – it often overflows and affects those closest to them, so don’t be surprised if this exam period leaves you, the parent, feeling more stressed out and tense than your child.
crunch time The stress of exams can affect the whole family, here’s how to manage it so everyone stays calm and focused. Talya Ressel
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routine: During exam time do not give up on all rules, expectations or responsibilities you have set for your child. While you can make adjustments due to their study requirements, it is important that you keep up some consistency. This creates containment for their anxiety and also encourages the child to learn to balance their needs with other expectations of them. It also takes some of the pressure off. While these exams are important, they are not the “be all and end all” and the results are not the sole reflection of their abilities. Also, maintaining some of your normal routine and boundaries will reduce anxiety for the rest of the family.
PHOTOGRAPH: ISTOCKPHOTO.COM
5 tips for managing exam anxiety
encourage proper self-care: It is important for your child to get enough sleep and proper nutrition, take breaks and have adequate exercise. Anxiety is fuelled when we stop taking care of ourselves, and while it may be tempting (or feel necessary) to forget everything else to try cram in some studying, it can actually have a negative effect on children’s wellbeing. The secret is to maintain a healthy balance, even more so when under stress. Some children prefer to study at night, while others prefer early mornings – it’s ok for their sleep cycle to differ from yours, as long as they are getting at least 7–8 hours of sleep. And make sure the rest of the family is practising self-care too! discuss coping strategies: Before crunch time hits, ask children what support they would like from you and encourage them to think of helpful ways to reduce their stress. You can prepare a list of options to help remind them when the anxiety starts rising. These strategies can include belly breathing; going for a walk; listening to their favourite song; blowing bubbles (yes, all ages will find it relaxing); drinking a cup of tea/ hot chocolate in silence; or a big hug. Parents can make use of these strategies too and model how they are managing their own stress. listening, but not getting sucked into the story: With anxiety, it is easy to get stuck in “all or nothing” thinking such as “I will never pass this exam”, “I answered every question wrong”, or “I have totally messed
up”, or “I have not studied at all”. It’s not helpful to dismiss concerns by saying everything will be fine, but what parents can do is listen to their concerns and acknowledge how hard it may feel at that moment. Children need to be reminded that they won’t always feel like this and that you are here for them, no matter what. Remembering that your child’s life will not solely be defined by these exams will also help reduce parents’ anxiety. control: For many parents, their own anxiety can skyrocket during these exams because of the lack of control they have over the situation. How much and when the child studies, how they apply themselves and what the outcome will be are some of the big things parents can’t control. And that can be terrifying! Nagging can often be a result of your anxiety, but it is not helpful to the child – it only puts more pressure on them or makes them resistant. As discussed above, there are some things that you can do to support and guide them. No doubt you will have already done many things in the years leading up to this that will have a positive impact, but right now, you have to take a step back and let them fly. It’s not easy, for you or them, but by helping them manage the stress and anxiety these exams bring, you are helping them master important coping tools for life. And that I believe is far more valuable than any maths equation or history date!
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tech
social media, the dangers and the law The world of social media can hold many dangers for naïve children as well as legal implications. Here’s what you need to know to protect your child.
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ould you drop off your child at the park and leave them unattended for a few hours? Most parents would answer “no”, so why do we allow our children on social media and online spaces without monitoring their activity? As a mother of 5- and 8-year-old children, I know that every parent wants to protect their children from any harm. However, there seems to be a big absence of informed parenting in the digital age, or simple ignorance, in South African homes with regard to the effects of social media, the dangers facing children on social media and the law. The internet has a wealth of knowledge and benefits for education, socialisation and connectivity. It is a great tool for children if used in a safe and positive way, however, as with anything in life, there are also dangers that parents and children need to be aware of. Most parents do not know even know what cyberbullying, sexting, online grooming, cyberstalking or catfishing is! Children are not monitored online, are not taught online safety and are gifted by parents with the latest smart devices and mobile phones, then left to explore the internet and social media at their leisure. The result, of course, is high exposure to inappropriate and violent content online, vulnerability or risk of social media offences being committed against children, and children committing social media offences. To a large extent, most adults are ignorant of the legal implications of their own actions on social media. Statistics and experience have shown that 95% of parents are completely in the dark regarding the social media dangers facing their children, the age limits of the various platforms, the legal implications of their children’s actions on social media and online safety. Children and parents are often unaware that children can be held legally liable for their actions. The law defines a child as “a person under the age of 18 years old”.
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magazine | cape town spring 2019
PHOTOGRAPH: todd trapani | unsplash.COM
Diana Schwarz
In South Africa, children from the age of 7 can be sued in the name of their parent or legal guardian, while children aged 11–18 can be sued in their own name with the assistance of a parent or guardian and are deemed to be legally liable for their actions; they can be sued civilly or charged criminally. Children from 11 years up to 14 years of age have criminal capacity and the onus to prove criminal capacity on the part of the child accused of having committed a crime, rests with the State. Children
older than 14 years have criminal capacity unless otherwise proven by the accused child. The age for users to create accounts on most social media platforms is generally 13 years old. This includes Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp etc. Some platforms require the consent of parents/guardians.
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danger lurks in cyberspace
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Below are some of the most important dangers facing children on social media. • Their personal information (names, schools they attend, birthdays etc.) is made known to strangers. This can be used to gain access to children. • Catfishing: Fake online profiles can trick children into thinking they are talking to children of their own age and child predators can gain access to victims. • Cyberbullying: Bullying that takes place online and on social media platforms through electronic devices. There are some alarming statistics of child suicides directly linked to cyberbullying and rising from as young as 9 years old. • Cyberstalking: Online harassment and stalking across social media platforms. • Online grooming: Adult/child predators using fake profiles or even their own profiles to form relationships with children over a long
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period of time for the purposes of later having a sexual relationship with the child or abducting the child. Sexting: Any naked or nude pictures of a child (a person under the age of 18) is child pornography. Keeping and sending naked pictures is deemed as being in possession of and distributing child pornography (a criminal offence). Kidnappings/abductions: These can occur through catfishing, online grooming, and personal information being made known online. Human trafficking: Almost every situation of human trafficking can be linked to some element of social media.
Schools all over South Africa are dealing with a high rate of cyberbullying both on and off the school grounds. Schools need to have proper social media policies in place to deal with all aspects of social media, use of devices or mobile phones and disciplinary action for social media offences, among others. Parenting in the digital age or the fourth industrial revolution can be a daunting task. The internet and social media is not going anywhere, so parents need to ramp up their skills to navigate this new digital era. Diana Schwarz is a social media lawyer and child’s rights activist. She provides social media educational talks to learners and parents at schools. dianaschwarzattorneys.co.za
5 top tips to keep your children safe online
Know what social media platforms your child is active on and what games your child is playing online. Be aware of age restrictions and read the T & Cs of each social media platform. Age restrictions are in place for a reason. Children need a certain level of emotional maturity
to process the content they are exposed to. Ensure privacy settings are secure on each platform your child is on, and make sure you know how to install them. Install parental control software on all devices. There are free apps that
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can help you filter inappropriate content, monitor your child’s activity online and set time limits. Ensure that screen time is limited, this includes TV, all devices and gaming. Psychologists’ research shows that two hours per day is the appropriate amount of screen time daily.
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getaways
Much thought has gone into catering for the needs of younger guests. Erin loved being able to choose her own meals from the childfriendly menu, offering staples such as chicken nuggets and pizza. I have to confess, I also sampled some of the children’s food as it was so beautifully prepared. Spaghetti Bolognaise has never tasted so good. Meanwhile, Craig and I were as spoiled with our menu options, which included traditional dishes such as bobotie and a selection of the most sumptuous desserts I have ever tasted. We were unable to enjoy a braai in the boma due to the poor weather, but this option usually includes storytelling and roasted marshmallows under the stars for the children.
There were plenty of other activities to keep us all entertained. Erin loved exploring the skull garden – a trail populated with plants and bone relics from animals found on the reserve. The Kids Centre, with its puzzles, books and massive chalk wall, proved to be the ideal spot to regroup after a few hours exploring the reserve. Erin particularly enjoyed adding her artistic touch to the mural. Part of being “Kids on Safari” entailed placing their handprints on a statue of a lion as a pledge to preserve wildlife. The children were presented with certificates and badges certifying their status as rangers and eco-warriors when we left. Although not heated, there is an outdoor swimming pool with a shallow end that is suitable for children. Children older than 16 years are able to go on guided wilderness walks. Only children over the age of four may join the game drives, which take place twice a day. There’s something quite exhilarating about driving along a rocky path, in a bumpy fourwheel drive, searching for the white lion or a shy giraffe. I wondered if my children, accustomed to being entertained, would see the beauty of just being out in the open, with no phone filter or barrier between them and some of the Big Five game. I need not have worried. Conor soon declared, after spotting a herd of elephants at a watering hole alongside our vehicle, that Sanbona was his “most amazing experience ever – even better than sushi”. They both enjoyed training their binoculars on the rocky outcrops, looking for the flash of white that would signal the presence of the reserve’s elusive white lions. We did eventually spot them, albeit only in the distance. However, we were able to see buffalo, hippopotamuses, gemsbok and even a jackal, among others.
A quiet moment at the Welcome Lounge, before our drive to the Gondwana Family Lodge.
Erin places her handprint on the lion to pledge her commitment to nature conservation.
a game experience – no screens required Looking for a getaway that offers luxury, relaxation and a rare opportunity to see the Big Five in the wild? We’ve found just the place, and it’s only a three-hour drive from Cape Town.
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ocated in the heart of the Little Karoo, and spanning 58 000 hectares, the vast spaces of the Sanbona Wildlife Nature Reserve provide the ideal environment for families to connect not only with each other, but also with nature. This was not my first visit to Sanbona. My husband, Craig, and I spent a relaxing weekend at the Dwyka Tented Camp nine years ago, when I was pregnant with our first child. Now, with two children in tow, aged seven and eight, we were thrilled to experience our first African safari as a family at a place that already holds so many warm memories. This time we stayed at the Gondwana Family Lodge, which has a dedicated Kids’ Centre and offers complimentary childminding facilities. The lodge has also introduced a Family Getaway Experience, available until 20 December 2019, that makes younger guests feel a part of the safari experience while teaching them about wildlife conservation. We arrived on what happened to be “World Giraffe Day”, so Erin and Conor were treated to giant, giraffe-shaped biscuits to munch on while we checked in. They also received a welcome pack that included a Sanbona backpack and interactive booklet, filled with information about the animals they could expect to encounter during their stay. 34
PHOTOGRAPHs: Anél Lewis | wynand malan
ANÉL LEWIS
magazine | cape town spring 2019
need to know
Our ranger, Roman, patiently answered our children’s many questions and made sure to involve them in searching for the animals. He even indulged my children’s sudden fascination with animal excrement, in all shapes and forms, and did not flinch when this culminated in an impromptu game of “stomp on the dung” during one of our refreshment stops. This “pit stop” on the sunset drive, complete with snacks and a sundowner, was a great opportunity to chat to the other guests – many of whom come from overseas to experience one of South Africa’s largest privately-owned game reserves. Gondwana’s 12 suites, as well as the main dining and lounge areas, have been revamped. Each unit comes with a sleeper couch, ideal for a child, and there are interleading rooms to accommodate larger families. Our children relished the independence of having their own space, even though we were just down the passage. Again, the beauty of Sanbona is really the attention to detail – a mini Nespresso coffee
machine in each room, cookies for the children and water next to our beds at night. The suites open onto a sheltered patio, with breathtaking views of the reserve. Removed from the lights of the city, the night sky above our room was awash with stars. Not once did Conor ask for his iPad or television – a first for my screen-obsessed son. Erin wanted to experience as much as she could; even overcoming her claustrophobia to spend three-and-a-half minutes in the sauna room. Next time we visit, she wants to try out the children’s spa treatments – she has her heart set on the “Chocolate Facial”. We were only at Sanbona for two nights, but it felt as if we had been on a week-long retreat. This was largely thanks to the special attention and care we all received from everyone at Gondwana. We had hardly been dropped off at the Welcome Lounge, at the entrance to Sanbona, to collect our car, when Conor asked when we were coming back.
• Located in a malaria-free area. • Offers guests a choice of four different lodges and camps. Besides Gondwana, the Dwyka Tented Lodge accommodates 18 guests in nine luxury tents with private jacuzzis, ideal for couples. Tilney Manor caters for 12 guests in six spacious openplan suites leading on to private verandas. The Explorer Camp, operating during summer, offers a walking experience for up to six guests, older than 16 years, while sleeping in luxury tents. sanbona.com
The Gondwana Family Lodge.
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how-to
spring is in the air This action plan will help you get rid of the clutter quickly and efficiently. Lucille Kemp
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Before you get started, remember: • Be precise – set your timer and once the alarm has sounded move on to the next room. • Avoid doing finicky things such as cleaning or hammering in hooks – you are decluttering and organising. • You’ll need recycling bags, biodegradable refuse bags, large labelled storage containers, preferably see-through, and a head full of resolve to get rid of anything that you are sentimental or indecisive about (but were only reminded of when you came across it).
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magazine | cape town spring 2019
PHOTOGRAPHs: unsplash.com
ou’ve woken up on a Saturday morning, knowing you’ve blocked off the day to organise your kitchen, bathroom, living areas, bedrooms and garage, so now what? Rather than getting bogged down by the thought of an unending day of admin, win the mind game by giving yourself 40 to 60 minutes in each room, depending on how desperately your home needs decluttering. This time cap will afford you just enough time to decide what you don’t need and absolutely no time to secondguess yourself.
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Have four large containers ready for the room you are tackling, labelled Keep, Donate/Sell, Recycle, and Move. The items in Move are strays things from other parts of the house that need to move back to their original place. The items labelled Keep, are those that belong, but have landed up in the wrong part of the room.
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Tackle one shelf, drawer, counter or cupboard at a time and sort it in its entirety. Each item will either be pulled onto the nearest surface area, ready to be stacked neatly back in the space you are working on, go in one of the four marked containers, or be thrown away.
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Throw away items go into heavy-duty black refuse bags. The bags will not only hold lots of broken or discarded items, but will also keep items “out of sight, out of mind”. This includes anything you haven’t used, worn or thought about in the last year.
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Only once you have decluttered all the zones in the room should you reorganise the space using that Keep container and the items that are ready to be stacked back.
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Contain the madness by finding a place for all the items laying around. Yes, it may be used daily, but it’s clogging your countertops and floors, so create realistic homes for all of them – if your blush brush, eyeliner and lipstick continuously end up on the bathroom basin counter, then perhaps move them from your dressing table to the bathroom cabinet. Loved toys should be scooped into easy-to-reach baskets, keys put back on those unused hooks and loose change placed in bowls. It becomes easier to find homes for all the items, once you’ve discarded stuff, as there’ll be more space for storage – this is vital for sound home organisation.
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books
a good read Recommended reads about dealing with difference, emotions and social issues.
Perfectly Different By Sarah Tavola (Struik, R90) The Child Mag team is a huge fan of this book! It’s a delightful tale, written in rhyme, about a little boy asking his mother a series of questions about why all his friends are so different – in appearance and character. Each time, his mother explains that they are all as beautiful and wonderful as one another, and perfect as they are. The subtle message is that we should embrace individuality and respect difference. Complementing the story are bright and charming illustrations from Sinan Hallak, showing children of various genders, ethnicity and styles of dress and behaviour.
It’s splendid,” Mama laughed, “to wear whatever feels right. Whether it’s pyjamas in the day or an overcoat at night.
The Gift of the Sun – a tale from South Africa By Dianne Stewart (Lincoln, R150) When Thulani tires of having to milk his cow, he exchanges it for a goat, the goat for a sheep, the sheep for three geese, until all he has left are some sunflower seeds. But then the seeds feed the hens, the hens lay more eggs, and before long Thulani is enjoying good fortune – the gift of the sun.
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Cammy Chameleon By Lea Wowra (Don Nelson Publishers, R70) Cammy Chameleon is a Cape Dwarf Chameleon living in Cape Town, South Africa. Like you, she loves to spend time with her friends, especially with Casper Chameleon, whom she visits after school. Fearless as she is, Cammy likes to explore and wander around the nature reserve, until one day, she encounters a terrifying animal, or does she?
magazine | cape town spring 2019
Happy Yosh By Pauline Gerson (Smart Emotions, R110) This book provides an important building block for emotional intelligence by helping our younger generation (3–7 years) to recognise and understand their emotions. It is designed as an interactive reading experience, individually, or as a group, with question time for children to stop and think about their own emotions. Order online smartemotions.co.za
for us ... Saving My Sons – a journey with autism By Ilana Gerschlowitz with Marion Scher (Bookstorm, R328) Ilana and Martin Gerschlowitz are an ordinary middle-class South African family – young, newly married with bright, promising futures. Ilana falls pregnant and gives birth to David, a happy, healthy baby boy. At 10 months old, David suffers recurring ear infections, and at 11 months old a terrible fever sends him to hospital. David’s behaviour abruptly changes – he no longer looks at his parents, his motor and budding language skills disappear, and the light in his eyes dims. It is the beginning of a journey with autism that few parents would ever want to encounter. Saving my Sons is the journey of transforming the immobilising emotions of fear and desolation into a mother’s unwavering determination to help her son overcome the seemingly impenetrable impact of autism and how this, in turn, has impacted on other children and families with the condition.
Raising Boys in the twenty-first century By Steve Biddulph (Harper Collins, R415) A bestseller that has become one of the much-loved and most successful books in the parenting field. With some startling new research on what helps – and what harms – boys. In this expanded and updated edition, Steve Biddulph shares and gives practical and honest advice to parents so they can recognise the different stages of boyhood and learn how to raise happy, confident and kind young men. Home, society and education have failed boys badly – and these failures lead to unhappy men who cannot fully become responsible,
Every Parent’s Nightmare – a practical guide for dealing with child abuse By Bruna Dessena (Quickfox Publishing, R180) An important insight into the physical and emotional signs of abuse and the children most at risk of being abused, how paedophiles groom children and the different types of abuse. The book also covers the legal aspects – what should be done when you find out, how you can best support the child emotionally, and what happens in a court of law. The Sexual Offences Act and the Children’s Act are also included in the book to empower parents, teachers and caregivers to know the child’s rights and what can be expected from the legal system in South Africa. This edition introduces new chapters on internet predators, cyberbullying, and more information on different types of abuse, such as “familial abuse”.
emotionally-confident adults. While it is essential that boys spend more time learning about manhood from their fathers, Biddulph updates his classic to include helpful information for mothers and single mothers with baby boys. He also explores some important topics such as: • how ADHD may be caused by stress in the first year of life • whether boys should start school later than girls • how important it is to let boys cry • how crying helps avoid violence, suicide, and risky behaviour • two completely new stages of boyhood we didn’t know about – the full-on fours and the emotional eights • help for single mothers raising sons. • how to choose a sport that does more good than harm • what we can do about boys and binge drinking. • what science can tell us about teenage boys and driving – and how we can keep our sons safe. Raising Boys offers parents real-life situations, thought-provoking insights, humour and help.
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calendar
what’s on this spring For more events go to childmag.co.za/whats-on or submit an event for our summer issue before 1 November to capetown@childmag.co.za
27 August (every Tuesday) Moms and Mites An awesome opportunity for moms to adventure and craft in a beautiful outdoor space. Venue: Tokai Country Club, next to The Range Cost: R125 per afternoon or R800 per term (8 sessions) Contact: Linda 083 289 5915, linda@ heartlandadventure.co.za
provide access to six events. (Day passes for 8 September cost R100 with access to four events). A full festival pass costs R600 and gives access to 30 events. Bookings can be made at webtickets.co.za Contact: openbookfestival.co.za
1 September Steenberg Spring Trail Run Join this trail run that takes you on a 5km or 10km loop (run or walk) through the Constantia vineyards. There will be plenty of water and wine refreshment stations en route. Breakfast treats and piping hot coffee available for purchase before the start and during the course of the morning. Venue: Steenberg Wine Estate Time: 7am–1pm Cost: R180 per person. Children under 12 enter for free Contact: Heather Poulos 021 713 2211, heather@steenbergfarm.com or steenbergfarm.com
4–8 September Open Book Festival Join the Book Lounge and the Fugard Theatre for the ninth Open Book Festival, there’s fun for everyone with a range of inspiring events for younger visitors. The festival creates a platform to celebrate South African writers, host top international authors, as well as striving to instill a love of reading among young attendees. Venue: Various, consult the programme for details Time: Various, consult the programme for details Cost: Ticket prices start at R45. There are some free events. Festival day passes cost R150 and 40
Suitable for the entire family. Free parking. Meal and games tickets can be purchased with cash or Zapper on the day. Venue: Gaia Waldorf School, Oude Molen Eco Village, Alexandra Road, Pinelands Time: 10am–3pm Cost: Everyone is invited to receive free tickets via Quicket from 1–30 August, thereafter it will cost R10 per person Contact: The school secretary 021 447 0546, info@gaiaspringfayre.co.za or gaiaspringfayre.co.za
The Vine School’s Festival of Theatre
6–8 September Peppa Pig Live More fun than a muddy puddle as the Peppa Pig Live tour returns to South Africa with Peppa Pig’s Big Day Out. It’s guaranteed laughter, cheering and dancing as Peppa sets out to find lost friends, Polly Parrot and Mr. Dinosaur. Join Peppa, George, Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig and more in a fantastic adventure filled with buckets of surprises, everyone’s favourite songs and plenty of muddy puddles! Venue: Artscape Opera House Time: Various Cost: From R99 (limited), discounted family specials also available, book at online. computicket.com
7 September Annual Spring Fayre Gaia Waldorf School is holding its 19th annual Spring Fayre. Come and enjoy a feast of food (including vegetarian and halaal options), shop for Waldorf all-natural crafts, second-hand clothing, books and household goods and participate in the games and entertainment.
magazine | cape town spring 2019
At this year’s Festival of Theatre there will be performances by the Grade 3–7 students including Shakespeare’s Hamlet in seven short acts, Romeo and Juliet in five short acts, two sonnets and an Elizabethan dance. This promises to be a most enjoyable and entertaining show. Venue: Golden Grove Primary School, 26 Stuart Road, Claremont Time: 3pm–6pm Cost: R30 for children (12 years and under) and R60 for adults Contact: 021 696 3220 for bookings
Western Cape Junior Magician Championships Hosted by the College of Magic, this annual battle of the wands sees the Western Cape’s top teen magiciains face off at the ultimate provincial magical showdown. There are two categories: the intimate and bespoke art of close-up magic and the spectacular grandeur of stage magic. Suitable for children aged 4–18. Venue: Bergvliet High School, Cape Town Time: 4pm for the close-up magic contest followed by the stage magic contest at 7pm Cost: A ringside seat ticket is available at R100 with discounts available for family bookings
talking Italian
Italian playgroups
31 August Stellenbosch Slow Market This popular local market – Stellenbosch’s first and oldest – reopens for the spring and summer season. On opening day, market visitors will be treated to a special live performance by the acclaimed South African Youth Choir. A selection of trader stalls will present their own #Springmarket offerings for market visitors to purchase and peruse.
Buy one ticket, valid for both shows – book at quicket.co.za Contact: 021 683 5480, info@collegeofmagic. com or collegeofmagic.com
SING! Choir Extravaganza The Ndlovu Youth Choir is coming to Cape Town to entertain fans in the SING! Choir Extravanganza. Music lovers can look forward to a world-class music production with a diverse programme by four of SA’s best choirs. Joining the Ndlovu Youth Choir on stage are the Tygerberg Children’s Choir, the Libertas Choir and the Cape Town Youth Choir. The Ndlovu Youth Choir is known for their energetic performance of Afro-pop classics, traditional music and original compositions. Venue: Grand Arena, GrandWest Time: 6:30pm–10:30pm Cost: R200–R350 Contact: Razelle Galant 021 975 4440, sing@agriexpo.co.za or singsa.co.za
Artisanal foods, live music, handmade art and creative fashion experiences await. There is ample parking and the market is child- and dog-friendly (remember to keep your pooch on a leash). Venue: Oude Libertas Estate, Stellenbosch and Willowbridge Lifestyle Centre, Tygervalley Time: 9am–2pm Cost: Free entry Contact: accounts@slowmarket.co.za or slowmarket.co.za
7–8 September Hey Baby Fair This fair offers unique and exciting products and services for bump, mum, baby and child. Enjoy a day of shopping in a relaxed environment. There’ll be food and drink stalls, entertainment, and a host of activities at the kids’ corner. Venue: D’Aria Durbanville Time: 9am–5pm (Sat) and 10am–4pm (Sun) Cost: R40. Children under 16 enter free Contact: heybabyfair.co.za
Fedhealth MTB Challenge Mountain bikers of all ages and fitness levels can join in a weekend of MTB and family fun at Boschendal Farm. The trails are designed to challenge riders of all experience levels as they make their way along the spectacular vineyards. Also on offer are awesome goodie bags, Kids’ Zone, food trucks and entertainment. Venue: Boschendal Farm, Franschhoek Time: From 8am
Learning Italian is fun: playing, singing, acting and baking with an Italian teacher. Playgroup for toddlers aged 12–36 months Date and times: 7 October to 13 December, Fridays 10am–11:30am Cost: R830 Playgroup for pre-schoolers aged 3–6 years Date and times: 7 October to 13 December, Mondays 3pm–4:30pm Cost: R730
Italian language classes Small classes with mother tongue teachers: introduction to reading and writing in Italian while having fun. Italian for children aged 6–7 years Date and times: 7 October to 13 December, Mondays 4pm–5pm Cost: R730 Italian for children aged 8–10 years Date and times: 7 October to 13 December, Mondays 3pm–4pm Cost: R730
Italian holiday programme Playing, singing, acting, baking with an Italian teacher suitable for children aged 3–6 years. Date and times: 25–27 September, 9am–12:30pm Cost: R1 000 Venue: Dante Alighieri Society, 137 Hatfield Street, Gardens Contact 021 465 8261, info@ ladante.co.za or ladante.co.za
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14 September Spring Festival Join the fun: puppet shows, children’s games and crafts, candle dipping, and circus skills workshops. Tea garden and stalls filled with deli foods, homemade breads, biscuits and cakes. Plus plants, wooden toys, soft toys and books on sale. Get a relaxing foot message and listen to live piano entertainment. Venue: Christian Community, 39 Timour Hall Road, Plumstead Time: 9am–1pm Contact: 021 762-0450 or christianco@ telkomsa.net
16–21 September Clean-up and Recycle Week Cost: Fedhealth members and dependants enter free. R375 (60km marathon), R275 (30km half-marathon), R175 (15km family ride) and R100 (kids ride) Contact: Stillwater Sports on 082 991 0045, entries@stillwatersports.com or stillwatersports.com
10–15 September STOMP In this wildly entertaining international show, highly-talented performers take the audience on a journey through sound, where rhythm is the only language. STOMP is a unique combination of percussion, dance and physical comedy, suitable for the whole family. Venue: Artscape Theatre Time: Various Cost: R105–R300 from online.computicket.com
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Support the local plastics industry in cleaning up the environment and removing plastic litter from rivers, streams, oceans and neighbourhoods during annual Clean-up and Recycle SA Week. Communities, businesses, schools and environmental groups are encouraged to host their own clean-ups in the areas where they work, live or play. Where possible, Plastics SA will donate branded garbage disposal bags and advise on how to organise a clean-up and where and how to recycle. Contact: cleanupandrecycle.co.za, or plasticsinfo.co.za.
21, 22 September George Strawberry Festival This festival offer families a fun-filled weekend packed with live performances by local artists, outdoor activities, sports, adventure, the adult Strawberry Eat-off and
magazine | cape town spring 2019
strawberry picking. There’s a kids playpark, a beer garden, trail runs (5km and 9km), a fitness competition, a hedge maze, an outdoor market and a celebrity chef demonstration. Venue: Redberry Farm, George Time: 9am–5pm (Sat 21 Sept) and 9am–4pm (Sun 22 Sept) Cost: R55 (adults) and R25 (children 3–12 years). Free entry to children under three Contact: 044 870 7123 or strawberryfestival.co.za
23–28 September Goldilocks and the Three Bears This delightful children’s classic follows the adventure of Goldilocks in the forest before her birthday. Her grandfather is organising a birthday party for Goldilocks. Goldilocks get lost in the woods and stumbles across a house belonging to the three bears. With nobody home, Goldilocks goes inside and makes herself at home. The three bears come home to find their visitor fast asleep with hilarious consequences. This enchanting fairytale classic is full of laughter, audience participation and is great fun for the whole family to enjoy. Venue: Nassau Theatre, Groote Schuur High School, 76 Palmyra Road, Newlands Time: 10:30am Cost: R90, book at online.computicket.com Contact: Elton on 083 364 8284/ 021 558 2650, lilliputtheatre@gmail.com or lilliputplayers.co.za
26, 27 September Camouflage Fun Play camouflage in the Braille forest, learn interesting facts about birds, mimicry, colour
in nature and camouflage. There’ll be a scavenger hunt and sorting games, stories and craft activities. Suitable for nature lovers aged 5–12, limited to 20 children. Venue: Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, enter through gate 1 Time: 9am–1pm Cost: R600 for both days, includes all materials and entrance fees Contact: 082 535 0838 naturenetwork3@ gmail.com or ecoadventurers.co.za
28 September, 26 October, 30 November Super Saturdays Bring the children to participate in a morning of adventure. Activities include drum beat songs, fun “get-to-know-me games” and an Amazing Race, which will incorporate all sorts of crazy activities and challenges. Light snacks will be provided for snack time. Venue: Tokai Country Club, next to The Range Cost: R195 Contact: Linda 083 289 5915, linda@ heartlandadventure.co.za
5 October SARDA Open Garden Spend some time wandering through the garden, refreshments are available in the Tea Garden and Pride of Madeira plants will be available for sale. Proceeds to the SA Riding for the Disabled Association. Venue: Water Oak Farm, Klein Constantia Road, Constantia Time: 9am–5:30pm Cost: R30
20 September Sunflower Day Support the Sunflower Fund’s annual Sunflower Day campaign. The campaign, which is anchored by the sale of the multipurpose Tube of Hope (TOPE), is aimed at raising funds for the recruitment of blood stem cell donors for patients diagnosed with life-threatening blood diseases like leukaemia. The TOPE comes in six vibrant colours each symbolising hope and depicting a specific ‘HopeTag’. Hope tags are a series of hash tags that will be used throughout the campaign as labels that unite and empower. Get your favourite hope tag colour from Pick n Pay stores nationwide, selected independent pharmacies and online at Zando and make a statement in support of individuals with blood diseases. Retailing for R30, TOPES go on sale from 1 August. To pre-order your TOPE or to partner with The Sunflower Fund as a host for a Sunflower Day celebration event contact Traci Sassenberg 021 701 0661 or traci@sunflowerfund.org.za
6 October College of Magic’s World of Magic! The College’s latest production – World of Magic – will whisk audiences through a fantastical world filled with illusions, dazzling magic, hilarious antics and fun-filled fantasy from some of the city’s exceptional entertainers, illusionists, clowns and jugglers. Venue: Artscape Theatre Time: 6:30pm Cost: R165 with discounts for family bookings. Book at online.computicket.com Contact: 021 683 5480, info@collegeofmagic. com or collegeofmagic.com
26 October Under African Stars Fair Celebrate 100 years of Waldorf Education at this “Under African Stars” festive fair. There
will be exciting activities for children of all ages, live entertainment and a variety of delicious foods and beautiful craft for sale. Venue: Michael Oak Waldorf School, 4 Marlow Road, Kenilworth Time: 3pm–8pm Cost: R10 Contact: Claire Walter 021 797 9728, cwalter@ michaeloak.org.za or michaeloak.org.za
26, 27 October International Kite Festival See the world’s most spectacular kites “Let Hope Fly” in support of Cape Mental Health at Africa’s biggest kite festival. Watch kiting displays – including giant inflatables, stunt kites and kite fighting. There’ll also be free kite-making workshops, live performances, craft stalls, a funfair and children’s play tent.
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Spring art workshops Children, teenagers and parents can enjoy being creative with a variety of painting, drawing and mixed media techniques and themes. There will be no repetition, so participants can come to all the workshops and experience new art activities each time. Early booking is advised. Venue: Constantia Time: 11am–1pm (Wed 25, Thurs 26 and Fri 27 Sept, Tues 1, Thurs 3, Fri 4 and Sat 5 Oct) Cost: R230 per session, including all materials Contact: Sue Nepgen 021 794 6609, 083 237 7242 (WhatsApp messages) or snepgen@ xsinet.co.za Enjoy a day of family fun for a good cause. Venue: Zandvlei Nature Reserve (corner of Axminster Road and the Row), Muizenberg Time: 10am–6pm Cost: R40 and R15 for children under 12 Contact: 021 447 904, info@cmh.org.za
9 November DSK Family Bazaar Enjoy a fun-filled family day at this popular event offering a huge range of entertainment and activities for youngsters. Browse through the flea market stalls and delight in the creative Christmas goodies and yummy treats on sale. Various food stalls will cater to all tastes and there’ll also be live music. Venue: German International School, 28 Bayview, Tamboerskloof Time: 10am–10pm Cost: R60 for adults, free entrance for under-18s, book through quicket.co.za Contact: Iris Henkel irishenkel@dsk.co.za or facebook.com/DSKBazaar/
holiday workshops and playgroups
23–27 September Heartland Adventure Programme The ideal outdoor adventure for junior school children. The programme differs each day and is filled with fun, creativity, adventure and play. Venue: Tokai Country Club, next to The Range Time: 9am–12:30pm Cost: R195 (half-day), R345 (full-day) Contact: Linda 083 289 5915, linda@ heartlandadventure.co.za 44
Creative workshops Suitable for all junior school children. Venue: @ In The Zone (Southern Suburbs) Time: 9am to 12 noon (23–27 Sept) Cost: R265 per child (sibling and weekly rates available), includes all materials Contact: 079 343 5953, info@inthezone.co.za or inthezone.co.za
markets
28 September, 12, 16 October, 16, 30 November Country Craft Market The Country Craft Market is about true and quality craft work produced and sold by the crafters themselves, who can often be seen working on their creations at the market. Suitable for the entire family.
Venue: Southey’s Vines, 186 Main Road, Somerset West Time: 9am–2pm Cost: Free Contact: Cathy Kilgour 021 8519372, info@ countrycraftmarket.org or countrycraftmarket.org
open days
Dot’s Learning Centre – Curro Select School Parents are invited to visit the school, which caters for learners from Grade 1 to Grade 12. The school provides mainstream assisted learning through quality academic intervention and follows the CAPS curriculum, English and Afrikaans. It offers smaller classes and learner support. Date: 14 September Time: 9am–12pm Venue: Cnr of Wildebeest and Springbok Road, Uitzicht, Durbanville Contact: 021 834 1066, info.dots@curro.co.za or curro.co.za
ELF Montessori Find out more about a Montessori ECD teaching career and being the difference in the life of the young child. Registration is now open for adults 18+. Time: 10am–12pm, call to make an appointment Venue: 55 Main Road, Mowbray Contact: Insaaf, 021 685 8119, admin@ elfmontessori.co.za or elfmontessori.co.za
Wonderdal Edutainment Centre This amazing new children’s edutainment centre has opened its magical doors at the Hazendal Wine Estate. This state-of-the-art innovatively designed educational play centre is suitable for children aged 5–13. While engaging and interacting with Wonderdal’s activities and learning zones, children learn about topics related to natural sciences and life skills covered in the SA school’s curriculum. The interactive experiences stimulate children’s imagination, creativity and curiosity, and encourage them to explore, learn and experiment in a playful way. The activities can also help children develop a set of important and useful skills, from fine and gross motor skills to problem-solving, critical and creative thinking, as well as reading and listening comprehension skills. Venue: Hazendal Wine Estate Times: 9am–5pm Tuesdays to Sundays Contact: Blanche Barker operations@wonderdal.co.za or wonderdal.co.za
magazine | cape town spring 2019
let’s party
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finishing touch
a hamster journeys to the afterlife twice When their time comes, every pet hamster will be given a solemn farewell with all family members in attendance, but some get more than their fair share. anél lewis
o
ur dwarf hamster, Milk Toast (don’t ask) was a strong contender for the Guinness Book of World Records for longevity. She defied the odds – including two narrow escapes from the jaws of our ginger cat – to survive for four long years. Well, the years felt long to me, anyway, because despite the heartfelt promises and pledges from Erin and Conor who were desperate for the pet, I was the only sucker who ended up cleaning said hamster’s cage each week. Once the initial novelty wore off, I was also the only person who played with the Lilliputian rodent, unless you count the odd occasion when the cat would manage to get its paw into the cage. At first, Milk Toast resided in Conor’s bedroom, but the hamster’s nocturnal exercise regime disrupted Conor’s sleep, and she was relocated to another spot. Unfortunately, this had to be a lofty perch because of our predatory cats, and sadly, out of sight meant out of mind. I resigned myself to being Milk Toast’s sole carer and companion. And waited
patiently for her to move on to the afterlife. But even I was not expecting her departure to come so suddenly one Sunday during a braai with friends. My husband passed me in the kitchen, and whispered fiercely, “Don’t let the children look in the hamster cage.” Alarmed, I took a quick peek and saw Milk Toast curled up in her food bowl, as if asleep. We waited until the next morning before breaking the news. Conor burst into tears, declaring that life would never be the same again. Erin was distraught, saying we needed to start immediately with funeral preparations. For two children who had probably played with the hamster twice in its prolonged life, they were inconsolable. Craig prepared the burial ground, and Milk Toast was given an emotional send-off in a colourful Jungle Oats box coffin. But, as in life, Milk Toast stuck around for longer than expected. A few days later, we saw Milk Toast again – lying in a pile of sand dug up by the cats. The
family marketplace
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Anél, Conor, Craig and Erin
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children thought their hamster had been given a second lease on life. Thankfully (for me), Craig quickly stepped in and hurriedly disposed of the hamster (again). Relieved of my cagecleaning duties, I declared an embargo on any more pets. But, alas, Erin and Conor are already thinking of names for the next hamster. Anél Lewis is trying to convince her children that the season for hamsters has gone, and that the now-discarded cage would be better used for fluffy toys that don’t need to be fed and watered.
Milk Toast was given an emotional send-off in a colourful Jungle Oats box coffin.
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