Cotu montessori mag ed 33

*FREE DIGITAL MAG *ISSUE 33 *MARCH/APRIL 2017

What it means to

Follow The Child

Taking Montessori Outside

Mindfulness in a Busy World MICHAEL DORER The Deep Well of Time

The Capstone Year

See you at

SAMAcon

ed’s letter

Hello happy Montessorians and ‘Monster-sorians’

ABOUT US www.childoftheuniverse.co.za PUBLISHER 2Luni Media EDITOR Linda Navon 071 346 8138 linda@childoftheuniverse.co.za OUR “Little Boss” Carmen Ché Jardim SUB-EDITOR & MARKETING MANAGER Cj Stott Matticks 082 900 1010 candida@childoftheuniverse.co.za DISTRIBUTION & RESEARCH Lee Coulter lee@childoftheuniverse.co.za

CONTACT NUMBERS TEL: (011) 462-2900 0110 262 643 0110 468 737 DISCLAIMER:

The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the editor, advertisers or endorsers. While every effort has been made to ensure that the contents of this publication are both accurate and truthful, the publisher and editor accept no responsibility for inaccurate or misleading information that may be contained herein.

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In the next two weeks we welcome Michael Dorer to the shores of our beautiful country for SAMACon. The invitations and details are in the mag, please book your stalls or plan your visit to the event. I look forward to meeting many of you there.

This month we have a jam-packed edition, starting with many Montessori articles for parents and teachers.

Following this section we have added in all the information from the Positive Parenting magazine for your info and enjoyment.

Every day I open more emails and newsletters from around the world that are filled with relevant information for Montessorians, and we select the most relevant articles to pass on to you. There are always links in the editorials for you to do further research wherever you like.

We encourage you to participate in the content of our Montessori Mag-nificence, which is tailored specifically to the South African needs. We have noticed that internationally parents are opting to go the homeschooling route and would like to know what your views are on that? Would you like to teach your kids at home, and if so, do you know where to start or can we assist in pointing you in the right direction.

We gather a lot of our articles and useful information from Marnie Craycroft – Carrots are Orange, she is running online Home Schooling webinars that you could sign up for.

Did you know that there are over 600 Montessori schools across SA? We are researching them all to make certain we are reaching everyone, and encouraging the teachers to forward our magazines to all parents as not everyone has taken up the free subscription to our magazines.

Until our April/May edition, please keep FOLLOWING THE CHILD. Wishing you all well with the run-up to autumn which seems to be coming a bit early this year – out with the winter woolies once again.

Much Love

Linda

contributing team & experts

DR MICHAEL DORER

SHARON CALDWELL

HEIDI VAN STADEN

TIM SELDIN

JACQUELYN PRICE

KYM VAN STRAATEN

SINEAD HAMILL Rhyme Time Education

KYLE PEARCH DIY Genius

JEANNE-MARIE PAYNEL

SARAH SCHERRER

SUSANNE VAN NIEKERK

MARNIE CRAYCROFT

contents THE MONTESSORI METHOD

SAMAcon Invitation What it means to FOLLOW THE CHILD Mindfulness in a Busy World What does your Child Need to Thrive?

The Importance of The Capstone Year Inspirational Quotes for Teachers Taking Montessori Outside The Deep Well of Time by Michael Dorer

BABIES & BEYOND

In Touch with your Newborn Baby Breasts are Best – all your questions answered about breastfeeding The New Mom Workout with Lisa Raleigh When to take your Child to a Urologist

STORY & PLAYTIME

The Benefits of Kids Yoga How to Make Calming Bath Bomb Fizzies Ridiculous Riddle Fun

PEACEFUL PARENTING

The Art of Peaceful Parenting Off-air with Disi and her Dynamic Duo Dad Time Fears of the Young Child Simple Parenting Tips Teaching through Entertainment Thriving with Highly Sensitive Kids

OUT & ABOUT

Loads of entertainment for the whole family

YUMMY TUMMY Cooking with Kids ANIMAL WORLD

Raw Love for your Pets Good Things Guy – ‘Animal Action’ with Brent Lindeque Dry Food diet and the risk to cats Animal Healing with Ann-Marie – how she turned the neighbourhood upside-down!

REACH OUT

Racing for Rescues – Enter the Triathlon Paws R Us Tekkie Tax Day Golfing for a good cause

By Laura Flores Shaw In an effort to help their children self-differentiate, parents may choose to provide as much freedom as possible. Freedom, many believe, is what allows our children to develop their unique and independent selves. So they provide their children ample opportunity to make their own decisions (sometimes even decisions that determine the course of their lives, even at a very young age), thinking in terms of the quantity of freedom rather than quality. As one parent once said to me, “All I want is for my child to be free – absolutely free all the time.”

Many parents with this desire choose a Montessori education for their children because they assume their emphasis on the quantity of freedom aligns with Maria Montessori’s “follow the child” tenet. But this is not the case. “Follow the child” does not mean “let the child do as it pleases”.

To fully understand what Dr. Montessori asks of us when she tells us to follow the child, we need to understand what she meant by “freedom.”

The Paradox of Freedom Here’s the ultimate paradox of freedom: when we as parents provide freedom without limits, our children are only free when they are with us. When they are in an environment with others – such as in their Montessori classroom – where processes must be followed so the environment runs smoothly (as is necessary in any society), they are not free. Instead, as early childhood researcher Huseyin Kotaman states, their “freedom is dependent upon their parents’ presence – and thus it is not real independence” , which means they cannot truly be free. One is only truly free when one can successfully navigate the world beyond the walls of one’s home.

For further reading on this topic:: http://www.whitepaperpress.us/what-it-means-to-follow-the-child/

Laura Flores Shaw - Founder: White Paper Press Laura is the lead editor, writer, and founder of White Paper Press. She holds bachelors and masters degrees in psychology and is currently working towards a doctorate in education with a specialization in mind, brain, and teaching at Johns Hopkins University School of Education.

Laura previously worked as a family therapist in the public school system where she realized her desire to work on the prevention rather than intervention side of mental health. That led her to reviving a failing Montessori school where she became passionate about creating environments that allow children to thrive in every way. In 2014, she retired from school administration to focus on advocating at a broader level for frameworks that can improve the lives of children and their families. She currently writes, speaks, and consults internationally on education, brain development, and parenting.

By Susanne van Niekerk

Having recently embarked on a course of Mindfulness training to try and find sense in this forever busy and frenetic world, I am struck again and again by the links between our ideal Montessori practice and being mindful.

Mindfulness in itself is generally defined as the quality or state of being conscious or aware of something.

Mindfulness is also defined as a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts and bodily sensations.

Consider the first definition - the quality or state of being conscious. The shift in the child from unconscious to conscious learning at the start of the social embryonic stage gives rise to a new dimension of being ‘conscious’ that applies to both the child and the adult. For the child, the increasing awareness of control of body and mind, and the development of the will and selfdiscipline comes with purposeful and mindful activity within a favourable environment.

Anyone observing a three-year-old child working with an activity of everyday living will see the child’s total engagement not just in the activity itself, but also in this present moment. What we as adults see as the analysis of movement (something we were taught to do in teacher training college), the child savours by being totally present in that very moment.

This is the core of mindfulness training!

The child at the moment of purposeful engagement, mindfully engages hand and mind for the purpose of the process. Not the product. The process. No wonder that this ‘work’ releases within the child such peace and calm. The characteristics of the normalised child are very much the characteristics of the state of mindfulness too – the focus of one’s awareness on the present moment, calmly accepting one’s feelings, thoughts and bodily sensations. It is fitting therefore that Montessori stated implicitly that the role of the adult included being the guardian angel of the concentrating (engaging) child’s soul!

Montessori also speaks constantly of the spiritual preparation needed by the adult working with children. This is also a form of mindfulness. If we are to be in the present moment, acknowledging and accepting our feelings, thoughts and bodily sensations, what do we need to do?

The Montessori adult needs to firstly be aware. We need to be aware of ourselves. Who are we?

What do we believe in? Where does this belief come from? Are we secure in who and what we actually are, and stand for? Hand in hand with this comes an awareness of others in our environment. Children, parents, peers… This awareness needs to include the awareness of the fact that each of these beings has their own set of beliefs, morals, and traditions. Our awareness of who we are should therefore allow us to see and accept others for who and what they are without having the need to try and change these persons to be who or what we want them to be.

This also does not mean that we necessarily need to change who we are. If improvements to the original can be made, then by all means, we should make them. But, what is more important, is that we are conscious. We need to be conscious of who and what we are. We need to be conscious of our prejudices, of stereotyping, and most certainly of discriminating. By being aware and conscious, the Montessori adult is better equipped to allow the child to be. There is no word missing in the previous sentence – we need to allow the child to BE.

The child comes into the world relatively useless (physically), unintelligent (mentally) and unsympathetic (socially). The child also comes into the world armed with innate ‘tools’ that allow her/him to adapt to the world. As the Montessori adults we therefore need awareness of how this transition happens. We need awareness of the planes of development, sensitive parenting, child development, the importance of play and of supporting the child’s human tendencies and sensitive periods. Only with this awareness can we be truly conscious in being part of the child’s moment. Only with this awareness can we consciously be truly present.

Now, in the 3rd month of 2017, in the midst of country and world turmoil, let us all aim to be more mindful – for ourselves, for the child, and for the Earth.

If You Would Grow - Shine the Light of Loving Self-Care on Yourself If you would grow to your best self Be patient, not demanding Accepting, not condemning Nurturing, not withholding Self-marveling, not belittling Gently guiding, not pushing and punishing For you are more sensitive than you know Mankind is as tough as war yet delicate as flowers We can endure agonies but we open fully only to warmth and light And our need to grow Is as fragile as a fragrance dispersed by storms of will To return only when those storm are still So, accept, respect, and attend your sensitivity A flower cannot be opened with a hammer.

(Daniel F. Mead)

What does your child really need to thrive?

By Emilyj in Raising Children with Montessori’s Wisdom

As parents, we all want our children to thrive, mentally, physically, and emotionally. But it isn’t easy to know exactly what he or she needs, and when. But when parents understand the child’s natural stages of development and corresponding needs, everything is suddenly much easier.

Fortunately for us, Maria Montessori discovered that children everywhere follow certain patterns of behavior or “human tendencies” as they grow and develop. Children, and indeed human beings, are hard-wired to use common behaviors to get their basic needs met. Now, through Montessori’s discoveries (which have been time-tested and scientifically verified again and again over the past century), parents can help their children flourish by understanding these deeply ingrained behaviors.

So, what are these “human tendencies”?

According to the Montessori Method, our children’s developmental needs, or “human tendencies” can be grouped into the following 10 categories: 1.Orientation 2.Order 3.Exploration 4.Communication 5.Movement 6.Manipulation of objects 7.Repetition 8.Precision 9.Imagination 10.Control of error leading to perfection

Orientation Children have an innate need to know where they are in their surroundings. Young children want to explore, but they want clear guidelines for where they can go, and how to get back.

Helping children develop their orientation skills will ultimately help them navigate life, both physically and socially.

Order Children need two types of order: internal and external. By providing an orderly environment, parents can help their child’s sense of order flourish. Order brings security. They need to know what to expect and when to expect it.

Fulfilling the child’s need for order will prepare him for concepts such as sequencing and sorting.

Exploration Children are constantly exploring their environment with their senses–soaking in all the sounds, sights, tastes, smells, and textures around them. Parents can help by providing a safe, sensory-rich environment for their children with maximum exploration potential

Communication Communication is what makes it possible for humans to pass information from one individual to the next. Children are born with an essential need to communicate. Even very young children use facial expressions, gestures, and speech to communicate their basic needs. Parents can help their children learn simply by talking to them (even tiny infants, even when no one else is around, even if you are usually a person of few words–talk, talk, talk to your little ones!)

Ultimately, the child’s tendency toward communication leads him to the written word and reading.

Movement As the child learns movement, he develops not only muscular control (or motor control) but also experiences neuromuscular expansion. Every parent knows that trying to immobilize a small child is an uphill battle at best. Maria Montessori observed that children naturally seek activity as a way of learning to use and coordinate movement.

In other words, children must move in order to master movement. So the parent’s goal is to allow movement and to guide the child toward activities that correlate with their inner developmental needs

Manipulation of objects Children simply need to handle objects to understand them. We humans are born with an inner need to touch, hold, and shape objects in their environment.

“The hands are the instruments of man’s intelligence.” ~Dr. Maria Montessori Repetition Your child has a burning need to repeat certain tasks over and over again. She is trying to master that task and she is compelled by her inner teacher to do so. Maria Montessori teaches us that this repetition is complete only when the child decides she is finished. Parents can help by recognizing when their child is engaged in 10 Things Your Child Really Needs to Thrive www.ageofmontessori.orgrepetition (she will often seem hyper-focused) and making every possible effort to NOT interrupt. If the child is given the time and freedom she needs, she will not only master the task at hand, but will also be developing her ability to concentrate and gaining a sense of accomplishment.

Precision Your child has an innate tendency to seek “perfection” in his work. He will build on his other abilities, such as manipulation of objects, order, and repetition, to satisfy his sense of exactness. Parents can help by having as much patience as they can muster. As with repetition, it can be hard to honor your child’s needs when they feel downright obsessive to you. But denying or disrupting a child who is trying to fulfill his inborn developmental needs is going to be much, much harder, on everyone involved.

Imagination Montessorians define imagination as the ability to visualize something you can’t actually see.

Children have a need to create the things they can visualize in their minds. Parents can help by providing the right tools and the freedom to express what they’re imagining. Painting, crafting, drawing, music, and storytelling are all positive ways for children to use their imaginations.

Control of error leading to perfection Here you see all of your child’s tendencies working together. She explores her environment and is drawn to a certain material or task. She manipulates the materials and imagines what she would like the outcome to be. She repeats the manipulations seeking order and precision. She notices her own errors and continues to work in pursuit of “perfection.” (By the way, the idea of perfection is your child’s idea, not yours as the parent or adult.) Your child then experiences a deep sense of satisfaction, joy, and accomplishment when she has achieved her own idea of perfection.

The underlying tendencies that drive human behavior are everywhere, in every culture and throughout time. Once we become aware of these tendencies, we can encourage children to follow their own, inner motivations. Selfmotivated children are far more calm, focused, and satisfied than those being steered against their inner currents.

“Sometimes very small children in a proper environment develop a skill and exactness in their work that can only surprise us.” ~Maria Montessori

by Judy Hanning

SAMA MEMBER SCHOOLS & TRAINING CENTRES IN SOUTH AFRICA Eastern & Southern Cape KwaZulu Natal Limpopo Mpumalanga Namibia North Gauteng (PTA) South Gauteng (JHB)

Western Cape Swaziland

Seychelles SAMA TRAINING INSTITUTIONS

The Capstone Year... what every Montessori parent should know!

By Britney Peterson

What is the Capstone Year and why does my child deserve to have one?

We often refer to the 3rd Year a child is in a Montessori program as the Capstone Year. But, what is it really that makes that year so special/important? While the reasons to leave can be compelling and are worth every consideration, we believe the reasons to stay are worth your careful and thoughtful consideration.

Below is a list of 24 reasons we recommend keeping your child in Montessori for the Capstone Year: • Does your child look forward to attending school? If so, consider yourself lucky. Why tinker with a winning situation when so many other families are frustrated or disappointed with their child’s school experience.

• Your child has waited for two years to be a leader in their class. The third year students are looked up to as role models for the younger students, and most children eagerly await their opportunity to play this role.

• The third year is the time when many of the earlier lessons come together and become a permanent part of the child’s understanding. An excellent example is the early introduction to addition with large numbers through the Bank Game.

When children leave Montessori at age five, many of the still forming concepts evaporate, just as a child living overseas will learn to speak two languages, but may quickly lose the second language if his family moves back home.

• As a leader in the class, your child has many opportunities to teach the younger children lessons that he learned when he was their age. Research proves that this experience has powerful benefits for both tutor and tutoree.

• Third Year Montessori children normally go on to still more fascinating lessons and more advanced Montessori materials. The natural process of abstraction or critical thinking around familiar concepts materializes naturally and gears the child up for more advanced skills.

• The Montessori curriculum is more sophisticated than that found in traditional programs.

• Having spent two years together, your child’s teachers know her very, very well. They know her strengths and areas that are presenting challenges. She can begin the year strong, without having to build a relationship of trust with her teacher.

• Your child already knows most of her classmates. She has grown up in a safe, supportive classroom setting. She is learning appropriate social boundaries and interactions with a group of familiar peers.

• If your child goes on to another school, he will spend the first half of the year just getting used to the new educational approach.

• Montessori math is based on the European tradition of unified mathematics. Montessori introduces young children to basic geometry and other sophisticated concepts as early as kindergarten. Our spiraling curriculum means students will revisit these skills and build on them throughout their elementary experience.

• Third Years have a real sense of running their classroom community, an important leadership skill that goes on with them.

• In Montessori, your child can continue to progress at her own pace. In traditional education, she will have to wait while the other children begin to catch up or will be forced to move ahead before she is ready.

• Beginning as early as kindergarten and continuing through elementary, Montessori children are studying cultural geography and beginning to grow into global citizens.

• In Montessori, students work with intriguing learning materials instead of preprinted work books, allowing a student to work on a skill for the right amount of time for their own understanding and not by a predetermined timeline.

• Emphasis is given to the arts, movement, and outdoor education. Exploration and creativity in these areas are continuously accessible and are encouraged.

• In Montessori, your child has been treated with a deep respect as a unique individual. The school has been equally concerned for his intellectual, social, and emotional development.

• Montessori schools are warm and supportive communities of students, teachers, and parents. Children can’t easily slip through the cracks!

• Montessori consciously teaches children to be kind and peaceful.

• In Montessori schools, learning is not focused on rote drill and memorization. Our goal is to develop students who really understand their schoolwork.

• Montessori students learn through hands-on experience, investigation, and research. They become actively engaged in their studies, rather than passively waiting to be spoon-fed.

• Montessori is consciously designed to recognize and address different learning styles, helping students learn to study most effectively.

• Montessori challenges and set high expectations for all students not only a special few.

• Montessori students develop self-discipline and an internal sense of purpose and motivation.

• Three, six, nine and twelve years old are natural transitional ages for children. They are the best time for children to move to new classrooms or schools.

Third Year Upper Elementary students sale handmade items at the Montessori Market, a business that supports their end of year outdoor adventure. This year they'll raft on the Green River!

This Third Year Upper Elementary student creates the square of 19 using a Montessori Math material, the Peg Board.

If you still have any doubt, spend a morning observing in your child’s class and compare it with a class in the other school you are considering. Sit quietly and take mental notes. The differences may be subtle, but most likely they will be significant.

Then project your child into the future and ask yourself how the positive differences you observed in the Montessori classroom might help shape your child to become the teenager, and later the adult, you envisioned for your child’s future.

(Adapted from Tim Seldin’s 25 Reasons to Keep Your Child in Montessori Through the Kindergarten Year, Tomorrow’s Child.)

Bells - 1MM.240 Set of 13 pairs of movable brass bells that make up the chromatic scale starting with the middle C (do) as follows : a) 13 bells with natural wood bases b) 13 bells with decreasing diameters and black or white wooden bases to correspond to the piano keyboard; c) two wooden mallets for striking the bells; d) one wooden damper Mallet - 1MM.240.1 Individual wooden mallet for bells Damper - 1MM.240.2 Individual wooden damper for bells

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Bell Baseboard - 1MM.241 Set of two wooden boards with grey and white rectangular spaces corresponding to the bases of the bells

75+ Rock Star Ideas for the Montessori Outdoor Classroom This post includes 75 fun and intriguing activities for the Montessori Outdoor Classroom. Dr. Montessori believed that the outdoors is a natural extension of the classroom, that there should be harmony between the indoor and outdoor learning environments. The outdoors is the ideal sensorial experience. A child discovers the world through his senses in the most holistic way. Beyond the organic development through seeing, smelling, hearing, feeling, and, yes, I am going to write it, tasting in the great outdoors, nature brings ripe lessons in botany, zoology, and STEM in the most basic, pure ways.

Anne Botsford Comstock, author of one of my favorite books, Handbook of Nature Study, emphasized observation as the foundation of outdoor education:

“Nature study consists of simple, truthful observations that may, like beads on a string, finally be threaded upon the understanding and thus held together as a logical and harmonious whole. “

Key Tenets of Montessori Outdoor Education So, what are the key tenets of a Montessori outdoor education? The same as the key tenets for the indoor classroom! A few key tenets that come to my mind include: • • • • • •

Child Led Well Prepared Environment Teacher as Guide Liberty within wide parameters Intrinsic Motivation Observe the Child

Montessori Outdoor Classroom Activities • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Practical Life Water play Sand play Transferring objects Peeling Weeding Weaving Pouring Care of plants Care of animals Walking the line Silence game Yoga

Sensorial • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Language • • • • • • • • • • • •

Have a conversation while on a nature walk Storytelling from a group of items Choose a tree, tell its story Go on a noun/verb/adjective/preposition hunt Grain of sand sequencing Texture hunt Letter creation challenge with sticks Preposition work with bodies or objects Trace letters in dirt Go on a sound hunt “Just one thing” activity Command Games using Chalk (e.g. write “hop” and have the child “hop”) • Parts of speech game (e.g. when I say a noun, hop on one foot. when I say an adjective, sit down.”)

Patterns in nature with rocks and leaves Stacking Make a variation of the red rods with sticks Make a variation of the pink tower with rocks Go on a Geometric Solids Hunt Identifying Smells Listening Walk Texture Hunt Match Textures Color Hunt Shape Hunt 2D and 3D Shape Hunt Series of “Isolation of Quality” Observations with a blindfold, ear plugs, nose plug, etc.

Science & Engineering • Create your own natural history museum • Build simple machines from nature objects like sticks and rocks • Worm tower • Lifecycle Work • Plant seeds • Spin, climb, jump with one eye open • Take pulse before and after running, hopping, skipping, and walking • Shadow drawing over a day • Make a Sun Dial • Birdsong identification • Create a device to observe and measure wind direction & speed • Observe weather • Observe clouds • Make a discovery by taking a pond dip • Build with sticks & the natural materials • Build a dam • Study scat • Balance rocks

Math • • • • • • •

Non-standard measures of plant growth Counting seeds Make a hundred board from pebbles or rocks Leaf symmetry What’s Missing? game Estimation games with birds, trees, seeds, leaves, etc Graphing nature items collected on a walk

Geography • • • • • • •

Discuss animals in your area & their habitats Migrators versus hibernators versus adaptors Hours of daylight Star Gazing Study habitats Land, air, & water Visit various land forms or create mini landforms from natural materials • Collect, explore, & study Rocks & Minerals in your area

Helpful Resources

Art & Music

• • • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • • • • •

Handbook of Nature Study Journal Colored Pencils Magnifiers Binoculars Bags & baskets for collecting Water bottles Chalk Twine

Nature collage Petal painting Dreamcatchers Wands “Just one thing” art work Observational drawings Create a song Dance to nature’s sounds Study the sounds and rhythms of nature Make musical instruments from natural objects Rhythmic movements like galloping, side stepping,

Book Review by Heidi van Staden

THE DEEP WELL OF TIME

By Michael Dorer In 2009, I had my first experience of Montessori stories from Mr. Dorer in Cape Town at the South African Montessori Association conference. Hearing them told, with such detail, drama and passion was enthralling. Everyone loves stories and it is in our African blood to love being told stories.

Having a natural storyteller bring to life the Montessori materials and concepts in such a dramatic and imaginative way inspired my own inner story-telling diva. I attempted after that encounter to retell those fabulous stories as best I could. The children loved them none-the-less. Marigold and her farm-measuring triumph, a potter named Tan and his dilemma with his beautiful (but broken) plate and the wonderfully expressive story introducing the Euclidean geometry concepts were told to them over and over.

In reading ‘The Deep Well of Time’ for this review, I was transported back to the beginning of time with the Great Lesson stories, and was especially gratified to find the elusive Great River story included. It is easy to imagine a group of elementary children getting caught up in the events at the Adjective’s Picnic, and knowing that they will always know, forever more exactly what an adjective is and how it functions. Mr. Dorer has also included stories from his colleagues Larry Schaefer and Jonathan Wolff - both of whom have regaled us at South African Montessori Association conferences as well.

The great American novelist, Toni Morrisson said, “If there is a book you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, you must be the one to write it.” Mr. Dorer has written the stories that we all want to hear. These are stories that will create a bond between the teacher and the child and more importantly between the Montessori materials and the child. The countless children that these extraordinary gems will touch in times to come is truly a gift.

I reckon Maria Montessori is smiling, she may even be saying, “Michael, tu racconti le storie grande!”

Heidi van Staden 29.06.2016 www.montessoriservices.com/the_deep_well_of_time

BOOK TO BE LAUNCHED IN AUGUST AND AVAILABILITY WILL BE NOTIFIED IN OUR NEXT EDITION AND VIA NEWSLETTER.

Jake, Disi and Matthew Redman

By Judy Beyer from Flora Force

Did you know that science has shown that early contact and touch benefits newborn babies?

Do you remember the moment of your birth? Probably not. The experience of being born is one of life’s greatest mysteries. But one thing is certain: the path any human travels is affected significantly by the way in which their arrival in the world was greeted.

How touch benefits your new baby For the sake of this discussion, let’s assume you have a brand-new son. Being born must have been as stressful for him as it was for you, so the first time you touch your baby you can calm him, lowering the levels of the stress hormone cortisol in his body. The first time he feels your skin against his, other hormones race through his little body that benefit his health and help regulate his body temperature. Touch benefits newborn babies by helping them to sleep better, encouraging their brains to start functioning and even making them less fearful or inhibited later in life. So says health, nutrition and parenting writer Bridget Coila, who explains that oxytocin, the bonding hormone, rises in a newborn’s body when it experiences physical contact with its parents. That, in turn, increases the feelings of attachment between members of its new family. The newborn is, after all, ‘coming out of a very restrictive environment, so anything that simulates him will comfort him – being touched or hearing a heartbeat is familiar because he heard it in the womb,’ says Coila in her article The effect of human contact on newborn babies. The events surrounding birth have the potential to set the stage for patterns of subconscious thought processes and behaviours that persist for a lifetime.

Breastfeeding: the closest touch of all Knowing how touch benefits newborn babies and how important skin-to-skin contact is with your new baby, it’s little wonder that breastfeeding is one of the best forms of positive reinforcement and comfort you can give him. Not only is his hunger being satisfied, he feels relaxed and secure. And that’s fertile ground for optimum physical and psychological development as he grows. According to neonatalist Dr Raylene Phillips, ‘Normal babies are born with the instinctive skill and motivation to breastfeed and are able to find the breast and selfattach without assistance when skin-to-skin … the first breastfeeding usually occurs within the first hour after birth.’

Coila also advises new moms to hold their newborn baby close to their skin for the initial few days (a process called ‘kangaroo care’) to help improve its ability to breastfeed and grow. For premature babies especially, the benefits of touch include helping them survive and thrive, leading to better survival rates for these infants.

Benefits of touch for the parent Moms whose newborns are placed on their bare chests also feel the stress of the birth slipping away and, it has been reported, these mothers are less likely to develop post-natal depression.

They seem to become more sensitive to their baby’s prompts. And this goes for fathers too – both parents feel the benefits of touch.

In fact, it appears that new moms are actually primed for this first contact with their baby. Coila reports on recent research that shows that, in mothers who have just given birth, ‘the skin area on their chest is a degree or two higher than the rest of their body, creating a natural warming area for the newborn.’ It’s as if the mother has the ability to thermoregulate for the baby. ‘If the baby’s temperature drops, the mother’s temperature rises, and if the baby’s temperature rises, the mother’s drops. There seems to be a connection between mother and baby from the birthing process itself.’

‘Mothers who hold their newborns skin-to-skin after birth have increased maternal behaviours, show more confidence in caring for their babies and breastfeed for longer,’ says Phillips, who regards the first hour after birth so highly she calls it ‘The Sacred Hour’.

What if infants don’t receive human contact?

Babies who are denied physical contact with other humans in their first days or weeks of life often suffer from health problems related to this deprivation. For example, children placed in orphanages generally fail to thrive, despite being given food and shelter. Newborns denied physical contact with other humans can actually die from this lack of contact.

What if infants are not touched?

Babies who are denied physical contact with other humans in their first days or weeks of life often suffer from health problems related to this deprivation. For example, children placed in orphanages generally fail to thrive, despite being given food and shelter. Newborns who are not held and cuddled and touched by other humans can actually die from this lack of contact.

What type of contact or touch benefits newborn babies?

Healthy, effective contact with your baby includes cuddling, gentle massage, stroking and simply holding. Such contact with between your partner and your new baby promotes family bonding and makes the baby feel more secure and relaxed. Babies welcomed like this generally develop better psychologically and socially later in life. And one of the best benefits of touch? We all love cuddles and hugs.

What if you’re too depressed to cuddle your baby?

According to Anne Bigelow, a professor and researcher of developmental psychology at St Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia, babies get used to the one person who is most familiar and will react closely to their mood. If a mother is depressed and is unresponsive to her baby’s cues, the baby will respond both physically and psychologically. There’s nothing wrong with the baby; it is just responding to what it’s experiencing. Always seek care from your healthcare practitioner if you are feeling depressed.

Disi & Matthew Redman Photographer: Edward Jardim

Breast milk is loaded with exactly the right nutrients in the exact amounts a new baby needs. Research shows that breast milk is not merely nutritious, but it contains a variety of factors with medicinal qualities that have profound roles in infant survival and health.

Although the industry continues to attempt to approve infant formula with the addition of compounds, such as fatty acids, oligosaccharides, nucleotides and lactoferrin, breast milk has such far-reaching effects on the infant’s immune response that optimal development depends heavily on its actions. It contains many hundreds to thousands of distinct bioactive molecules that protect against infection and inflammation and contribute to immune maturation, organ development and promotion of a healthy microbiome. (1) For this reason, all mothers should be encouraged and supported to continue breastfeeding for six months and beyond in order to promote the good health of their infants.

Of course, I know most mothers have questions regarding breast milk and breastfeeding, so below I answer nine of the most common questions I hear about breast milk.

9 Common Questions About Breast Milk 1.

How long should I breastfeed?

According to research published in Pediatric Clinics in North America, exclusive human milk feeding for the first six months of life, with continued breastfeeding for one to two years of life or longer, is recognized as the standard for infant feeding.

2. What should I eat to boost the nutritional content of my breast milk?

Studies have found that the fatty acid profile of breast milk varies in relation to maternal diet, particularly when mothers eat too many omega-6 fatty acids and not enough omega-3 fatty acids. Eat lots of omega-3 foods, such as chia seeds, flaxseeds, walnuts, wild-caught salmon, tuna and egg yolks. Balance your omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acid consumption by reducing the amount of meat, dairy products, peanut oil, soybean oil, safflower oil and sesame oil you consume daily. (2)

3. Do breastfed babies need to take vitamins?

Vitamin K is typically given to newborns in their first days of life, and deficiencies of other vitamins (except vitamin D) are rare, especially if mothers are nourished adequately. Because the vitamins and minerals in breast milk vary depending on a mother’s diet and body stores, researchers suggest that mothers continue to take multivitamins during lactation.

Vitamin D levels are low in breast milk, particularly for moms who get little exposure to sunshine, so pediatricians recommend that breastfed infants are given a liquid vitamin D supplement in order to avoid a vitamin D deficiency. These supplements usually contain large amounts of the water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins that meet the recommended daily allowances for your baby. (3)

4. How do I store breast milk?

Many mothers pump when they return to work and nurse at night and on the weekends; some decide to exclusively pump too. Many employed moms choose to use the fresh milk they pump at work for feedings the next day, and they refrigerate Friday’s milk for use on Monday (if they have the weekends off).

It’s normal for pumped milk to vary in color, consistency and scent depending on the mother’s diet. You may also notice that stored milk separates into layers, and the cream rises to the top.

Before feeding the baby this stored milk, gently swirl the warmed bottle to mix the layers again, but do not shake the bottle.

Small amounts of cooled breast milk can be added to the same refrigerated container throughout the day, but avoid adding warm milk to already cooled milk. When you store milk in the freezer, leave room in the storage bag because liquids expand when frozen, and write the dates on the bags and use the oldest milk first.

5. How long can I store breast milk?

It’s safe to store mother’s milk in the following ways:  At room temperature for four to six hours (66–78 degrees Fahrenheit)  In a cooler with frozen ice packs for 24 hours (59 degrees Fahrenheit)  In the refrigerator for three to six days (39 degrees Fahrenheit or lower)  In the freezer for six to 12 months (0–4 degrees Fahrenheit) Storing breast milk this way does not increase the possibility of bacterial contamination and growth of infectious pathogens in stored milk. However, the nutritional value of breast milk may be altered.

Research published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood Fetal and Neonatal Edition indicates that store time should be limited to 48 hours in order to preserve the antioxidant activity of breast milk. Freezing breast milk resulted in a greater decrease of antioxidants than refrigeration.

Researchers in Spain tested refrigerated and frozen breast milk over a 90-day period. They found that by three months from freezing breast milk, there’s a relevant and significant decline in the concentration of fat and energy content. The modification of total nitrogen and lactose was not constant and at lower magnitudes when breast milk was frozen. (6) Based on this research, I suggest that you use your frozen stash of breast milk for emergencies or to use when your baby begins eating solids that supply her with the nutrients she needs. When your baby begins eating a combination of foods at around six months of age, you can add frozen breast milk to smoothies or purees.

6. Does breast milk lose nutritional value when it’s stored for later use?

According to research published in the International Breastfeeding Journal, bottle systems that are used to deliver expressed breast milk may reduce the concentration of vitamin C to less than 40 percent of the recommended daily intake for infant. The study included the analysis of four bottle systems that were sampled after 20 minutes of milk expression.

Research published in the Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition suggests that there’s a significant difference in the total antioxidant count of expressed breast milk after refrigeration and freezing when compared to the antioxidant count at zero hour. This includes a decline in vitamins C, A and E.

7. How do I heat or thaw breast milk?

Do not microwave breast milk. Microwaving breast milk changes its composition, and it can cause severe burns to the baby’s mouth because of hot spots that develop in the milk.

Thawed milk is safe in the refrigerator for 24 hours, but don’t refreeze milk once it’s thawed. If you need to thaw milk more quickly, run it under warm water or leave it in a sealed container or bottle in a bowl of warm water for about 20 minutes until it reaches body temperature.

To warm milk that’s been stored in the refrigerator, it can be kept out at room temperature for three to six hours or placed in a bowl of warm water.

8. Does alcohol affect breast milk?

Most mothers can drink in moderation while breastfeeding. According to La Leche League, it takes a 120-pound woman about three hours to eliminate the majority of the alcohol from her blood (and thus her milk) in each serving of beer or wine, so multiply the number of drinks you have by three to know how many hours it will take until your milk is mostly alcohol-free again.

There’s no need to “pump and dump” every time you drink alcohol, as long as you’re able to wait before breastfeeding again.

9. Does caffeine affect breast milk?

A 2012 study published in Pediatrics suggests that caffeine consumption during pregnancy and by nursing mothers does not have consequences on sleep of infants at the age of 3 months. In the study, infants until 3 months of age were unable to metabolize caffeine when mothers drank about three cups of coffee per day. However, other studies show that some infants can be sensitive to caffeine and display increased irritability and sleep disturbances when exposed to caffeine from breast milk.

I recommend that mothers drink caffeine in moderation and make sure they drink plenty of water throughout the day as well — both in order to stay hydrated and avoid caffeine overdose.

Breast Milk Nutrition The first fluid produced by mothers after delivery is called colostrum.

Colostrum is one of the most vital ingredients in breast milk, and it’s what is often referred to as “liquid gold.” It’s a thicker, yellowish breast milk that’s made in the later stages of pregnancy. Colostrum is loaded with nutrients and antibodies to give your baby exactly what she needs in her first days of life. After three days or so, the body naturally begins to make mature milk, which contains an ideal combination of protein, sugar, water and fat.

Mature breast milk contains, on average, 1.1 percent protein, 4.2 percent fat and 7 percent carbohydrate; it supplies 72 calories of energy per 100 grams. Fat is the most highly variable macronutrient in milk. Hindmilk, which is the last milk of a feed, may contain two to three times the concentration of milk fat found in foremilk, the initial milk of a feed. This is why mothers are commonly advised to empty an entire breast prior to feeding from the other breast. As hindmilk is more energy-dense due to its higher fat content, this recommendation ensures that the infant’s satiety and energy needs for growth are met.

Antibodies are also a vital part of the mother’s breast milk. Antibodies protect your vulnerable newborn from both viral and bacterial infections. According to a 2002 study published in Breastfeeding Review, infant formula-feeding is inferior to breastfeeding because human milk enhances the immature immunologic system of the infant and strengthens her defense mechanisms against infective and other foreign agents. Researchers indicate that there are bioactive factors in human milk, such as hormones, growth factors and colony-stimulating factors, as well as specific nutrients. Mother’s milk may also reduce the incidence of disease in infancy, and factors in breast milk promote gastrointestinal mucosal maturation, decrease the incidence of infection, alter gut microflora, and have immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory functions.

Breast milk also has antioxidant properties. It contains vitamin C and E and enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. Research suggests that all factors, conditions and problems affecting infants, especially those born prematurely, are the outcomes of one unifying disease — oxygen radical disease. If there are too many free radicals produced and too few antioxidants, a condition of oxidative stress develops, which may cause serious damage in infancy. A need to reduce oxidative stress and boost antioxidant defenses in these vulnerable infants is essential.

How to Increase Breast Milk Supply Many mothers fear that they aren’t making enough breast milk for their babies and are looking for natural ways to increase breast milk supply. There are some potential causes of low milk supply that should be addressed before you stress out about taking action to increase your supply (which may already be fine). The golden rule when breastfeeding is that nursing is a supply and demand process. If you’re supplementing with formula, then you won’t make enough breast milk because your body doesn’t know that it’s needed. Scheduled feedings may also interfere with your supply and demand cycle and can lead to a reduced supply, so try to nurse your baby whenever she’s hungry.

To establish your supply when the baby is very young, nurse her about every two hours during the day and every four hours at night, and use both breasts. Frequent feedings ensure that your breasts are stimulated enough to establish a full milk supply. The more milk that’s removed from your breasts, the more milk your body will produce. Supply issues may be caused by the baby not latching properly (which can be due to sleepiness, being used to the bottle or use of nipple shields), so seek advice from a lactation counselor if you think this may be the issue.

Adding pumping sessions after nursing sessions can also be helpful, especially if your baby isn’t eating frequently enough. If you’re working and need to pump milk for your baby, plan to pump your milk two to three times while you’re away from your baby. Each day’s pumping should provide enough milk for the next day’s time at day care or with a sitter.

Galactogogues (like fenugreek, blessed thistle and alfalfa) are used to increase breast milk production, but researchers suggest that this should only be done when all nonpharmacologic recommendations are exhausted. The efficacy and safety data regarding galactogogues use is limited, and more studies are needed to evaluate the herbs’ effects on breast milk production.

Flora force fenugreek ad

The folklore that alcohol consumption enhances milk supply has persisted for centuries, but studies show that this isn’t true. In fact, a study conducted at the Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia suggests that infants consumed, on average, 23 percent less milk following their mothers’ consumption of alcoholic beer relative to the nonalcoholic beer. This decrease in milk intake was not due to a decrease in the number of times the babies fed but because the babies ingested less milk during each feeding.

Lastly, don’t overlook your own needs — mothers need to eat healthy and nourishing foods (like these superfoods) in order to produce enough breast milk, and they need to hydrate, relax and get enough rest (whenever possible!). Take time for yourself at some point during the day, and be confident in your body and its ability to make what your baby needs in terms of nutrition.

Final Thoughts on Breast Milk      

Breast milk is loaded with exactly the right nutrients in the exact amounts a new baby needs.

Colostrum is loaded with nutrients and antibodies to give your baby exactly what she needs in her first days of life. After three days or so, the body naturally begins to make mature milk, which contains an ideal combination of protein, sugar, water and fat.

Antibodies are also a vital part of the mother’s breast milk. Antibodies protect your vulnerable newborn from both viral and bacterial infections.

Breast milk also has antioxidant properties; it contains vitamin C and E and enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase.

There are a number of ways to increase breast milk supply naturally, but the golden rule is that nursing is a supply and demand process.

There are certain rules to follow when pumping and storing expressed milk to ensure that you reduce bacterial growth and maximize the nutritional content in breast milk.

Got no time to yourself? No problem! Bring baby along in their carrier and work your muscles with this simple full-body workout.

Stand on a step with heels hanging off and a wall or railing nearby for support. Starting with heels lower than toes, rise up until standing on your toes. Pause for a moment then lower back down to your starting position. Aim for 3 sets of 8-12 reps.

Sit on a step with hands by your hips and heels on the floor in front of you. Lift your hips off the surface and lower your body towards the ground until elbows are bent to 90 degrees. Pause for a moment then rise back up to your starting position. Aim for 3 sets of 8-12 reps.

Stand about a metre in front of a low elevated surface. Step forward onto the step with one foot.

Sink down until both knees are bent to 90 degrees. Pause for a moment then rise back up to your starting position. Aim for 2 sets of 8-12 reps with each leg.

Conscious Life Magazine

Stand with feet wider than hip-width, toes turned out and hands on hips. Keeping your torso upright, sink towards the floor until both knees are bent to 90 degrees. Pause for a moment then rise back up to your starting position. Aim for 3 sets of 8-12 reps.

Start standing upright with feet together. Take a big step forward to the side and sink that leg down until the knee is bent to 90 degrees. Pause for a moment then rise back up to your starting position. Aim for 3 sets of 8-12 reps.

We just know that you will love Lisa’s new platform: MUMENTOES serves as an online hub of content directed towards families of all sizes and ages: primarily women who want to fall pregnant, expecting moms, new parents, and young families – all looking to enhance their physical and mental health, and that of their growing families. https://mumentoes.wordpress.com/ TV Personality, Author, Lifestyle and Wellness Expert www.lisaraleigh.co.za lisa@lisaraleigh.co.za www.facebook.com/LisaRaleighSA-Facebook LisaRaleighSA – Twitter LisaRaleighTV – Youtube

Conscious Life Magazine

Why You Need to Take Your Child to a Urologist

By Marnie Craycroft

With all the frustrations that come along with potty training, do you also feel as though something else might be going on?

This article focuses on the idea that just maybe your Child’s Accidents are More than Just Accidents, probably a different perspective from that of which you’ve heard before. There is a “silent epidemic” happening in the United States. The epidemic relates to potty troubles research proven due to children holding “it”. Children’s potty troubles often being at school because they are unable to honor their bodies needs either by feeling rushed or without privacy (lining up before recess, for example) so their bodies don’t expel all the waste or by having to wait to use the bathroom instead of going the bathroom when they truly need to use it. I know almost all of you are teachers, parents, and grandparents of young children. So, I felt strongly that I had to share our story with you.

Our Potty Training Story Our middle son was a classic early potty trainee. Really, I didn’t train him. His older brother did so by modeling.

He was only 22 months and fully out of diapers. Fast forward one year and we ran into problems. He began complaining about his belly aching. Then he started preschool and began to have accidents, more and more and again and again. It didn’t stop or even get better. The day I walked in on him in his classroom’s bathroom pants off/down staring at the toilet smeared with poop with such profound sadness I burst into tears on the spot (you know the kind of tears you choke back and hide from your kids. I cried the whole way home.) was the moment of clarity. The next day I pulled him from school.

Some of you are aware that we pulled our son from preschool last fall, just a few months after the start of the school year. His behavior regressed not only with toilet training but also with his temper. When we voiced concern to the people in our lives, we got the ‘he’s not even three yet’ and ‘the bigger deal you make of it, mom and dad, the bigger deal it becomes…’. As his mother, though, I felt with all my heart that there was something more to the story.

Alas, his behavior didn’t get better in the weeks following his withdrawal from school. So, I took him to see a pediatric urologist. The doctor was clearly gifted and experienced albeit patronizing in her dialogue with me. I tried to keep in mind that she treats children much older than my son for a problem that probably began at my son’s age. My main goal was to prevent a major long-term issue down the line. I knew as his parent that something wasn’t right.

Even though the doctor did not support it I demanded an abdominal x-ray. Much to my bittersweet affirmation, the X-ray revealed SEVERE constipation, which for young children means weakening of muscles that help with #2. Constipation of this sort also impacts bladder function, not to mention the emotional issues that come along with it. He had a mass of poop the size of a football in his little body. No matter the age, friends, sometimes it’s not just an accident. Sometimes, more often than we adults realize, accidents are in fact a real medical issue.

Signs It’s No Accident For a more comprehensive list of signs, please see page 34 of It’s No Accident: Breakthrough Solutions to Your Child’s Wetting, Constipation, UTIs, and Other Potty Problems by Steve Hodges and Suzanne Schlosberg.

• • • • •

holding it size of BM is large texture of BM crying when it’s potty time hiding when he needs to use the pott

The Book & Our Progress I know I sound dramatic but this book changed our life. Our son was having major regressions with the toilet and his temper that didn’t seem right to us even at 3 years old. We were brushed off by teachers, administrators and even to some extent our urologist with the “he’s only 3” or “he’ll adjust”. After withdrawing him from preschool and reading Steve’s book, as I mentioned, we took our son to see a urologist. After the x-ray revealed what my husband and I suspected all along, the pediatric urologist helped create a plan that included diet, routine, and supplements. We are on the road to recovery but it has been a long road and we are still traveling on it 7 months later.

After “diagnosis”, don’t under treat the issue. It will take many months, depending on the child, of course, to resolve the issues.

I have not been paid for this post. This story, the results and the opinions, are all my own. If it were not for this book, I would have surrendered to “waiting it out” while my son’s toilet and behavioral regressions “passed”.

Thankfully, we are able to be proactive to prevent any further negative physical or emotional impact on our developing son. We are on the road to wellness. My son is happier as he works the discomfort out of his system and is able to gain control over his actions once again. Thanks to this book, we were able to take control of the situation. I feel so very grateful. I highly recommend this book to any parent and educator who has doubts and wonders in this area.

So many kids today are living in 'virtual reality' and sedentary lifestyles.

Yoga is an option for very young children that connects them with all living things, fosters a calmer, more emotionally stable, higher selfesteemed and more focused child and adolescent.

An alternative that empowers children, rather than numbing them. Yoga is gentle, centering, calming, and can be practiced at an early age and last a lifetime. Yoga provides a gentle physical activity that helps kids to regulate their emotions and manage stress by being more centered and calm. Yoga is especially important during a child’s formative years of development. Yoga contributes to a healthier body and greater self-esteem.

We love it when we find a great source of interesting and helpful links, and we want to be one of ‘those places.’ We also think it’s helpful when you can see a brief description of WHY you should make the effort to ‘click-through.’ We’re hoping you agree!

"Indoor Movement" Yoga

Every month, Primary Plus subscribers enjoy a new Activity Series which features 7days of themed activities to do at home. They are timely, educational, and fun!

Here’s an activity from the newest series called “Indoor Movement.” We hope you consider joining us as a Plus Subscriber, just head to your Profile Settings to upgrade! Click on the logo above to Subscribe.

To do: Pick a few beginner poses and stretch as a family.

Time: 15 minutes Materials: Yoga mat or carpet Whether as a wake-up exercise or at the end of a long day, try a few yoga stretches to get the family moving indoors.

Stretching and breathing exercises are easy to implement and a great relaxing activity to do as a family! Try these: Downward Facing Dog Start on your hands and knees, with hands under your shoulders and knees under your hips. Tuck your toes and lift your knees off the floor, drawing your sit bones up and back, bringing you body into the shape of an A or tent. Keep your knees soft!

Child’s Pose There a few ways to do this, but try starting on your hands and knees. Drop your sit bones back, widening your knees but keeping your big toes touching, and relax back onto your heels. Stretch your arms out in front of you or at your sides with your head on the mat.

Tree Pose A fun balancing pose! Start with feet a shoulder’s width apart and your hands together near your sternum. As you can, bring one foot to rest on your inner calf, or up above your knee and balance on the other foot. If necessary, use a ‘kickstand’ by keeping your toe on the ground, but mainly balancing on one foot. Spread your arms (branches!) wide to the sky!

Cat/Cow Pose A dual purpose pose, start on your hands and knees. Drop your belly and lower back and look up for Cow’s Pose. Hold for a few seconds, then arch your spine and look towards the floor for Cat’s Pose. Hold, then switch back to Cow. Keep going as long as you’d like, remember to breathe in and out!

Kids Calming DIY Bath Bombs Whether it’s bedtime or you are just trying to calm an anxious child with a relaxing warm bath these Kids Calming DIY Bath Bombs scented with essential oils are sure to do the trick. Simple ingredients like essentialslavender, mandarin, and chamomile soothes anxious nerves and help little ones relax in a fun way. They fizz, coloring the water a light calming blue and smell wonderful. You can make a big batch for your little or make some to gift.

Ingredients for DIY Bath Bombs ½ cup cornstarch ½ cup Epsom salt ½ cup citric acid ¼ cup baking soda 1 tsp. Coconut oil, melted 10 drops lavender 10 drops mandarin (optional) 10 drops chamomile Blue soap colorant-optional Water in a spray bottle with a fine mist Silicon mold tray of your choice

Directions for DIY Bath Bombs • •

•

• •

Spray mixture very slowly with water, constantly mixing and kneading with your hands. The key to a perfect bath bomb/fizzie is to get it just damp enough so that it stays together until it dries but not so wet that you activate the fizzing.

When your mixture stays clumped together when you squeeze it then it’s plenty damp enough.

Press firmly into the mold, use the back of a spoon to make sure it’s compressed in.

Mix up your cornstarch, Epsom salt, citric acid, baking soda, and coconut oil until it is well combined.

If you are coloring your fizzies- Add blue soap colorant a little at a time until you get the shade you want.

Let your fizzies dry overnight, gently remove from the mold and store in a container with a lid, keeping them away from water until ready to use.

To use: add 2 or 3 to warm bath water and let your little one soak.

Ridiculous Riddles About Animals Ridiculous Riddles About Animals Enjoy the playful nature of language with these hilarious animal themed riddles that your whole family will enjoy. So whether you are 3 or 103, you will definitely find lots of humor in this collection of animal riddles.

Where do orcas go to enjoy music?

The symphony Orca-stra Why did the cow cross the road?

To get to the udder side.

What do you do if your dog chews a dictionary?

Take the words out of his mouth!

What do you call a cold dog sitting on a bunny?

A chili dog on a bun.

How does a dog stop a video from playing?

He presses the paws button.

What do you call lending money to a bison?

A buff-a-loan What is the snake’s favorite subject?

Hiss-story What is black ,white and red all over?

A sunburnt penguin!

What do you call a fish without an eye?

Fsh! Why do fish live in salt water?

Because pepper makes them sneeze!

Where do mice park their boats?

At the hickory dickory dock.

Where did the sheep go on vacation?

The baaaahamas What do you call a thieving alligator?

A crookodile What do you call a girl with a frog on her head?

Lilly.

Why does a dog wag its tail?

Because there’s no one else to wag it for him.

Struggling with children can cause drama – it need not be so. Here is how you can practice Peaceful Parenting

By Natalie Baginski

Peaceful parenting can seem like an elusive, abstract idea that is clear and wise in hindsight, after the dust of drama settles. But in a moment of struggle with a young child whose mind and body seem bent on opposing everything you want and need in that moment, remaining truly peaceful is your white whale.

There are three major commitments you are making when you decide to embrace peaceful parenting.

1. Instead of punishment and reward, coercion, and bribery, you are patiently tending to an environment, a communication style, and a relationship that brings forth the goodness of the child by way of reason, logic, well thought out ground rules, room for practice, trial and error, forgiveness, and trust.

2. How you respond to your child is your choice and you aim to respond with love, kindness, logic, and reason, even when the situation is chaotic and difficult.

3. The daily dynamic between you and your child and the relationship you are building with your child is of the utmost importance, and you prioritize this relationship over pretty much everything else.

These are the three basic principles of peaceful parenting.

“Peaceful Parenting is about turning the spotlight inwards at least 50% of the time, and hopefully much, much more.” – Avital “the parenting junkie” If you embrace these three ideas and you can turn inward (at least 50% of the time), you are walking the path of peaceful parenting, and yes, it might be very steep and gravelly indeed.

Why is it so hard?

1. You are choosing to avoid punishments and rewards: Manipulating and coercion is easy when you dangle reward, candy, and stickers in front of your child. It’s much harder to be present, accept the behavior and decide to respond, not react, and find a logical, reasonable way forward. You have to remain peaceful and not use the crutch of reward and punishment when your child is triggering you and pushing your buttons.

2. We are taking 100% of the responsibility for how things go. It’s harder to take control of our own reactivity than it is to take control of a young child. In the end, how the whole thing plays out is on you because you are the adult. The feelings of failure and disappointment that come up when things don’t go well can be heavy on you.

3. You are part of a fringe group, you are not the norm; the majority of parents spank, or use time out, and/or use coercion, and/or embrace authoritarianism. Not only is this path you’ve chosen putting you in the minority, but chances are you were not raised in the peaceful environment that you are trying to manifest for your family. This is not a criticism nor is it an egotistical grasp at being better than other parents in the neighborhood. It’s simply a fact that for some, you are an outlier in your own family, or community, and this makes you somewhat of a pioneer, an explorer…

You are exploring new ways, new words, new ideas, as you go. And you might feel alone in this, especially if your friends and family remind you that “time out really works!’ and “I was spanked as a child and I turned out just fine…” and “you’re not here to be her friend; you are here to be her mom…”. The advice from loved ones is well intended, but it can be isolating if the support you are receiving is not actually the support you want or need.

With the tips above, you can start making small changes to become a more peaceful parent.

Disi & Jake Redman, and baby Matthew

Interviewed by Linda Navon What work were you doing before becoming part of the Disruptive Duo? I actually studied B.Com Accounting and wanted to become a charted accountant but was then introduced to the world of broadcasting. I finished my studies but knew that I definitely wasn't destined to be a bean counter and would rather enjoy the crazy side of things in broadcasting. I did some TV presenting for Supersport and then heard about an online radio station called Ballz radio and that’s when I met the other member of The Disruptive Duo, Sasha Martinengo, and we have worked together since then and moved to Hot91.9fm.

That's how I got to where I am today. I do hope to get back onto TV, whether it be in sport, travel or lifestyle.

Do you get nervous before going on air or does it come naturally to you?

No not anymore. Initially I would get a little nervous but now I basically have fun with one of my best buddies on air. Sasha is a really wonderful person and I am very privileged to work with him. Definitely no more nerves, I suppose nerves just hold you back in the end anyway.

When you read the news, and it’s something horrific and sad, how does it make you feel?

I am an emotional person so I do feel emotions when reading sad news. I actually really don’t like it at all.

Do you support a specific cause or charity?

I try and support many charities but I am also very pro supporting people I know who are in need of assistance. I feel that there are many forms of charity and sometimes people we know are in need of help. I recently helped a school girl that I know pay her school fees as she needed assistance.

What are your guilty pleasures, for example, how do you relax and do you have special treats for yourself?

Food is not a big guilt pleasure thing for me.... one of my favourite treats is an afternoon of pampering with a full body massage... there is nothing more relaxing...it is a real treat as I don’t often have time for this... but when I do it is a real treat. Another treat is a glass or two of good wine....which I have missed over the past few months being pregnant and now feeding Matthew!!!

Interests outside of work, and other than being a mother… being a new mother is just fantastic and has taken up pretty much all of my spare time for the past two months but when things settle down....which is starting to happen now, I love playing golf, exercising, cooking and baking, watching numerous sports... as I am a bit of a sports nut.

What were you like as a student at school? Were you a teacher’s pet or did you disrupt the class with jokes and constant chatter?

Ha-ha… I was actually more of the teacher’s pet type. I was a pretty well behaved student at school, played lots of sport and worked hard when it came to my studies.

If you could do ANYTHING … like a complete career change/fly to the moon/run the comrades marathon or be a ballerina… what would it be?

Mmmmm, I would have loved to have been a professional sportswoman. Possibly a professional golfer or tennis player..

Name 4 items on your bucket list Go to the Masters golf tournament (hopefully watch my husband play there one day), Watch Roger Federer in action at Wimbledon , Go on a lovely family beach holiday to Mauritius or the Seychelles, Visit Bora Bora or the Maldives with my husband.

Favourite SA bands Goodluck and Goldfish, LOVE their tunes.

Who would you love to interview on air?

I would love to interview Roger Federer. He is my favorite sportsman of all time (other than Jake, my husband ha-ha).

What is the one major quality that you would like to teach Matthew that will serve him for the rest of his life?

I think to be honest and kind. There is so much bullying happening to young children today and I feel that if you raise a child that is kind and honest he/she will rather stick up for the underdog rather than be a bully to one.

There is never too much kindness in a child.

Why have you not entered the Mrs South Africa competition, you are the perfect candidate.

Ha-ha thank you. Maybe in time but for now I am happy to just be focusing on my gorgeous little boy and husband.

How do you keep the balance between being a new mum, a radio personality, and a wife to a travelling sportsman?

I think just waking up with a positive attitude helps. I love every second I spend with my little boy, love every second I spend with my husband when he is home, and love every second of being on air at work. It’s easy to lose track and let things get the better of you, but I am Blessed in all three of those areas of my life so I literally just enjoy every moment I can of my life.

What advice would you give to potential mothers, something you wish you had known or prepared for, before having a baby?

Be prepared to fall in LOVE like you won’t believe and can't describe. It is the best thing in the world.

Thank you Disi, it’s been an absolute pleasure meeting you and spending time in your company… I am a big fan of The Disruptive Duo and our magazines are ‘powered by the sound of Hot 91.9fm’.

READERS: YOU CAN TUNE INTO DISI AND SASHA ON HOT 91.9FM EVERY WEEKDAY BETWEEN 2 AND 4 PM. IF YOU ARE NOT IN THE GAUTENG VICINITY – AUDIOSTREAM LIKE THOUSANDS OF OTHER LISTENERS DO.

JAKE REDMAN Jake is a professional Golfer playing on the Sunshine Tour and spends quite a bit of time on golf courses, and away from home.

He is a very ‘hands-on’ Dad who is not shy of changing ‘poohnappies’, and clearly has a very strong bond with his little son.

Jake’s wish for Matthews’ future is that he is able to experience as much of what life has to offer as possible .

During working hours, Disi is part of the Disruptive Duo on air, and at home she is the other half of a very Dynamic Duo… or rather, The Terrific Trio!

How To Be a Better Father With “Dad Time”

by The Unexpected Dad Several months ago I was having a conversation with an acquaintance of mine about being a father. He made a comment about promising his wife that he would spend time in the evening playing with his young son. He mentioned that it will take time away from other things he needs to do, but “I guess I need to do it”. Wow! A disengaged father who struggled to spend time with his son. Guys, as fathers spending time with our children is our top priority! Do not be the absent dad.

A recent study* followed 750 fathers and the amount of quality time spent with their one year old child. The study found that larger amounts of quality time spent with a child results in less unwanted behavior at the age of two. What is “quality time”? The study defines quality time as time spent interacting with the child in a positive and sensitive way. A father who is patient, encouraging and attentive rather than controlling and critical during play time is much more likely to have a well-adjusted child later in life.

Take close note: It is not about just sitting around, watching TV with your child, it’s about interacting in a positive manner. The same study shows that a father who spends a large amount of time with their one year old child, but responds in a negative way, has a child who displays poor social skills by age three.

Be A Better Dad So if I asked you if you would like to be a better dad, I’m pretty sure your answer would be “YES”! But how?

Dad time!

Based on this study, a sure-fire way to be a better dad is to spend more quality time with your child.1 Now I know what you’re saying: “Paul, this is obvious”!

But is it really that obvious? Aren’t we all drawn to “other” things in our lives that we need to get done?

I need to: • • • • • •

Mow the lawn.

Catch up on some work.

Pay the bills.

Work in my shop.

Write a blog post.

Insert any other activity here.

Yes, anything you can insert into “I need to ____________” is probably important, but if we want to be better parents, we need to start with the basics.

The Basics: Quality Time Spending some quality time with your child doesn’t have to be complicated, especially for younger children. If you have kids that are toddler age, check out the post on 6 Cool and Inexpensive Outings For Toddlers. For school age children (or any child), I always think it’s best to get out of the house (weather permitting), even if it is just going for a walk in the neighborhood.

• • • •

Go out for breakfast, dinner or ice cream; 1 on 1.

Hiking, biking or even an over night camping trip.

Go for a swim at a public pool.

Out of the way or out of the ordinary places. Colorado Springs has a “Bug Museum” that older kids would find interesting.

If you are stuck in the house: • • • •

Play with Lego’s together.

Work in your shop on a simple project.

Make a tasty treat in the kitchen.

Take your child’s lead. Play with whatever toy they want to play with. Take part in whatever imaginary game they create.

Understand what you’re child likes to do and do those things with him or her.

Whatever it is that you do together, make sure that you are positive and encouraging. Guide and teach while playing, but not in a critical or controlling manner.

Most of all: Have fun!

My name is Paul and I am The Unexpected Dad. My wife and I married late in life and we didn’t really expect to have children (thus the title of my blog). We weren’t opposed to the idea of having children, but just assumed that it was not in the cards for us.

I write about the rather unexpected journey of fatherhood, please join me!

Fears of the Young Child Fear, sadness and anger are three of the most difficult emotions for children, and adults for that matter, to learn to manage. These emotions are interrelated in that fear can be the core emotion behind anger and sadness.

by Maren Schmidt

Children need to be able to modulate their emotions in order to focus their attention, to concentrate, to learn and to read other people’s nonverbal cues–body language, facial expressions and social cues.

John Gottman, author of Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child, says that there are six major fears that can create obstacles to development in young children, ages 4 to 7 years.

Fear of Powerlessness.

The young child is learning how to take care of his or her own needs. Dressing oneself, preparing simple snacks, tying shoes and leaving home to go to preschool or elementary school are some of the many activities that help young children increase their influence over themselves and their environment. In short, these tasks help the child gain personal power.

Every activity that we can help our young child do without assistance creates a feeling of strength and diminishes fears of powerlessness.

Any unnecessary help is a hindrance to the young child. Provide encouragement and understanding: It’s tricky to zip your coat by yourself. Offer assistance only when needed: May I help you zip your jacket?

Fear of Abandonment.

Children strive towards independence, but emotionally children know they are dependent on their parents for food, shelter, clothing and love. The fear of losing one’s parents is primal, and the younger child sees no humor about ”being sold to the gypsies.” The older child of eight to twelve confronts this fear with stories where parents are out of the picture, from Hansel and Gretel to Harry Potter.

Fear of the Dark.

In many ways fear of the dark relates to the fears of powerlessness and abandonment. In the dark we are vulnerable and alone. As a child, for me it was comforting to see the light shine under my bedroom door and listen to the classical music playing in my room. The light and sound meant my parents were awake and watching over me.

Fear of Bad Dreams.

Young children have difficulty distinguishing dreams from reality. A dream, a television show or movie is perceived at the emotional level as an actual event. Many nightmares relate back to a child’s fears of powerlessness and abandonment.

Comfort a terrified youngster by holding the child close and telling him or her that the dream is not true. Ask the child to tell you the dream, and try to connect the dream to the fears a child may have about powerlessness and abandonment. Monsters under the bed can make anyone feel alone and powerless.

Fear of Parental Conflict.

Seeing the fears of being powerless and abandoned through a child’s eyes, discord between mom and dad takes on a new dimension. Children feel powerless to affect change and worry that one or both parents may leave. Learn effective ways to handle disagreements with your partner. Seeing their parents hug in forgiveness comforts children in a way that words cannot.

Fear of Death.

Young children know about death and will ask direct questions. Be prepared to give honest answers.

Acknowledge the child’s sadness and loss and offer comfort with hugs and words. Being open to your child’s concerns about death will help keep lines of communication open for other feelings and concerns.

Fear is an important emotion for human survival, as the world can be a dangerous place. We should be careful not to let fear become an irrational response to an imaginary threat. For real danger we need to show our children how to respond with calculated caution.

When your child tells you he or she is afraid, be alert for these six fears. Brainstorm with your child ways to cope with his or her emotions. Be empathetic. Talk about strategies for coping with and preventing a feared situation. Look behind a statement to see the underlying emotion.

And you might leave the hall light on and check under the bed.

3 Simple Tools to Help Highly Sensitive Kids Thrive Does Your Child Have Sensitivity To Light, Sound, Touch, Taste, Or Smell?

By Robin Ray Green

I think of highly sensitive kids as being gifted with fluency in a second language – energy. It’s a gift that will give them many advantages in life once they understand and harness it.

But, in the beginning, it’s like their sensitivity dial is set on max!

They may be sensitive to everything: light, sound, touch, taste, and smell along with subtle whispers of energy.

Highly sensitive children can sense stressed energy in people and places. They pick up on the true emotions of others and see beyond the social veneer. Some can even feel the energetic residue of strong emotions in a space that was left days or weeks before.

The problem is they don’t know that this is what they’re feeling!

If you have a highly sensitive child, it may seem, at times, that this world is just too much for them. But, when you teach them a few simple energetic tools you can empower them.

Last month when I wrote about 7 Things You Need to Know About Your Highly Sensitive Child, many of the comments on the article and on social media asked for concrete techniques to help our children.

Here are 3 of my favorites:

#1 Body-Emotion Scanning While in a safe space, have your child scan their body from head-to-toe. Ask if they notice any tension or discomfort. Have them describe how they feel emotionally at that moment.

There’s an app called Feelings with Milo that can help younger children with this second part. Tell them to keep that in mind before going into a new place such as a grocery store or friend’s house.

If they notice a change in their body or emotions, talk about what or who it might be related to. With your help and some practice, they’ll be able to sense whether the change was due to their own experience or from energy they’re picking up from others or the place they were in.

#2 Bubbles If you’re going to a crowded shopping mall, airport, or theme park bubbles are a great way to manage sensitivities. Have your child imagine that their body is surrounded by a protective bubble. The bubble can be any color and acts as a barrier that only lets in positive energy and filters any negative or stressed energy.

When I do this with my boys we have a lot of fun with the visualization process. I ask them things like, “What color is your bubble?” and “How far does it extend around your body?” I have them describe how their bubbles feel.

We practice moving it around and sensing each other’s bubbles. Eventually you can just say, “Bubbles Up!” and everyone will know what to do!

#3 Understand Your Child’s Unique Five Element Type One of the things that has helped me the most in understanding highly sensitive kids is the Five Element system of Chinese medicine.

It’s a framework that allows us to determine each person’s unique nature – body, mind, and spirit.

The Five Elements are Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. Each Element has corresponding physical characteristics, personality traits, strengths, and challenges that shape each child’s overall health and way of being in the world.

Once you discover your child’s Five Element type, you’ll have a better understanding of how your child’s sensitivities will manifest.

Five Types and how to help them: Fire and Earth children tend to be emotional empaths.

Metal and Wood children tend to be physical empaths.

Water children tend to be intuitive empaths.

Metal and Water types will need time alone to process the energies they experience during the day.

Fire and Earth types will need gentle reassurance and a safe person to share their feelings with.

Physical activity is a great way for Wood and Fire types to discharge negative energy.

Presents

The Wonderful World of Disney on Ice Disney On Ice will return to South Africa in 2017 for the sixth time with The Wonderful World of Disney On Ice!. With tickets now available, families will be able to celebrate magic, spirit, and fun as an extraordinary lineup of Disney stories come to life in Johannesburg, Cape Town and, for the very first time, Durban!

Ticketpro Dome, Johannesburg . 30 June – 9 July Durban’s ICC Arena . 13 July – 16 July GrandWest, Cape Town . 19 July – 23 July

Presented by Feld Entertainment Inc and leading local promoter, Showtime Management The Wonderful World of Disney On Ice! opens on Friday, 30 June 2017 at the Ticketpro Dome, Johannesburg and runs until Sunday, 09 July 2017. The production then moves to Durban’s ICC Arena from Thursday, 13 July to Sunday, 16 July and then to GrandWest, Cape Town from Wednesday, 19 July to Sunday, 23 July 2017. Tickets are on sale at Computicket.

Join Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy as they walk down memory lane and reawaken Disney moments that span generations. Dive deep into the East Australian Current with your favorite school of fish from Disney Pixar's Finding Dory when Dory, Nemo and Marlin set off on an adventure to discover the true meaning of family. Travel to the wintry world of Arendelle with Anna and Elsa and the hilarious snowman Olaf from Disney’s Frozen as they learn how powerful a love between sisters can be. Reach for your dreams with Rapunzel, as her determination illuminates her inner strength. Experience the beauty of Walt Disney’s first animated feature film, as Snow White creates her own happily ever after with the help of seven, new friends.

Buzz and Woody will have you jumping out of your seat in a foot-stomping hoedown; Simba, Timon and Pumbaa prowl the Pride Lands of Africa; Jasmine, Aladdin and Genie show how friendship is fearless; and your favorite Disney Princesses take to the ice to showcase the courage and determination that led them to achieve their dreams.

For the past six years South African audiences have been thrilled by the excitement of the various Disney On Ice shows. “Each year, the show is a completely different production and, based on the audience appreciation, we believe Disney On Ice is fast becoming a regular annual event on the South African winter events calendar,” says Tony Feldman from Showtime Management. “We are pleased to extend the 2017 Disney On Ice SA tour to share the magic of Disney On Ice in Durban for the first time.”

The production concludes with a captivating parade of classic and modern Disney characters, bringing the production to a final culmination of excitement and adventure. With an extraordinary lineup of hit songs, memorable scenes and timeless characters, The Wonderful World of Disney On Ice has a story for every generation.

The Wonderful World of Disney On Ice is a not-to-be-missed family winter school holiday outing. Book now at Computicket by calling 0861 915 8000, visit www.computicket.com or your nearest Computicket service centre.

Patrons are asked to please note that owing to safety regulations each person, irrespective of age (including babes in arms and children under two years) must have a purchased ticket. To discover more about Disney On Ice, log on to www.disneyonice.co.za or visit us on Facebook and YouTube.

Cape Town Wednesday 26th April 2017 Green Point Park, Cape Town

CLICK HERE TO BOOK

Johannesburg Friday 28th April 2017 The Dome, Johannesburg

Faeries, fair maidens and fantastic creatures; Steampunk elves, gallant knights and special features...

Come one, come all to the dragon's lair, We introduce to you to the first annual Fantasy Fayre!

TICKETS: R25 online, R40 at the gate on the day KIDS UNDER 12 FREE From 10am - 5pm the market opens in the lee of the castle with all manner of medieval and fantasy games and craftsmen.

We are so proud to be supporting Husky Romi Wolf Sanctuary at this event - expect to learn about their gorgeous wolves!

Also expect all manner of fantasy themed market stalls and merriment: play a Game of Kings (Viking Chess), have a go at archery with The Troll or sample Eoin's Tankard mead while you watch Drakon Forge make weapons; or try your hand at the Axe Toss!

Wander through the castle to the sounds of Trad - Pretoria with jewellery, dragons, ceramics, art, clothing, craft beer and delicious food and more on sale at the stalls.

Dress up! Fantastic prizes in the Adult and Kids fancydress categories Know your fantasy stuff? Grab a team and join our FANTASY QUIZ! MAP TO VENUE: https://goo.gl/maps/5vNp6jFGd1k

Stovetop Pizza Stovetop Pizza These days, pizza is the favorite food of many children. Making your own pizza is a satisfying accomplishment. This delicious version uses fresh tomatoes and less cheese than most. You can bake these pizzas on cookie sheets in preheated 425 degree oven instead of cooking them on the stovetop.

Makes 3 10-inch pizzas.

Ingredients Pizza Dough • 1cup warm water • ½tsp baking yeast • 1tsp honey • ¾cup whole wheat flour • 1¾cups unbleached white flour • ½tsp baking powder • ½tsp salt Pizza Toppings • ¼cup shredded Parmesan cheese • ½cup grated mozzarella cheese • 5 Roma tomatoes, diced • ½ red bell pepper diced • 2tbsp chopped fresh basil leaves • ¼tsp salt • ⅛tsp freshly ground black pepper • 2tsp olive oil

Instructions Make the pizza dough In a medium bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let sit 2 to 3 minutes, until the yeast is dissolved. Stir in the honey and whole wheat flour. In a separate bowl, stir together the white flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the whole wheat mixture, stirring to form a rough dough. On a clean, lightly floured work surface, knead the dough for 1 to 2 minutes, until smooth.

Cover the dough and let it rise while you prepare the pizza toppings.

Prepare the pizza toppings In a small bowl, combine the cheeses. In another bowl, combine the tomatoes, bell peppers, basil, salt, pepper, and olive oil.

Make the pizzas Divide the dough to make 3 equal balls. On a clean, lightly floured work surface, roll each ball into a circle that is 10 inches in diameter. Heat a 12-inch skillet or griddle over medium high heat until it is hot. Transfer the rolled pizza crust to the skillet or griddle and cook for 3 to 5 minutes.

Turn the dough. Spread one third of the tomato mixture on top of the cooked side of the dough to make an even layer.

Top with ¼ cup of the cheese mixture. Cover the pan and continue to cook the pizza until the toppings are hot and the bottom of the crust is golden brown, about 5 to 8 minutes. Remove the pizza to a cutting board and cut into wedges to serve. Repeat this process to make 2 more pizzas.

Coconut Rice Balls Instructions

Ingredients • • • • • • • •

½cup sushi rice 1cup water 1pinch salt ¼cup coconut milk 4½tsp sugar ⅛tsp pure almond extract ½cup shredded coconut ¼cup mango pieces

Combine the rice, water, and salt in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium and partially cover.

Cook until all of the water is absorbed, about 25 minutes.

Remove from heat. Stir the coconut milk, sugar, and almond extract into the rice. Let the rice cool to lukewarm. Using wet fingers, take about 1 teaspoon of rice and roll it into a ball. Roll each rice ball in coconut to coat it. Cut the mango pieces into strips, ¼-inch wide and 1-inch long. Just before serving, garnish each rice ball with a strip of mango.

THE HEALING PROPERTIES OF TURMERIC AND CAYENNE The principal components of Flora Force Turmerynne™ are turmeric and cayenne, exotic spices used in the fragrant cuisines of Asia, the islands of the Caribbean and South America. But these sought-after ingredients are also prized for their healing properties.

Generations of people have trusted turmeric and cayenne to ease discomforts ranging from sluggish metabolism and digestive disorders to arthritis pain, high blood pressure, heart and circulatory conditions and, more recently, Alzheimer’s disease and even cancer. Today, curiosity about the medicinal properties and healing potential of these spices continues. All you need do is scan through the database of PubMed (the world’s leading repository of medical research) to find thousands of research papers on these spices, integral members of the so-called Super Spices: turmeric, cayenne, ginger and cinnamon.

Inspired by the powerful synergy between turmeric and cayenne, Flora Force combined the spices to create Turmerynne™, a powerhouse remedy to treat a host of everyday and more serious ailments.

Turmerynne™ acts as an: • • • •

• •

• • • •

Anti-coagulant: Turmeric selectively inhibits the production of thromboxane, which causes blood clotting and constriction of the blood vessels; cayenne also reduces blood-clotting tendencies.

Anti-inflammatory: Both curcumin and capsaicin help fight inflammation. Curcumin inhibits the formation of leukotriene (the overproduction of which causes inflammation in asthma and allergic rhinitis).

Anti-oxidant: Curcumin is a powerful anti-oxidant.

Hypolipidaemic: Curcumin may help to reduce the absorption of excess cholesterol and increase the excretion of bile acids and cholesterol via the bowel.

Antiseptic: Both cayenne and turmeric act as antimicrobials, targeting bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori.

Anti-tumour/Cancer preventative: Capsaicin blocks NF-kappa beta, a molecular mechanism that promotes cancer-cell growth. Curcumin may inhibit the development of breast, prostate and colon cancers, as well as cataracts, lymphoma, melanoma, multiple myeloma, cancer of the pancreas and the development of metastases.

Analgesic: Capsaicin inhibits the release of the neurotransmitter Substance P, believed to be the primary chemical mediator of pain impulses to the brain. Turmeric inhibits COX-2, an enzyme responsible for the symptoms of pain and inflammation.

Carminative: Capsaicin relieves indigestion, gas and heartburn.

Stimulatory: Capsaicin is a vaso-stimulant that helps to dilate blood vessels and stimulate blood flow. It encourages gastric juices, stimulates the digestive system; and encourages the secretion of adrenalin (from the medulla) and cortisol (from the cortex).

Capsaicin strengthens the heart and arteries.

Taken daily, Turmerynne™ may give you: • • • • • • •

Improved vitality: The formula supports all body functions by stimulating metabolism and improving vitality.

Anti-ageing benefits: Turmerynne™ encourages natural detoxification and cleansing, with an anti-ageing effect.

Improved circulation: The formula may improve circulation and stimulate and regulate heart activity and blood pressure.

Improved digestion: It may relieve indigestion, abdominal gas and bloating.

May assist in lowering serum cholesterol and obesity-induced glucose intolerance.

May help to reduce inflammatory reactions and relieve pain caused by headaches and cramping, as well as joint, arthritic, rheumatic and muscular pains such as fibromyalgia.

May inhibit the progression of chronic disease and tumour growth.

Article compiled for Flora Force by Judy Beyer.

To read the full article follow this link: http://floraforce.co.za/turmeric-and-cayenne-benefits/

No-Bake Chocolate Oat Cookies

By Lisa Raleigh

Ingredients:

Method:

•

•

• • • • • •

2 cups rolled oats (substitute with any preferences, like desiccated coconut) 2 t chia seeds (optional) ½ cup coconut oil ½ cup peanut butter ½ cup honey ¼ raw cacao powder ¼ vanilla extract

Conscious Life Magazine Conscious Life Magazine

• •

Add the oil, honey, peanut butter, cacao powder and vanilla extract to a small saucepan and melt together over medium heat.

Remove from heat then pour in the oats or substitutes and chia seeds.

Stir thoroughly.

Line a baking sheet with wax paper then drop a spoonful at a time on the tray. Freeze for 30 minutes and store until ready to eat.

Conscious Life Magazine

Cats Eating Dry Food Have Increased Risk for Developing Type 2 Diabetes Some cat owners have advocated not feeding dry food to cats for health reasons, and now the science may back those claims up. A recent study conducted by researchers at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences found an increased risk of diabetes mellitus (Type 2) in normalweight cats that consume a dry food diet.

The study, “Environmental Risk Factors for Diabetes Mellitus in Cats,” was published online December 1, 2016, and will be included in the January/February digital issue of the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine (JVIM), a publication of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM).

“Through our research we found that while obesity is a very important and prominent risk factor for diabetes mellitus in cats, there is also an increased risk of diabetes among normal-weight cats consuming a dry food diet,” said Malin Öhlund, DVM, a Ph.D student of the department of Clinical Services at the Swedish University of Agricultural Science and lead researcher on the study. “This correlation, compared to normal-weight cats on a wet food diet, is a new and interesting finding that warrants further research, as a dry food diet is commonly fed to cats around the world.”

This study investigated both new and known risk factors associated with diabetes mellitus in cats. In addition to an increased risk among normal-weight cats on a dry food diet, the study also found that indoor confinement and inactivity, being a greedy eater and being overweight were also associated with an increased risk of diabetes mellitus in cats.

“Environmental Risk Factors for Diabetes Mellitus in Cats” is the largest case-control study about diabetic cats to date. The web-based survey, which was conducted over a four-month period, evaluated 2,066 cats—396 with diabetes mellitus and 1,670 control cats—based on 48 questions that focused on the cat’s age, breed, sex, neutering status and body condition, as well as questions regarding the cat’s general health, eating behavior and routine, and activity level, among others.

Article with gratitude to:

We lead increasingly busy lives. juggling work, family, personal issues and day-to-day general ‘stuff’. Our energy can feel unbalanced at any time even on the best of days and sometimes stressful situations can totally throw us out of sync. Holistic healing is a wonderful way of balancing your body mind and spirit.

Everything is made up of energy. When we are stressed or unbalanced, our entire environment is affected, including our family, pets and our living or working environment.

Our animal companions are highly sensitive beings. Their energy centres are easily thrown out of balance by negative energy in the home, i.e. noise, arguments, work stress, loss of a family member and even moving house, which can be extremely stressful for everyone involved. Reiki helps to balance our animal friends and give them a sense of calm and balance, helping them to stay healthy and relaxed, even in the most stressful of situations..

Our homes can also be affected by negativity, creating stagnant energies in our own living space. Space clearing, a specialised area of Feng Shui, can help to restore positive energy and movement into these stagnant areas, creating peace and calm – restoring the natural balance within your home, your sanctuary.

A three-part healing experience for you and your animal companions, cleansing all the negative energies within your home environment.

Ann-Marie Kelly Mobile: 082 579 9478 emailhealingconnexions14@gmail.com

REVIEW ON ANN-MARIE FROM HEALING CONNEXIONS

By Linda Navon I first met Ann-Marie about 4 years ago when we were staying at the same lodge in Tofu, Mozambique. There was a feral cat at the retreat which had a gummy eyes and no-one was taking care of it...

Enter Ann-Marie First she did some Reiki on this gorgeous ginger cat, spent time with him communicating and sending healing energy. Yes, we did get an antibiotic from a local source as the situation was not looking good and we didn’t want the cat to loose his eyesight.

Ann-Marie worked with ‘Ginger’ every day, and by the end of our holiday, he was better.

Two days ago Ann-Marie stepped back into my life as one of our adopted cats got ill, the vet had her on a drip and did all sorts of tests and couldn’t come up with any reason for the condition. She was send home and hasn’t improved despite us trying everything possible to tempt her appetite.

On Friday we had various healers from as far afield as Paris, tuning into her energy and sending her healing. The general consensus is that she is depressed as there are plans for a move off the property on the cards. Now bear in mind that we adopted her when her first family emigrated – so she has picked up on the energy and understood that another move is imminent, and clearly this has stressed her out as she does not know where she fits into the picture.

Enter Ann-Marie again…

On Monday this week, Ann-Marie came and chatted to my niece and I to establish what has changed in the past few months, made notes and discussed possible solutions. She brought a great sense of calm with her and all the pets clamored to get in the picture! Even the geese on the property gathered at our fence and made damn sure that we knew they were there.

Ann-Marie then went and sat in the garden with our cat, Mik-Mok, and did her Reiki and just connected to her. Then based on what she picked up, and what we told her about the imminent move, she mixed a Bach Flower Remedy which we are giving to all the animals in their water and taking it ourselves.

Today, two days later, Ann-Marie popped by on her way to the animal sanctuary where she volunteers her time, just to check in with Mik-Mok who was delighted to see her. She purred all the way through her treatment. So we are on the healing journey with this lovely cat, and I am talking to her to reassure her of her future and where we will be living. I have even told her about the view out the window of the horses and the sunsets she can watch.

What we as humans probably don’t fully grasp, is that our pets are very tuned into our feelings and know what is going on, so it’s vital that we talk in positive terms to them when things are changing, or if you are going away to explain to them that you will be away for a few days and that you WILL be back. This has been a learning curve for us and we are adjusting our ‘animal-speak’ accordingly.

The funniest thing about having Ann-Marie on the property is that she spread her healing light, and we know this as the same night the jackals in the area were more vocal, the geese have been hanging around more than usual, and two different neighbour's cats wanted to ‘cash in’ on the energy and came to visit us. My niece found a strange Siamese cat under her bed when she got home yesterday.

Story to be continued....

EVERY HOME NEEDS A LOVING PET! THERE ARE SO MANY BEAUTIFUL ANIMALS WAITING TO BE ADOPTED – PLEASE REACH OUT! WE ALSO ENCOCURAGE YOU TO REACH INTO YOUR HEARTS FOR THOSE WHO ARE LESS FORTUNATE AND REALLY NEED OUR HELP.

PAWS R US (SA) is looking for INVESTORS – help us BUILD THE DREAM of our “HAPPY PLACE”!

After 6 years in animal welfare/rescue, PAWS R US (SA) has moved into the LINBER KENNELS facility out in the Tarlton area, JHB. It is time to spread our wings, create a permanent home, and contribute more effectively to both the cause and effects linked to animal welfare/rescue in SA. Our dream is to build the LINBER KENNELS facility into a top-notch rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming haven for rescue dogs. We also want to establish a home-base for our EDUCATION campaigns, so that we can work with the youth in returning to the core value of COMPASSION and RESPECT for Self and All Life.

To make this dream a reality, we need to BUY the LINBER KENNELS site. And to get that done, we need to find INVESTORS and PARTNERS who want to contribute to something greater than themselves, and help make a real, immediate and practical difference in a world that has lost its way.

The PAWS R US (SA) TRUST has been created as a legal entity – and we now look to spread the net open wide and “go on the hunt” for kindred spirits who want to help build something GOOD. We need INVESTORS of the HEART and MIND – those who want to protect the vulnerable, educate the youth of tomorrow, and know that their investment has directly uplifted lives and communities.

CONTACT: For all enquiries and details related to this search for INVESTORS, and the implications for each INVESTOR within the Trust, please email us on woof@pawsrus.co.za

with much appreciation to our advertisers, contributors, endorsers and our readers namaste