Child of the Universe Positive Parenting ed 34

Cover Models : ALISTAIR, LEXI & DANIEL Photographer: ALISTAIR MCALPINE

ed’s letter Hello to all our parents 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, NATIONAL SALES & MARKETING Cj Stott Matticks 082 900 1010 candida@childoftheuniverse.co.za DISTRIBUTION & RESEARCH Lee Coulter WRITER Dani Jardim dani@childoftheuniverse.co.za PHOTOGRAPHER Edward Jardim CONTACT NUMBERS TEL: (011) 462-2900 0110 262 643 0110 468 737

Hopefully you have had a lovely holiday and are happy to have the kids back in their school routines. Sometimes the stress of holidays brings you home with the feeling of relief to rather be facing the traffic than the tantrums! I know, I am sounding a tad skeptical as I have been listening to my friends stressing about sibling rivalry and the constant bickering.

April for most people is month of many short weeks and loads of braais, connecting with friends and family, and for many – a trip to the beach. So welcome to this month’s slimmer edition of Positive Parenting.

Margi McAlpine has written a very encouraging article on being positive about our country, and we feature her son and his beautiful family on the cover of this edition.

Please take note of the Bullying videos and the products that follow which relate specifically to children who bully others, and children who are bullied.

Until the May/June edition, be happy, positive, and keep smiling. Above all, top up on your health products and keep the flu bugs away.

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.

Much Love

Linda

contents Keeping your Student Energized and Focused Road Rules you should know abut Cry our Beloved South Africa A Prayer for Africa

BABIES & BEYOND

Safe Natural Childbirth Home Exercise for new Mom’s with Lisa Raleigh Body Care Must Haves for Baby

PEACEFUL PARENTING

Am I an Old Mom> Journey for the Sacred Child Understanding Selective Mutism Who will Stop the Bullying

OUT & ABOUT YUMMY TUMMY

Cooking with Kids

READING

Suggested and available reading material

ANIMAL WORLD

Could your cat food cause diabetes?

Happy animal video clips and stories

REACH OUT

Help out with a cause – because you can!

4 Strategies to Energize and Focus Your Students

By Ben Johnson

The real-life application of learning engages students beyond worksheets and traditional methods.

Students are often bombarded with distractions, and it’s a challenge to keep them focused on what they are learning and the task at hand. The following four strategies I have found to be incredibly helpful in keeping students focused daily—and throughout the school year.

1. Engage Student Leadership in the Classroom Some of the students who seem least interested in the learning are also some of the most effective students in organizing and orchestrating classroom projects. These student leaders can also be persuasive in assisting others in their learning. I recently started a project-based learning unit on travel in Spanish speaking countries, and I handpicked a general manager for each class. I chose the student that was self-assured enough to make things happen, and in many cases, these were students with disciplinary issues.

I then asked the class to elect two student helpers for the general manager. I knew that making sure that this leadership team knew how to lead was incredibly important, so I took the time to explain the vision and goals, providing specific tasks that needed to be done. I advised them that they were not the ones that should be doing the tasks, but they are the ones supervising to make sure that the tasks get done. I also gave them liberty on how they could accomplish the tasks. The results were impressive and better than past results when I had been the sole manager of the learning.

2. Involve as Many Students as Possible The first segment of our travel project was to transform our classroom into a travel agency. I requested that the leadership team for each class assign students to make artifacts for the agency—business cards, brochures, posters, and travel plan forms. Every student also had to create a passport, so photos had to be taken and a group of students were put in charge of that as well. The language component required that everyone prepare a dialogue (in Spanish) to plan her or his trip with a travel agent. The leadership team kept constant track of where the students were on their passports, their dialogues, and other assigned tasks, and they were also busy on their own tasks.

3. Give the Students an Urgent Reason to Learn The second phase of our travel unit was the actual boarding and flight in our classroom-turnedairplane. We transformed the classroom into a boarding area and the interior of an airplane.

Students created colorful cardboard panels designed to look like airplane windows to divide the classroom. They voted on who would play the role of the pilot and flight attendant. The students chosen for the roles wrote scripts they had to memorize and perform as part of their duties. Students had to successfully apply for and obtain a visa, as well as obtain their boarding pass—all through conversations with each other—before they could actually board the plane.

To add to the illusion of realism, once the students were all boarded, they watched a video of a pilot’s eye view of a take-off. Later they viewed a short in-flight movie, and the flight attendant gave them drinks and pretzels. During the flight, each student had to engage their seatmate in a three-topic conversation that I evaluated before they could get their treat. When I asked the students to reflect on this experience and their learning, many happily shared that they could successfully travel to a Spanish speaking country (most of the students had never flown, and this was their “first” experience).

4. Help Students Feel Success I told the students:

“We landed safely! The pilot and flight attendant did a wonderful job of creating this project. ¡Aplauso por favor! We need to also thank the management team for all their hard work in creating the plane and the boarding area. ¡Aplauso por favor!”

Each student knew she/he was successful. No one could board the plane without all the boarding tasks completed. They knew they were successful in the dialogues because they could not get their in-flight treat until they performed the dialogue satisfactorily according to the rubric. The basis for performance-based learning and project-based learning is getting the students to do things that show they know how to apply the knowledge and skills to real-life, or life-like, situations. They moved from one completed task to another, and this kept them focused on the ultimate goal: boarding the plane.

Having an end goal will inspire students to stay focused on the task at hand. The next leg of our travel project will take place in the hotel, and in order to get their room, they are going to have to communicate effectively with the receptionist. In order to find the restaurant, they will have to successfully get and follow directions from the hotel doorman.

Additional Planning and Effort—It's Worth It I saw students’ attitudes change with this project. I saw students who were hard to enthuse come to class excited. They loved having a say in what their passport names would be and the dialogue they would engage in on the plane. Giving students a chance to create a learning environment, engaging all of them in an urgent reason to learn, and providing continual feedback as they progress are ways to help your students focus.

Project planning does require extra planning and preparation on the part of the teacher, but the benefits are worth the risk of bringing a bit of chaos to our classrooms. Real-life application of learning engages students beyond worksheets and traditional methods. Projects like the one described provide an opportunity for students to put to practice the knowledge and skills they have learned in an authentic way.

– what you should know!

By Indwe Risk Services

One of our biggest goals, as insurance advisors, is to put our clients first; not only by providing insurance solutions, but also by sharing knowledge to ensure they stay safe and well informed. Thus, when the Department of Transport announced that they’ll be implementing amendments to our road regulations in May 2017, we knew we had to share.

The reasons for these changes are to reduce road carnage and improve road safety.

Knowing (and following) the rules of the road, protects your vehicle, loved ones and wallet (as you shouldn’t receive traffic fines and will be less likely to submit a claim due to a vehicle accident).

So, what do you need to know?

• • • • • •

Drivers will undergo a practical re-evaluation when renewing their licences.

The speed limit will be reduced from 60 to 40km/h in urban areas, 100 to 80km/h in rural areas, and 120 to 100km/h on highways running through residential areas.

Heavy commercial vehicles will need to display a maximum speed sticker on the vehicle’s body.

Heavy commercial vehicles over 9 000kg, gross vehicle mass, will not be allowed to travel on public roads during peak periods.

Bakkie drivers are not allowed to carry more than five people or children in the vehicle’s load bay.

There have also been talks about changing the learner’s licence test and implementing new number plates.

If you are looking for first-rate insurance that will put your needs firsts and keep you informed, speak to your Indwe advisor today. Visit www.indwe.co.za or phone 0860 13 13 14, and we will find a tailormade insurance solution for you.

Cry our Beloved South Africa

By Margi McAlpine from Angel Connection School As our beautiful country reels and weeps over the political fallout, arrogance and shenanigans of the past weeks and years, for many it becomes extremely difficult to remain positive and to hold the light.

It is so easy to become drawn into all the negativity that we hear and see all around us yet what we need to remember is that when we do allow ourselves to be sucked into it we just feed the negative cycle that has been created and so instead of alleviating the situation we actually make it so much worse!

So many have such good intentions and want justice and integrity to be brought back but we need to be extremely careful of what we are putting out into the Universe as it will be created in the way that it is thought of, said, and done. There is nothing wrong in showing solidarity as long as we don't make it a negative.

The collective consciousness is so powerful and if we can stand together as one and ask the Angels and the Beings of Light to assist us in creating justice, peace and accountability in a positive way, then we can change the destruction of what is happening.

Fear is the most destructive and debilitating of all the emotions so do not allow yourself to be overwhelmed by this. Anger and Fear are very good bedfellows. You seldom find one without the other. Anger brings in a very negative energy and with fear can destroy who and what you are. Fear and Love are the only two emotions that are of any significance. If you live in fear you cannot love but if you live in love there is no fear. So let’s choose to live in love which surpasses everything and walk in the footsteps of all the great Masters whose teachings were all love!

We need to remember that the dark can never overpower the light and so if each and every one of us puts our country and its entire people in light there is nothing to fear and everything to gain.

The importance of Africa in the greater scheme of things cannot be ignored. We know that until Africa is healed and working in the light, the rest of the world cannot be healed properly, which will prevent Planet Earth from going into Ascension. We need to remember the words of the highly Ascended Master Lord Serapis Bey on Africa - “The rubbish is being brought to the surface to be got rid of so that the new can come in. Africa will lead the way! ”.

We also need to be praying and asking the Angels for assistance remembering that unless we ask they are unable to help. “Thank you that peace and harmony reigns in our beautiful South Africa and that we have just and honorable leaders who work with integrity and without ego and take responsibility for their actions.”

Each and every one of us needs to ensure that we are working in love, light and integrity because if we are unable to do that in our personal lives we have no right to expect anyone else to do it.

Men and women of integrity always take responsibility for themselves and their actions and then do what is for the highest good of all instead of feeding their egos!

I have had many requests and so have included the Prayer for Africa that was channelled through by Lord Serapis Bey and ask you to join us in saying this prayer as often as you can.

Together we can and will make a difference!

by Margi McAlpine (Channelled through Lord Serapis Bey) I feel my feet firmly on the ground.

I see beautiful golden roots growing out of the soles of my feet anchoring and grounding me to the wonderful energies of the African soil.

I ask Archangels Michael and Metatron to place their protective cloaks around me and the Continent of Africa.

I call in all the Beings of Light who are working with me and through me to clear and heal the Continent of Africa, especially Archangel Metatron and Lord Serapis Bey. I visualise myself facing North.

I give thanks that the prayers and light I send will move upwards reaching the next light worker like a bridge.

In this way the whole of the African Continent will be lit up with amazing bridges of light.

I see the ancient Ley Lines under the earth.

Once they carried light and energy, now they are filled with darkness and fear.

I send light into each and every one of them pushing out the darkness.

I thank the Angels and Beings of Light for bringing in the Golden, Silver, Violet Flame to assist with this.

These important lines are now energised and full of light. (take your time to see them being cleared and lit up) I concentrate my energies on the grids in the etheric around the Continent.

Once bearers of light, these grids now hold the fear of Africa around the Continent like a vice.

I thank the Angels and Beings of Light as they bring in the Golden, Silver, Violet Flame to clear the debris by filling them with light and love.

The grids are once more Beacons of Light holding the Continent in unconditional love. (take your time to see them being cleared and lit up) I call on the Mighty Archangel Metatron, the Archangel of Africa to enlighten and awaken the Continent enabling healing to take place and the ancient wisdom and teachings to be returned.

Thank you for the healing of all her people, especially the children and elderly and those who have been traumatised by violence, war, poverty and disease.

Thank you for the healing of Nature, including all the animals, birds, insects, sea creatures, the land, the waters, plants and trees.

Thank you that Africa is flourishing under just leaders who work with integrity.

I give thanks for being an African either by birth or circumstance because Africa is the Cradle of Mankind and will lead the way into the light and I am privileged to be a part of this movement.

I put the whole of the African Continent in a beautiful white bubble of protective light and unconditional love and entrust it to Archangel Metatron.

“I give thanks today For my journey forward To stand in my Highest Power To be of Divine Service “ (Reshmi Singh)

GOD BLESS AFRICA !!

NKOSI SIKELEL’ iAFRIKA !!

By Dr Josh Axe

Research suggests that the way in which a woman experiences pregnancy and childbirth is vitally important for a mother’s relationship with her child and her future childbearing experiences.

Unfortunately, we are currently in an era characterized by increases in obstetric intervention and cesarean section birth nationwide. With the U.S percentage of deliveries by C-section at 32.2 percent, now is the time for women to take control of their birth experiences through natural childbirth. (1)

According to Dr. Judith Lothian, who wrote “Why Natural Childbirth?� for the Journal of Perinatal Education, women are inherently capable of giving birth, have deep, intuitive instincts about birth, and when supported and free to find comfort, are able to give birth without interventions and without suffering. (2) Choosing a natural childbirth, without interventions, allows a mother to feel completely in control of her birth experience and has many benefits for both the mother and baby.

What Is Natural Childbirth?

Natural childbirth is when a woman chooses to give birth using no medications or interventions. Instead, she uses techniques like controlled breathing and pain-relieving postures to deal with labor pains. With natural childbirth, the mother is in control of her body, and she is guided through the stages of labor with her chosen support system. Women who approach childbirth as a natural event end up feeling empowered by the experience, and research shows that women who feel in control while in labor feel more satisfied as a result.

According to research published in the Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine, natural childbirth is a system of intellectual, emotional and physical preparation for childbirth to ensure that mothers enjoy a healthier and happier pregnancy and delivery. (3) By choosing natural childbirth, women feel more in touch with the birth experience and better able to deal with labor in a proactive manner.

7 Benefits of Natural Childbirth (for Mother and Child) 1. Allows You to Avoid Interventions The No. 2 benefit of natural childbirth is that you avoid the cascade of interventions that sometimes come with a conventional birth.

Without becoming knowledgeable about coping strategies to deal with the pain, women end up opting for an epidural for pain management. When a woman has an epidural, a small amount of anesthetic is injected into the epidural space that surrounds the spinal cord. The anesthetic numbs the spinal nerves and blocks the pain signals, which lead to side effects. Common epidural side effects include a drop in blood pressure and fever.

Births also take longer when an epidural is used, and it may make it more difficult for some babies to get into the best position for birth. For this reason, research shows that when a woman has an epidural, the baby is more likely to need to be delivered with the help of instruments that use vacuum suction or forceps. (4) An epidural is typically the first intervention during childbirth, and it may lead to more interventions being necessary. A woman’s body is designed to give birth naturally, and her hormones help facilitate childbirth. One of the most important hormones is oxytocin, which is responsible for stimulating contractions. Oxytocin helps labor progress naturally, but with an epidural, natural oxytocin production is inhibited, resulting in decreased plasma oxytocin concentrations.

Because epidurals typically slow the labor process, this leads to the next intervention — Pitocin or syntocinon, which are synthetic forms of oxytocin. Sometimes Pitocin is used to induce labor as well. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Anesthesia found that patients who have their labors induced request analgesia sooner and are at a higher risk of cesarean section than are patients who go into labor spontaneously. (5) Cesarean section surgeries result in increased pain, including headache and backache, as well as increased risk of hemorrhage and uterine rupture. A C-section also results in greater risk of bladder injury and postpartum bladder infection or incontinence. C-sections also pose a risk to the baby. Researchers at the Ninewells Hospital and Medical School in the U.K. reported a 69 percent higher incidence of fetal deaths in C-section surgeries versus vaginal births. There is also a chance of fetal laceration, respiratory difficulties, inadequate transition to birth and increased incidence of mechanical ventilation. (6)

2. Lets You Move Around Freely Lying on your back during labor can result in poor quality contractions, dystocia, slow dilatation and effacement, prolonged labor, and failure to descent. The result of laboring while lying on your back increases the rate of C-section surgeries because of fetal distress or failure to progress or descent.

Unfortunately, bed rest is required after an epidural because the woman’s legs are numb and she is a fall risk, and women must be monitored to be sure the baby’s heart rate isn’t dropping. In addition, bed rest can cause more pain, necessitating additional pain medications.

Research shows that unrestricted movement during labor allows the mother to find a position that’s more comfortable for her. It’s been found to decrease maternal pain, facilitate maternal and fetal circulation, increase the quality of uterine contractions, and facilitate fetal descent. Positions such as the knee-chest can reduce back pain related to posterior fetal position, and the use of the shower or bath can aid pain relief. (7) 3. Allows You to Eat and Drink Research from the American College of Nurse-Midwives indicates that the lack of nutritional support during labor can cause maternal dehydration, ketosis, hyponatremia and increased maternal stress. Women who give birth naturally at a birthing center or hospital are able to eat and drink freely, which sustains their energy levels during labor.

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

Body Care MUST-HAVES RAIN CLOUD NEWS by: Juani Walters

Never in the past did we think, we would be spending a good time everyday in grooming ourselves. Owe it to our hectic schedules or a monotonous lifestyle, we have now realized how important it is to look good and more importantly feel good.

Be it the university goers, or people in middle and upper middle age groups, we essentially find these body care must-haves in our wardrobe at all times.

A good hand cream enriched with essential butters is usually on the top row. Our hands do all the talking during the day and often had to go through rigorous tasks. Keeping them moist and hydrated is very important.

Retaining moisture to the skin throughout the day requires us to cover ourselves with healthy body butter. A must apply when we walk out in the mornings. It keeps us fresh even when we’re done for the day.

Dead tissues and cells should be removed regularly to keep our skin healthy and fit. A body polish session not just helps in cleaning but also restores the damages tissues due to sunny outings every now and then.

Thorough cleansing & sanitization is what we need at the end of the day. A shower cream takes away all the dirt and dust, making us ready for the next day.

Finally adding a nutrient rich soap or a bar soap in the kit is always a good idea. Staying rejuvenated, soft and deodorized makes us feel good and confident

Blue Sky News is a kids friendly newsletter (A3 folded to A4 full colour) distributing (personally by each franchisee) on a monthly basis to over 300 schools into school bags, in the Gauteng area.

We currently have franchises covering Midrand/Centurion/Fourways/Houghton/Sandton 40000 copies collectively.

If you interested in becoming part of our team OR if parents/kids/families are your target market & you would be interested in advertising with us OR would like to distribute or subscribe to our newsletters then check out our website www.blueskynews.co.za and/or Facebook page Contact susette@blueskynews.co.za for more info, we would love to hear from you!

How Old Is Old?

?

Mature/old/experienced or all the above? How old do you have to be when considered an old mum?

We’d always toyed with the idea of having three children, despite always proclaiming that I’d only ever have 2, by the time number 2 came along I never felt finished. Quite the opposite in fact. It just felt too normal, too structured. A mum, a dad, a house, a car, a dog and 2 children. We were living the western ideal of what a family should be and it just didn’t feel right.

I’m no rule breaker but there’s a side of me that sometimes like to break away from the norm and 2 children felt too ‘normal.’ (Not knocking anyone with 2, BTW) All the time I was yearning for a troop, like mother duck waddling around with her ducklings behind her, the chaos of kids was the life for me and I knew that one day our 2 would become 3. (Ooooo that rhymes, I like it!)

Anyway, life got in the way and before long I was on the wrong side of thirty so if we were going to do this, we needed to do it now. I didn’t want to be an old mum. The only problem being, my old lady eggs took a little kick starting after laying dormant for nearly 10 years and that wrong side of thirty pretty soon became hurtling towards forty and with it a realisation that

Pants! I was going to be that old mum I was trying to avoid Sometimes life doesn’t always go as planned but I’m a strong believer in things happening for a reason and I started to really wonder what made an old mum ‘old’? And was it really that bad after all?

I’m not going to lie that the pregnancy wasn’t as trouble free as it was in my twenties. Crippling SPD, nausea, tiredness, heartburn and a constant worry that I was doing the right thing plagued me. I tried desperately to enjoy this last chance at the miracle of life but I couldn’t see the wood for the trees and there was no denying that being within sniffing distance of forty was my blame for everything.

Then it struck me, it wasn’t being an old mum that caused these problems. The more I reached out the more I realised that mums of any age suffered from those horrible pregnancy side effects. So I stopped waving the geriatric card and tried to focus on the positive.

When my little baby was finally here, the recovery wasn’t any longer, in fact, having a little age and experience on my side meant I was better at articulating my needs and this case it was a self induced baby bubble where I stayed in and eased my baby into this brave new world. I didn’t push myself out on the obligatory walk round the village with he pram until either of us were ready.

And I enjoyed every moment of those early days, where age just didn’t come into to it.

So who cares if I’m an old mum, I certainly don’t feel it if I am anyway. Age is just a number and whether you’re 18 or 48, having babies and raising kids isn’t age associated, what’s important is that you put your children first and look after your self. I’ve tried it both ways and they both rock.

And I’ve decided, I’m not an old mum. I’m vintage.

Hi, I’m Ali, a fresh into 40, single mum of 3 boys living on the Devon coast with my Toddler, Pre teen and Teenager. I’m a positive thinker and recently began a switching to a healthier, clean living lifestyle; Giving up meat, reducing my sugar intake and limiting chemicals within the home and my beauty regime.

Just to see if I could. And I can.

Published on Nov 4, 2016

ABOUT OUR SPEAKERS: Dr. SHEFALI (via internet) Oprah’s favourite parenting expert, Dr. Shefali is a world-renowned clinical psychologist who received her doctorate from Columbia University, New York. She specializes in the integration of Eastern philosophy and Western psychology, making her an expert in her field. Her message has the potential to change people’s lives for generations to come. Her latest book, THE AWAKENED FAMILY, gives us daily skills and tools to revolutionize our families and our parenting. This book holds the potential to liberate both your child and yourself from the clutches of anxiety leading you toward a transformed sense of peace and joy. Dr. Shefali is invited as a keynote speaker to conferences and workshops around the world, including Wisdom 2.0, TEDx, Kellogg Business School, The Dalai Lama Center for Peace and Education, and many more. https://drshefali.com/

PHIL MOORE Phil Moore is the founder and director of Upland Hills School (founded in 1971) in Oxford, Michigan.

The school and Phil’s work is inspired by his mentor, R. Buckminster Fuller, and is based on the concept that each child is a genius and the natural world is a child’s primary teacher. This radical, yet intuitive, educational paradigm is laid in a foundation of love-centred interaction. http://trimtab.in/ | http://www.uplandhills.org/

CO-PRODUCED BY: Conscious Thought Revolution https://www.ctr.com/ Stream of Consciousness https://www.streamofconsciousness.ca Learn more about Dr. Shefali at www.DrShefali.com

Understanding & Treating Selective Mutism We need to rethink the idea that kids who don't speak are being stubborn

By Barbara Markway Ph.D.

Children with selective mutism do not speak at school or in other public places where others might hear them, or they speak only in a barely audible whisper. These children speak freely and easily, however, when they're at home with family members.

This condition used to be called "elective mutism," reflecting the thinking that these children were deliberately not speaking, perhaps being stubborn or simply trying to get attention.

Current theories argue that the problem is not elected. Rather, it's as if these children's voice boxes are frozen with fear, preventing them from communicating with words.

MEET JENNY Olivia became concerned about her daughter, Jenny, when she was in preschool.

She never said a single word to her teachers or the other children. One day she fell on the playground and cut her knee deeply, but she didn't tell the teacher what it happened. When someone noticed and directed her to the nurse’s office, she became hysterical.

Source: Gabby Orcutt/Unsplash Later, when Olivia came to pick up her daughter after learning what had happened, Jenny admitted she was afraid to talk to her teacher and she definitely didn't want to talk to the nurse. When Olivia took her daughter to the pediatrician—both to check her knee and ask about her not speaking at school—the doctor said, "She's just shy. She'll grow out of it." Olivia wasn't convinced, but she didn't know what else to do.

Jenny did not speak the entire year at her preschool, although she was quite talkative at home.

Olivia hoped and prayed her daughter would start to talk at school and kindergarten—even just a few words—but it didn't happen. Fortunately, her kindergarten teacher recognized Jenny as being extremely anxious, and they were referred to me for evaluation and treatment.

Jenny’s Treatment: At first, Jenny wasn't comfortable talking with me. But we worked with puppets, and she was able to make them move their heads to indicate "yes" or "no" responses to my questions. I taught Jenny some basic breathing techniques—children usually learn this quite easily—by having her imagine a balloon expanding and contracting in her belly. I taught her progressive muscle relaxation by having her pretend to squeeze a lemon in her hand and then release it, and so on. We drew pictures of ladders to show how she could overcome her fear of speaking by climbing the ladder, one wrong at a time.

After some preliminary work of educating Jenny and her family about the process, we constructed a hierarchy of situations she was to complete. We also devised a reward system in which she would earn stickers for completing the items on her hierarchy. In addition, Jenny would be able to buy a stuffed bear she had been wanting after a specified amount of progress had been made. The hierarchy we used is below. After Jenny worked her way through it, we developed another one using more challenging tasks, such as asking aloud in class, "May I get a drink of water please?“

Jenny’s Behavioral Hierarchy:          

Whisper aloud to Mom or Dad so that Jill (same age neighbor) can hear Talk aloud to Jill with Mom or Dad present Talk aloud to Jill without Mom or Dad present Talk aloud to Mom or Dad in front of Jill's mother Say one sentence to Jill's mother Say a few words to an unfamiliar adult, such as a bank teller who gives her a piece of candy (for example, "thank you") Say hello to an adult, such as the mail carrier Say hello to teacher at school—no children present Say hi to a classmate Talk to a teacher in presence of one other child

Family Involvement: In addition to working with Jenny behaviorally on her hierarchy, I also met with the family to teach them to stop reinforcing Jenny for not speaking. Jenny's siblings had become quite skilled at knowing what Jenny wanted or needed when they were in public and she wouldn't speak.

This commonly happens when a child has selective mutism, and unless these dynamics are addressed, little progress can be made.

Fortunately, Jenny's family was cooperative when they realized they weren't doing Jenny a favor by "helping her" in the ways they had been. Meanwhile, Jenny worked diligently to complete the items on the hierarchy. Of course, her parents were there to encourage her and keep her on the right track. Once the pattern was broken, it didn't take much time to see progress.

If you suspect your child has selective mutism, here are some general suggestions to follow.

What you can do: Selective mutism is best treated early. If your child has not spoken in the classroom by mid-year of kindergarten at the very latest, seek an evaluation from a mental health professional who is familiar with selective mutism.

Don't speak for your child or allow siblings to do so. Once a child learns he or she can communicate without speaking, it is much more difficult to break the cycle. In addition, over time the extra attention the child receives can be reinforcing and keep the problem going.

At the same time, do not "force" your child to speak or use any type of punishment to correct the problem. Instead, encourage your child to meet small speaking-related goals in a gradual fashion. A therapist may be needed to assist with this.

Not all cases go as smoothly as Jenny’s did. Some children may require medication as an adjunct to behavioral treatment. Don't be afraid to try medication if things are not going well using therapy alone.

Check out the Selective Mutism Group/Childhood Anxiety Network on the Internet. They have tips for parents and teachers, support groups, an "Ask the Doctor" program, book listings and reviews, and several forums.

Barbara Markway Ph.D. Shyness Is Nice

Who Will Stop the Bullying?

Watch this experiment

Kid Getting Bullied Social Experiment - EPIC Ending!!!

Raising Kids Positively Raising Kids Positively is all about improving your relationship with your children, growing their emotional intelligence, and a balance of kind and firm discipline.

Psychologist Carol Surya makes this easy with her new website www.raisingkidspositively.com and three easy-to-use routes: a children’s self-esteem game, a conscious parenting book and workshops.

InnerMagic Perfect for today’s busy families, is a game to consciously spend more quality time together, without devices or distractions. Expertly designed for selfreflection, self-expression and empowerment, InnerMagic benefits include teaching emotional intelligence while also strengthening all areas of development as you play! Everyone loves it because it gets all players moving, thinking and speaking. Magically encouraging children to talk more easily, develop critical thinking and practice making healthy choices. Ideal for parents, grandparents and educators to play with 5 to 13 year olds.

Order yours today and be reminded of your inner potential. All information available on

www.raisingkidspositively.com Email : info@raisingkidspositively.com Phone: (044) 533-5655 Mobile:: 071 671 6337

The Magic of Mindfulness Author Carmen Clews has found a magical way to bring mindfulness into your home and school! “The Magic Mat and its little secret…” is a delightful children’s book (with free DVD animation) offering fun, physical stretching and calming techniques to develop happy, relaxed, loving and healthy children. Used as a story at bedtime, or done actively with the DVD at home or as a group activity in the classroom - with regular use the benefits are magical. Children relax more, improving in balance and co-ordination, as well as memory, focus, patience and selfcontrol. Readers (age 5 to 12) hop on board their very own Magic Mat, transforming them into animals with various beautiful qualities. Finally, they relax, discovering their own higher selves, learning to feel love, compassion and gratitude. Read what buyers say about this magical tool kit, visit the Facebook page, watch the video clip – or simply order yours today.

The Planting Seeds for Life Education Series, also by Carmen Clews, teaches mindfulness and positive values to children aged 10 to 14 years. Enchanting African stories guide the reader through group discussions, visualizations, songs and other learning activities all aimed at improving well-being. The book’s 25 “seeds”, each written as a lesson plan, include the essential life skills of making wise choices; improving communication; managing emotions; problem solving; forgiveness; positive thinking; self-reliance and environmental conservation. If only we’d all learned these skills at school.

Contact details : Website : www.magicmatsecret.com Email : carmen@magicmatsecret.com Video : http://vimeo.com/100388148 Magic Mat Seeds for Life

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.

At GrowingPros we give your child the platform to develop themselves as individuals, learn essential skills in an environment that cultivates both physical development as well as psychological growth.

Vital and Fundamental Skills That are Building Blocks for Childhood Development: • Core Strength & Development • Gross Motor Movement • Balance & Agility • Ambidexterity • Hand Eye Coordination • Special Awareness • Upper Body Strengthening • Posture • Scapular and Shoulder Strengthening • Team Work • Social Interaction • Self Confidence

Contact Alain Cell: 076-917 1424 56 Hurleyvale Road Edenvale, Gauteng, South Africa

info@growingpros.co.za www.growingpros.co.za

Middle Eastern Falafel In Middle Eastern countries, falafel is made from garbanzo beans and spices, shaped into balls or patties and deep-fried. It is a popular form of street food, often served wrapped in thick pita breads. These falafel patties are made on a griddle, using much less oil. Children can help mash the chickpeas and form the falafel into the patties. Try serving with yogurt sauce for an extra delicious meal! Serves 4 - 6.

Ingredients

Instructions

•

Put the drained and rinsed garbanzo beans into a bowl. Use a potato masher to completely mash the beans. Stir in the lemon juice.

Add the parsley and green onions to the mashed garbanzo beans, stirring well. Then add the salt, cumin, turmeric, cayenne, and thyme. Add the egg and olive oil and mix until well combined. Stir in the flour. Form the falafel mixture into patties about 1⁄2 inch thick and 2 inches in diameter.

Heat a griddle to medium high heat.

Spread about 2 teaspoons of olive oil evenly over the surface. Cook the patties for about 3 minutes on each side, until browned and cooked through.

• • • • • • • • • • • •

2cans garbanzo beans or chickpeas drained and rinsed 3tbsp lemon juice ⅔cup parsley finely chopped 2 green onions thinly sliced ¾tsp salt ¼tsp ground cumin ½ tsp turmeric ⅛tsp cayenne ¼tsp dried thyme 1 egg 4tsp olive oil 4tsp unbleached white flour Olive oil for griddle

Fruit Salad

Ingredients • 2 bananas peeled and sliced • 1 ripe mango peeled and cut into ½inch pieces • 2 oranges peeled and cut into ¾inch pieces • 2tbsp coconut unsweetened shredded or shaved • 2tbsp fresh lime juice

Instructions In a bowl, combine all the ingredients and stir lightly. Serve immediately.

Yogurt Sauce

Ingredients • 1cup low fat yogurt plain • 2tbsp fresh mint leaves minced • ⅛tsp salt • ⅛tsp black pepper

Instructions

In a bowl, stir together the yogurt, mint, salt, and pepper.

Serve as a dipping sauce for falafel patties.

Conscious Life Magazine

Dr. Shefali Tsabary is a international speaker, clinical psychologist and acclaimed author of the award-winning book "The Conscious Parent". She blends eastern mindfulness with western psychology integrating wisdom from both traditions.

Her first book, "The Conscious Parent", has been endorsed by Oprah as one of the most profound books on parenting she has ever read. This book revolutionizes the parenting journey and allows us to transform our relationship with our children.

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 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 normalweight 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 MAR-APR 2017 Conscious Life Magazine

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.

MAR-APR 2017

Conscious Life Magazine

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

DON'T BE ALARMED đ&#x;?ą Our fury household friends evolved from eating a prey based diet & most importantly eating that diet RAW! We offer the perfect ratio of raw meat, kelp, sprouts, herbs & taurine!

See list of stockists in your area (CPT & JHB only) or shop online:

đ&#x;?ą www.rawlovepets.co.za

MAR-APR 2017

Conscious Life Magazine

Heart warming animal rescue video clips Man adopts unwanted shelter cat, and their bedtime routine is heart-melting

Monty the cat has no nasal bridge as the result of a chromosomal abnormality giving him a strange appearance and making him sneeze more than a normal cat.

Despite being the sweetest kitty, he wasn’t adopted until he was three years old.

But one man took a chance on him, and it’s the best thing he’s ever done. Just look at their adorable sleep routine…

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL ANIMAL SHELTERS AND SPCA’S. DON’T BUY, ADOPT

A girl on the verge of death rescued a kitten with no hope…

Then, the kitten rescues her family.

This film is dedicated to the memory of Kylie Myers 2002 – 2015

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