Child magazine | JHB December 2016 / January 2017 by Hunter House Publishing

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G U I D E

F O R

P A R E N T S

christmas cook up

prepare a festive feast with a healthy twist

travelling with children

top tips from an

adventurous

dad

happy holidays

go climb a tree, mom! (no, really do)

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Dec 2016 / Jan 2017

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It’s no secret that I am a huge fan of the festive season!

Lisa Mc Namara • lisa@childmag.co.za

Editorial Managing Editor Marina zietsman • marina@childmag.co.za Resource Editor Simone Jeffery • joburg@childmag.co.za Copy Editor Lucille Kemp

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In our home, Christmas is a time for family traditions: celebrating old ones, both my husband’s and mine (after some negotiation) and creating new ones with our children. It can also be a slightly stressful time, as my youngest, a control freak, rivalled only by my husband, commandeers the kitchen (and every dish in it), the table setting and tree decorating, rendering me and my oldest daughter nearly obsolete. The good news is that with reduced hospitality duties we can focus on creative gift-wrapping and even more creative Christmas punch concoctions, the alcoholic “urn” clearly labelled with a warning to children – don’t drink! Come Christmas Eve, our kitchen counter could well serve as a scene from Alice in Wonderland. Christmas time for us means no work, lots of friends and focussing on what’s really important – family. Sadly, much of our family is scattered around the globe and greetings take place via Skype, but the mood is one of good humour and generosity. With wishes for good health and happiness abounding, we would like to wish you, our wonderful Child mag readers, schools, supporters and advertisers a wonderfully happy festive season and a prosperous New Year. Happy happy, drive safely and see you in 2017.

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December 2016 / January 2017

contents

festive food for the fussy 3

a note from lisa

regulars

over to you readers respond

features 14 pack the children buckling our children up in vehicles at all times is non-negotiable, says Marina Zietsman

16 are we there yet? Siviwe Minyi shares, from experience, how to turn a potentially nerve-racking travel experience with small children, into an adventure

18 going eco Tamlyn Vincent shows you how to turn househould junk into creative and useful projects

20 tree-monkey fun climb up a tree with your children and rediscover the world, urges Simcha van Bel-du Plooy

22 why parents fight Mark van Dijk looks at common reasons parents argue and how to solve the underlying issues

24 festive food for the fussy Tamlyn Vincent gets advice from a mom who shares her trusted recipes for allergy-prone children

pregnancy news – beauty and the bump Tamlyn Vincent looks at beauty treatments that are safe to indulge during pregnancy

10 best for baby – i go potty! Anél Lewis gives some tips on how to get your toddler out of the nappies

12 dealing with difference – how trauma affects children Samantha Page looks at post-traumatic stress disorder

28 resource – back to school Child magazine compiles a guide with tips on how to navigate the new school year

32 what’s on in december and january 39 in the next issue 42 finishing touch Anél Lewis discovers that children only need a few props, and no electronic gadgets, to unleash their creativity

health

classified ads

end-of-year health focus

40 it’s party time

Simone Jeffery highlights Skin Cancer Awareness Month, among others

41 family marketplace

December 2016 / January 2017

Joburg

Cape Town

Pretoria

Durban

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Ackermans Magazine ackermans.co.za/ackermans-club

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Melissa Mitchell photography melissamitchell.co.za

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PHOTOGRAPH: ALEXIS DIACK / LEELA JIRAN

this month’s cover images are supplied by:

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December 2016 / January 2017

letters

over to you

letters or comments to marina@childmag.co.za or PO Box 12002, Mill Street, 8010.

mainstreaming special-needs children

give voice to the “silent disability”

My son is six years old and in Gr R in a mainstream school. His speech is delayed and he is seeing a speech therapist and an occupational therapist, which was recommended by an educational psychologist. He is struggling in class. He is very reserved and shy, cannot express himself and lacks self-confidence. He takes time to open up to strangers, which makes it difficult when he has to do assessments. The teachers believe he belongs in a special-needs school. It is difficult for us as his parents to accept and agree to that, since our 10-year-old boy had the same problems, but he started opening up at the age of eight. He was also referred to a special-needs school by the teachers and therapists, but we believed those schools were not suitable for him. We were right; he is in Grade 4 doing very well, getting As, Bs and Cs for his subjects. Are we wrong to compare our children? Sometimes it is very difficult to be a parent. You are told your child needs a special or remedial school, but you strongly believe your child doesn’t. Sometimes we as parents must trust our instincts – we know our children the best. Anonymous

I first came across your magazine at the speech and language centre where I currently volunteer and where I previously taught hearing-impaired children for several years. Your publication is informative and highly resourceful. I find myself immediately going to your “dealing with difference” articles, as “difference” is something I am engaged with every day. I notice, however, that while there tends to be a strong focus in the media on autism, ADHD and learning difficulties, the case for, and information on, deafness in children, its causes, diagnostic issues and treatment options, seems significantly limited. From my work experience in this field I have learnt that parents with children who are either born deaf, or who develop hearing loss for whatever reason, have unique challenges associated with deafness to deal with on a daily basis. Additionally, deafness or hearing loss is not necessarily the only isolated issue to be negotiated and accommodated, but is often accompanied by other complications such as Down’s syndrome, ADHD, autism or other sensory integration challenges.

Let us know what’s on your mind. Send your

December 2016 / January 2017

For children living with the “Silent Disability”, as deafness and hearing loss are sometimes referred to, the world is either entirely or largely silent and, as a result of no or limited access to sound, it is just that much smaller. It is, however, no less complicated. I would like to recognise and acknowledge deaf children and their families for their bravery, patient endurance and innovative coping abilities. I would additionally like to suggest that information and advice concerning deafness and hearing loss in children be given a stronger voice in the media, not only to create awareness, but also to serve as a resource for those families dealing with the condition. Deaf children may not be able to hear us, but we can hear and listen to them. Heidi Dent

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December 2016 / January 2017

beauty l and the bump

pregnancy news

indulge

TAMLYN VINCENT looks at what beauty treatments you can and can’t indulge, when pregnant.

December 2016 / January 2017

These beauty treatments and products get the go ahead, some with a few provisos. ✻✻ Massage Having a massage can go a long way to easing the strains and pains of pregnancy, but ask for a therapist trained in pregnancy massage. If your bump is bulging, you’ll want to avoid lying on your stomach. ✻✻ Manis and pedis Having your nails done is fine, but the smell may be overwhelming, so have your nails done in a well-ventilated room. If you’re worried about the fumes, ask for a phthalate-free nail polish or take your own to the nail salon. ✻✻ Hair treatments Using hair dye shouldn’t be a problem, although highlights are a better option as the dye won’t come into contact with the scalp. Don’t dye your hair in the first trimester and avoid treatments where products are sitting on your scalp, especially for an extended time. Products with ammonia or other harsh chemicals should also be avoided.

✻✻ Sunscreen As your skin is likely to be more sensitive when you’re pregnant, sunscreen is a must. Look for zinc oxide and titanium dioxide sunscreens, which sit on the top of the skin. It’s also a good idea to stay out of the sun at peak hours and to wear protective clothing. ✻✻ Hair removal Waxing can be done while pregnant, as nothing is absorbed into the bloodstream. But increased blood circulation means it will be more painful, especially in sensitive areas, says Jeanne Labuschagne, assistant manageress at a day spa in Pretoria. Laser hair removal is not safe. ✻✻ Make-up Wearing make-up shouldn’t pose any risk to your baby. If you’re worried, go for products that are noncomedogenic and nonacnegenic, which should prevent clogged pores. It’s ideal to look for paraben-, phthalate- and leadfree cosmetics. ✻✻ Facials If all the pregnancy hormones are giving you acne, or if you just feel like indulging, a facial is the way to go. Try out a natural facial, and test products on the skin first. Avoid treatments that use any harsh chemicals, retinoids or salicylic acid. Ask to be propped up in the second and third trimester.

✻✻ Acupuncture Acupuncture treatments would need to be done by a registered therapist, says Labuschagne, and you should speak to your doctor first about whether acupuncture would help. The same applies for reflexology. ✻✻ Tanning treatments Spray tanning and bronzing treatments are safe, says Labuschagne. But avoid things like tanning beds, where your body temperature rises.

avoid If your beauty routine does include any of the following, wait until you have had your baby, or until you’ve finished breastfeeding, before continuing them. ✻✻ Body wraps, saunas, spas, hot stones or any treatment where your body temperature rises ✻✻ Botox or anti-wrinkle creams with Retinol ✻✻ Piercings or tattoos ✻✻ Tanning beds (to avoid at all times) ✻✻ Teeth whitening

remember Always tell your beauty therapists that you’re pregnant before they begin your treatment. If you’re not sure something is safe, speak to your doctor or wait until after you have finished breastfeeding. The golden rule is, if a product can be absorbed into your bloodstream, it is potentially dangerous to your baby.

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ooking good in summer is something we all enjoy, and having a baby bump doesn’t stop women from wanting to look and feel their best. But being pregnant does mean that you have to think carefully before you head off for your summer spray tan.

health

end-of-year health focus SIMONE JEFFERY highlights health and awareness days in December and January to help us remember, learn about and take action to assist those in need.

1 December

World Aids Day A red ribbon is worn on 1 December each year as a reminder to unite and fight against HIV, show your support for people living with HIV, and to remember those who could not beat the disease. South Africa has the largest number of people living with HIV in the world (roughly 12% of the population). Although South Africa has made positive strides in managing the HIV and Aids epidemic, it is important to be reminded that it has not gone away. For resources and support: aidforaids.co.za 3 December

National Transplant Day On the 3rd of December 1967, Professor Christiaan Barnard performed the world’s first heart transplant at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town. According to the Organ Donor Foundation (ODF), there are approximately 4 000 patients waiting for organ transplants, but only 600 of those will receive organs this year. ODF urgently appeals to the public to become organ donors. One healthy adult can save seven lives. To become a donor: odf.org.za 5 December

1 December - 31 January

Skin Cancer Awareness Months While December and January are the hottest months of the year, they are not the only months when you need to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s rays. Be sun smart year-round to lower your risk of getting skin cancer. Prevention is better than cure, so remember to: ✻✻ Use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 20 or higher, and a waterresistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher if you are taking part in outdoor activities. ✻✻ Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating. ✻✻ Wear sunglasses and a broad-rimmed hat. ✻✻ Seek shade during the hottest time of the day (10am–4pm). ✻✻ Don’t use tanning beds. ✻✻ Seek medical advice when concerned about a particular spot on your skin. For more info and to support Cansa: cansa.org.za

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International Volunteers Day Celebrate volunteerism in all its many facets. The day was created by the United Nations in 1985 as a way of creating awareness around the contributions made by volunteers who are engaged in giving their time, energy and skills to change the world for a better future for all. For volunteering opportunities: forgood.co.za 4 January

World Braille Day On this day we celebrate the birth of Louis Braille, the inventor of the reading and writing system used by blind and partially sighted people around the world. Blinded in an accident, Louis developed his system when he was just 15 years old. Because of Louis, blind students have the opportunity to be educated alongside their peers. This day is an opportunity to raise awareness around issues faced by the blind and to empower them to achieve their dreams. For more info: sancb.org.za

December 2016 / January 2017

best for baby

i go potty! Potty training is not for the faint-hearted.

otty training my son Conor, then aged three, was a lot like trying to convince a Sumo wrestler to give up his prized loincloth. He was quite happy to wear his pull-ups and showed zero interest in the portable plastic urinal that I had painstakingly suctioned to the bathroom wall. In fact, I think he used it as a parking garage for his cars. The physical act of actually changing Conor, who by then weighed more than 20kgs, was also somewhat like getting into the ring with a Sumo wrestler. And when I started to battle to find pull-ups that would fit him (I even contemplated adult incontinence products at one stage), I realised it was time for desperate measures. We started with bribery. If he used the toilet consecutively more than three times, he would get a toy, and if he used it for a number two – the pinnacle of potty training – he would get the Lego set he had his eye on. Unfortunately, our efforts bombed dismally. We were then advised to dress him in underpants and let him wet himself, so that the discomfort would encourage him to use the toilet. But he was unfazed, and winter was maybe not the ideal time for this approach. I’m not proud to admit this, but it was only when I had a

December 2016 / January 2017

complete meltdown and asked Conor in tears whether he enjoyed seeing his mom cleaning up after him every time his potty training efforts failed, that he capitulated and agreed to give the toilet a go. I almost ululated down the road in joy. In sharp contrast my daughter, Erin, was a breeze to potty-train. We gave her a few books to page through while she sat on her pink potty and within days she was ready for cartoon character underwear. I do feel a bit bad though, as I forgot to transition her at night by letting her wear nappies to bed. But, despite going cold turkey, there were thankfully only a few minor accidents. Potty training is definitely about timing. Conor just wasn’t ready to ditch his nappies. Pushing a child to start potty training too soon can lead to anxiety – for him and for you. Most children show signs of wanting to take control over their own ablutions between 18 months and two years, but boys are notoriously more disinclined, despite having the physiological equipment that makes the whole process so much easier to master. Signs of toilet readiness include staying dry during naps, being able to say or indicate that they need the toilet and a clear interest in wearing underwear.

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PHOTOGRAPHS: SHUTTERSTOCK.com

Anél Lewis shares some tips for ditching the nappies.

nappy map

I even put stickers in the toilet bowl to give Conor something to literally aim for while we were training him.

potty-training tips: ✻ Summer is always a good bet, because boys can practise in the garden and having to clean up the odd mishap is a lot more manageable if your child is in a swimming costume and not a fleece onesie, trust me. ✻ While routine works for some children – seeing other family members go to the toilet at a certain time, for example – you may find that a holiday could be a good time to introduce something as a novelty, especially if there are older children around who provide positive peer pressure. ✻ Don’t shy away from bribery. Do whatever works to get them onto that toilet seat. I’m talking reward charts, jars filled with sweets or the promise of a special outing. I even put stickers in the toilet bowl to give Conor something to literally aim for while we were training him. ✻ Some children are intimidated by the porcelain toilet and would do better with a potty-themed toilet seat or toilet adaptor that fits onto the regular toilet. A small footrest also works for children who may not enjoy perching so high up while doing their business.

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There’s more science involved in nappies these days than what’s needed to get a satellite to Mars. Much has changed since the basic terry towel nappies used just a few generations ago. There’s a host of products to consider, depending on your needs and budget. Bear in mind that while cloth nappies are not initially cheap, and may require more work in terms of washing, disposable nappies could cost you at least R15 000 over the 18 months or two years, if used regularly. Options include: ✻ Disposable nappies of varying sizes and with different functions You even get gender-specific makes because boys and girls have different “absorbent zones”. These can be used from newborn to the potty-training stage, when they will move on to the pull-up versions as they prepare for underwear. ✻ Cloth nappies that are washable and reusable These include suede cloth or bamboo nappies with microfibre inserts. Michele Koopman, of Cape Town, has been using cloth nappies for five years, for both her girls. She opted for them because they’re environmentally friendly and no chemicals come into contact with her babies’ skin. “I really do love the washable ones; way easier than in our mother’s day. They can be used from birth to potty training as they have press studs to adjust the sizing.” ✻ You also get eco disposable nappies made from sustainable, biodegradable materials. ✻ Some brands offer nappy pants as an alternative to open nappies for when babies start to move around. They are designed to fit like underwear, but are as absorbent as regular nappies. ✻ Extra-protection nappies keep your baby dry throughout the night. ✻ Specially-designed swimming nappies prevent accidents in the pool. Unlike normal nappies, they don’t swell in the water.

December 2016 / January 2017

dealing with difference

how trauma What happens when a child experiences violence, disaster and loss, and how can you help them cope? SAMANTHA PAGE investigates

post-traumatic stress disorder.

number of years ago, during my time as a fledgling teacher, one of my learners, in a moment of extreme frustration at not being able to solve a maths problem, removed our class goldfish from its bowl, crushed it in his tiny fist and plopped it back into its watery habitat, in front of a stunned classroom. Unbeknown to me at the time, the boy, who was just 11, was suffering from severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He and his younger brother had witnessed the brutal necklacing of his father in front of their home. After consulting with his mom, who informed me that neither of her sons had received counselling despite their trauma, the boys started seeing a psychologist. As his teacher, I felt one of my most important tasks was just to make him feel safe and protected. I would often just rest my hand firmly on his shoulder as I walked between the desks, checking work. His ordeal made him feel so powerless, he felt he couldn’t even protect his little brother, so I gave him a position of “power” on the scholar patrol, helping the younger learners cross the road. It was a position he cherished and took very seriously. While these and other strategies didn’t completely heal him – that would take many years – they gave him more control than he had that fateful night.

aftershock

living in a violent society In the South African context, trauma in children could be isolated incidents or recurring events, and these can range from physical disasters, such as motor-vehicle accidents, assault, hijackings and sexual assault, to natural disasters like floods. We have also seen political violence, in the form of xenophobic attacks, and one could add to that violence related to political intolerance, as my learner experienced, as well as the witnessing of domestic violence, which is especially rife in SA. According to psychiatrist Prof Soraya Seedat, writing for World Psychiatry, PTSD in children exhibits as a persistent re-experiencing of the trauma, such as memories and

December 2016 / January 2017

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PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

While PTSD is most often associated with battle-scarred soldiers, children who have been exposed to trauma may also develop this condition. According to Health24, in South Africa PTSD is quite common in children, owing to high rates of violent crimes, including physical and sexual assault, hijacking and domestic violence. In studies in youth and patients attending clinics, rates of PTSD of around 20% have been documented. And it’s not just those who have been directly involved in the trauma who experience PTSD. The condition can affect those who witness it and who are there in the aftermath, such as emergency workers, law enforcement officers, even family and friends. But everyone experiences trauma in different ways. “Research has shown that there are some factors that increase the possibility that a person will experience an event as traumatic,” says Karl Swain, a clinical psychologist in the Department of Behavioural Medicine at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, who has done extensive research in the areas of neuropsychology and traumatic stress. “These include pre-trauma risk factors, such as young age, low socioeconomic status, previous exposure to trauma, existing mental health conditions, current life stressors and poor social support.” Swain adds that one of the most devastating effects of traumatic events on children is the impact on their development, particularly tasks related to psychological health in adulthood. Trauma in childhood may disrupt the normal process of becoming independent and autonomous. Often these children also have problems regulating their emotions, especially anger and fear, and because of the potential long-term, damaging effects of trauma, a professional psychologist should see these individuals.

affects children Symptoms usually develop within the first month after the trauma, but they may not show up until months or even years have passed. flashbacks, triggered by exposure to reminders, avoidance of these reminders (including places, people, and conversations) and chronic physiological factors, such as sleep disturbances, poor concentration and hypervigilance to a perceived threat. “Symptoms usually develop within the first month after the trauma, but they may not show up until months or even years have passed,” says Swain. “These symptoms often continue for years after the trauma or, in some cases, may ease and return later in life if another event triggers memories of the trauma. In fact, anniversaries of the event can cause a flood of emotions and bad memories.” “I was in denial for a long time,” says the mother of my learner. “I was so wrapped up in my own grief, I neglected to focus on my sons, but having them go to counselling was the first and most important step in our recovery. A parent’s most important role in helping their child through a traumatic experience is to support and comfort them.” “Children can and do recover from traumatic events,” says Swain, “and parents are instrumental in obtaining helpful interventions from the appropriate professionals. In order to be able to assist the child’s recovery, the parent must also keep in shape physically, emotionally and spiritually. It is also important that the physical safety of the child be established, particularly if the child has been a victim of abuse.”

supporting a child with ptsd By Karl Swain ✻✻ Find a good therapist ✻✻ Request a school consultation ✻✻ Determine your child’s immediate and long-term needs ✻✻ Be available to assist school interventions ✻✻ Be cognisant of the needs of the rest of the family ✻✻ Engage in good self-care ✻✻ Be vigilant of the symptoms and learn about common reactions ✻✻ Be patient; there’s no correct time for healing ✻✻ Explain and reinforce to your child that they are not responsible for what happened ✻✻ Assure your child that they are safe ✻✻ Maintain regular school and home routines

common signs and symptoms ✻✻ Re-experiencing the trauma (nightmares, intrusive recollections, flashbacks, traumatic play) ✻✻ Avoidance of memories or situations that remind the child of the traumatic event ✻✻ Sleep problems ✻✻ Emotional numbing ✻✻ Symptoms of increased arousal and hypervigilance ✻✻ Altered cognitive function ✻✻ Behavioural inhibition ✻✻ Regression ✻✻ Difficulties with physical contact (for abuse victims)

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December 2016 / January 2017

pack

the children We can’t afford to be blasé about our children’s safety in our cars. While buckling up is the crux of it, there are other important things to know, says

MARINA ZIETSMAN.

ccidents are measured in statistics. During and after every school holiday newsreaders share these figures with us, and we grimly compare the latest death toll to the previous years – is it up or down? If someone we love is not part of the statistics, the figures are soon forgotten.

the numbers But let’s break those stats down a bit, and bring them closer to the family home: between 1 December 2015 and 11 January

December 2016 / January 2017

2016, 1 535 people died on our roads during the festive season. From 1 November 2011 to 31 March 2012 1 944 passengers died on our roads in vehicle accidents. Many of these are children. Statistics indicate that car fatalities account for 13% of child deaths. In fact, the 2015 World Health Organization Global Status Report on Road Safety shows there remains a significant level of improvement needed. South Africa’s reported road fatalities per 100 000 is 25,1, which is 23rd out of the 50 African countries included in the report.

the causes Excessive speed and driving under the influence of alcohol are the two main causes of road accidents in South Africa. However, fatalities and serious injuries among children are mostly caused by young ones not being appropriately restrained. There are no statistics available for child restraint use, but Petro Kruger, founder of The Road Safety Foundation says that according to internal research done by the foundation in 2008, less than 2% of rear-seat occupants, including children, use a seat belt. Professor Sebastian van As, head of the Trauma Unit at Red Cross Children’s Hospital in Cape Town and president of The Child Accident Prevention Foundation of Southern Africa (CAPFSA), says approximately 200 to 300 children are admitted to the hospital each year due to injuries sustained in car accidents, “and of these, 87% were unrestrained. Up to 71% of these children were passengers in the front seat. People don’t get it – a baby has a 70% better chance of surviving a motorvehicle accident if restrained and a toddler up to 54%. Parents go to the supermarket and buy bottles of wine, which they tuck in safely so that the bottles don’t break during the journey, but what about their children?” asks Van As. A scientific study published by the World Health Organization, the FIA (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile), the Global Road Safety Partnership and the World

Bank, shows that harmful injury is the result of “energy interchange”. During a collision, this kinetic energy exchange makes it physically impossible for any occupant to securely hold an unrestrained object, such as a child. If you are involved in a collision while travelling at just 50 kilometres per hour, a child’s weight will effectively increase 20 times, turning a 10-kilogram baby into a 200-kilogram weight within a split second. Kruger says Newton’s law applies: “Every object in a state of uniform motion tends to remain in that state of motion, unless an external force is applied to it. This means that if the car is travelling at 100 kilometres an hour, then any object or person in the car is also going that fast until a net force (child restraint) or object (windshield, dashboard) acts to slow them down.”

festive season

1 Dec 2015 – 11 Jan 2016

deaths

on the road babies have a

toddlers have a

70% 54% survival better chance of

if restrained in a motor vehicle

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safety

strap them in! The world’s leading players in child safety are the US Department of Transportation as well as the National Safe Kids Campaign in America. Their basic safety tips are also advocated by Arrive Alive in South Africa. These include: ✻✻ Buckle up every time, no matter how short the trip. ✻✻ Children 12 and younger should be properly restrained in the back seat. While air bags can save adults’ lives, children sitting in the front seat can be seriously injured or killed when an air bag deploys in a crash. Even with advanced air bags or with air bags disabled or not fitted, the back seat is safer for children. The air bags built into your dashboard on the passenger side are designed to deploy at the chest height of an average adult, and do so at more than 200 kilometres per hour. In one incident, 10-year-old Emmanuel Bernardo from Namibia was permanently blinded by an air bag that kicked in during a minor accident. It exploded in his face while he was seated in the front passenger seat of a BMW. Doctors say that the boy’s eyes literally ruptured on impact and that Emmanuel will not be able to see again. ✻✻ “Researchers at the University of Buffalo studied all car collisions involving a fatality in the US between 2000 and 2003,” says Kruger. “They came to the conclusion that depending

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✻✻ ✻✻ ✻✻

✻✻

on the make of the vehicle, occupants in the back seat are 59–86% safer there than in the front seat. In fact, the rear middle seat was found to be 16% safer than any other seat in the vehicle.” Never put a rear-facing child in a car’s front seat. Choose the right child-safety seat or safety belt for your child’s size and age. Infants should ride in rear-facing safety seats until they are at least 12 months old and weigh at least nine kilograms. Children who are at least one year old, and weigh nine to 18 kilograms, should ride in a forward-facing child-safety seat on the back seat. Children over 18 kilograms should be correctly secured in a belt-positioning booster seat. A booster must be used on the back seat of the car only. These seats are not installed in the same way as child car seats; they instead sit on the vehicle seat and are used to properly position the adult seat belt for an older child. Once the vehicle safety belt fits a child, both the lap and shoulder belts should be used correctly. Vehicle seat belts are designed to fit an average-sized adult. Many children will be 12 years old before they meet these height and weight requirements. Your child can be moved from a booster seat to a seat belt in the back seat if your child passes the Safety Belt Fit

Test (visit safekids.org for details of this test). ✻✻ Install and use all restraints according to the manufacturer’s instructions and your vehicle owner’s manual. Ensure your child safety seat has not been recalled. In South Africa, only SABS-approved seats must be used. Kruger says there are no seat-belt fitment experts in South Africa. “The instructions for fitting the child seats are sometimes inadequate and often confusing. Parents must make sure they understand the instructions.” ✻✻ It is not ideal to buy second-hand car or booster seats, except if you are 100% sure of the history. Car and booster seats that have been in accidents are not acceptable.

by law The National Road Traffic Act, Act 93 of 1996, is very confusing on car restraint and allows for too many exceptions. As of 1 May 2015, children under the age of three can only travel in a car if they are secured in a car seat. This is required by a new regulation of the National Road Traffic Act. Motorists who have children under the age of three unrestrained in their vehicle, will be fined. But, according to Van As, the problem is not the law, but its implementation. “The law exists, but is not enforced. The bottom line is: all motor-vehicle passengers must be strapped in, each child according to their age.” Van As continues that parents might

complain about the cost of these seats, “but, if you have enough money to own a car, put petrol in that car and drive off with your child, you can afford to invest in the proper child restraint.”

keeping children safe along the way ✻✻ Keep the interior of the car clear of loose objects such as sports equipment or groceries. In a collision these objects become missiles that could seriously injure occupants. ✻✻ When driving, don’t give toddlers or babies anything that could be a choking hazard such as biscuits or fruit. ✻✻ If a child is unhappy or crying, do not lean back to attend to him. Pay attention to your driving and stop at a safe place. ✻✻ A parent’s lap is not a safe place for a child. In the case of an accident, the child actually acts as an air bag for the passenger holding her. ✻✻ When travelling long distances, always ensure that you stop and rest and take the child out of the child seat for at least 10 minutes every two hours. ✻✻ Children are not cargo and should never be transported on the back of a bakkie, even with a canopy. (Courtesy: The Road Safety Foundation)

December 2016 / January 2017

how to

are we there yet? Travelling with children can be an exciting adventure – or a nerve-jangling endurance test. Here are some hints to help you enjoy the journey. By Siviwe Minyi

am a father of two children and I travel a lot. It’s worth mentioning, too, that I am a Xhosa-speaking man. I come from a culture, which taught me to believe that men do not engage in activities with children. This is normally left to mothers. Conventional belief says that men who are in the constant company of children – feeding them, changing nappies and taking charge of them while travelling – are “dull”. This is not a compliment; it’s an insult, one that is not swayed by being in possession of a clearly contradictory personality. It’s a label that sticks. But I’m not bothered by insults. I’ve learnt a lot through travelling with my children, and it has strengthened my relationship with both of them. Over the past 10 years, I have had frequent opportunities to explore this country’s airports and national roads with my son and daughter. Travelling with young ones can be an adventure. I have learnt a few tricks en route, tips that should be of benefit to any dad travelling with small children.

don’t worry about what other people are thinking It was my first flight with my then two-year-old daughter. We were travelling to Joburg. On taking our seats, I noticed there was a well-dressed, executive-type seated opposite us. He was visibly annoyed that my daughter was being chatty and looking for some attention. She had started reciting one of her favourite songs loudly. At first I began to panic. Then I had an idea: I’d involve Mr Exec and others in a sing-along. I called out, “Come on everybody, let’s all sing together!” This was followed by an outburst of laughter. Happily the story ends well. The gentleman leaned over to say hello to my daughter and the two of them chatted for a short while until she lost interest, which brings me to my second tip.

stash a surprise bag of toys in your hand luggage Children want to be kept entertained and, let’s face it, a sing-along will get tedious after a while and irritate you (and the other passengers). I like to put together a bag of new toys (these don’t need to be expensive things: think notebook and coloured pen, comic book, even last Christmas’ cracker fillers will work). The trick is to reveal the bag’s contents slowly, bringing out the toys one at a time. This makes things more fun and fills children with anticipation for what might be hauled out next.

be prepared for ear pain One of the challenges of travelling with my son in particular is that he suffers from earache when flying. My first air-travel experience with him was not good. He screamed and yelled for what felt like most of the journey. Some passengers were clearly not happy with me. One even shouted: “Take your child outside!”. All very well if you’re in a restaurant, but not so if you’re mid-air, 1 000 feet or so above ground level. Before our return flight, I made some enquiries at a pharmacy. Within 15 minutes of take-off on our homeward-bound leg, I’d persuaded him to take a dose of Calpol, which worked like magic. Now it’s a standard in my hand luggage.

problem was that the rest of us were not aware of his mission. Well into his countdown, his older and taller sister asked him to shift a little so that she could create a little legroom for herself. This interrupted his rhythm and all hell broke loose. It took a good 10 minutes to bring about peace in our war-ravaged backseat. But I had learnt a valuable lesson: as a dad, I need to answer questions more carefully and accurately.

mind your language I enjoy talking to people. I do this all the time. On one of my trips with my son, then five, I started up a light-hearted conversation with the petrol attendant while he was filling my tank. As soon as we’d pulled away from the garage, my son started to use words like “chappie” and “my brother”. He wanted to know what chappie meant and whether I was related to the man at the garage.

consult the gang in the planning stages My children are getting older, and planning trips has become more consultative. We have now resorted to convening a household parliament where I preside as the president and I have veto powers. After all, we live in a democracy. A 12-year-old girl has developed her own set of ideas of places to visit while a nine-year-old boy, if he’s anything like mine, is more obsessed with cricket and other sporting activities. On one of our trips, the siblings fought endlessly, arguing over preferred radio stations, what to see, and where to visit first. We have now learnt to involve the children in planning our trips. Prior to departure we give full details of where we’re going and what we might be able to do. We listen to them and get a sense of what they might like or dislike. We have found that listening to them makes travelling more enjoyable for all of us. Happy travelling!

Travelling with young ones can be an adventure.

give them something fascinating to figure out en route

illustratinon: SHUTTERSTOCK.com

My father used to enjoy driving us to faraway holiday destinations. He was not the singalong type. To keep us entertained, he’d have collected a number of gadgets – such as a torch or a lock and key – and he’d set us the assignment of figuring out how the devices worked. I remember loving the challenge. I have used this on a number of occasions when driving with my children, and it has worked very well. A note to dads: be prepared to deal with the questions that come later – brace yourself, so to speak.

be factual, or at least attempt to be precise When my son was five years old, he seemed to live in a world of numbers. To him, everything needed to be quantified. His questions included things like: “How many blue cars are on the road today?” As someone who is arithmetically challenged, I found some of his questions difficult to answer. Once, while driving back from the Southern Cape, my son asked: “So, how long will it take for us to get home?” I responded too quickly, “About an hour, but you can start counting now because I am not sure,” which is exactly what he did, in seconds. The

December 2016 / January 2017

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December 2016 / January 2017

how to

going eco

All you need is some household junk, garden goodies and lots of imagination to create and cultivate these fun projects with your children. TAMLYN VINCENT explains how.

compost bin Your children will need your help with the drilling. what you need: 20–25 litre plastic storage box with lid (bin); craft paint; power drill; clear varnish; soil what to do: Drill one-centimetre holes along both long edges of the bin (holes should be about 3cm apart). Cut holes in two opposite corners at the bottom of the bin (1cm x 3cm). Decorate your compost bin. Paint bright flowers and leaves, or paint the word compost as a daisy chain. You can also create fingerprint insects like ladybirds. Once you’ve finished decorating your bin, spray the varnish onto the bin. Allow it to dry and then give it two more coats. When your bin is finished, line the inside with a layer of soil and some dry leaves and you’re ready to start composting. Vegetable peels and fruit scraps are best for making compost.

portable mini golf-course Mini golf is also called putt-putt, crazy golf, goofy golf or adventure golf. Whatever you call it, you’re sure to have loads of fun creating and mastering your very own miniature course. what you need: 9 x two-litre plastic cold drink bottles; coloured electrical tape; permanent marker what to do: Remove the labels and cut off the bottom of the bottles. Cut an arched hole at the base of each bottle (approximately 8cm x 8cm). Use coloured tape and permanent markers to decorate and number the bottles from one to nine. Place the bottles in the garden and use your imagination to create a great mini golf-course, right in your own garden, by using logs, rocks or pot plants.

what you need: empty eggshells, with the tops removed; egg box; koki pens; potting soil; seeds such as watercress or wheatgrass what to do: Carefully remove the top and inside from the hard-boiled eggs, leaving an opening big enough to spoon the soil into the shell. Stand the shells in the egg box and draw faces on them. Fill each with a few teaspoons of soil and then sprinkle seeds into each shell. Cover lightly with a little more soil. Water gently. When the seeds start to sprout, your eggshell people will look like they’re growing hair. When the herbs grow too big, just crumble the eggshell and plant your herbs in a bigger container or in the garden.

December 2016 / January 2017

junkyard vegetable garden what you need: old containers such as yoghurt pots, mugs with broken handles, old buckets, colanders, even old tyres or a wheelbarrow; vegetable seeds (onions, lettuce, carrots and tomatoes grow well from seeds); old wooden spoons; craft paint and koki pens; potting soil; compost what to do: Decorate your wooden spoons and write the name of the vegetables. Place potting soil and compost in your containers. Sprinkle the seeds on top and then cover lightly with soil. Plant your wooden spoons in the containers and then arrange the containers to form a pleasing configuration. Remember to water your seeds and wait patiently for your vegetables to start growing.

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PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK.com

eggshell herb people

solar oven

pinhole camera

Most of the earth’s energy comes from the sun. You can use this energy to create your own solar oven, which can heat up to 200°C on a sunny day. what you need: empty pizza box; tinfoil; plastic cling wrap; thick black cardboard; stick or dowel what to do: Make a flap in the lid of the pizza box by cutting along three sides, leave a 2cm rim between the flap and the edge of the box. Fold the flap over so that it stands up when the box lid is closed. Cover the inside of the flap with tinfoil (shiny side up) so that it can reflect the sun’s rays. Open the box and tape a double layer of cling wrap securely over the opening you cut for the flap. Make sure that it’s airtight. Line the bottom of the box with tinfoil (shiny side up) and cover it with thick black cardboard. Take your oven to a sunny spot and adjust the flap so that it reflects lots of sunlight through the plastic window. Use your stick or dowel to prop your flap open at a right angle. Try melting some cheese on toast. Get creative by adding tomatoes, fresh herbs or even pineapple and mushrooms.

The first camera was invented over 2 000 years ago. It was a very simple device using a box, a pinhole and light to create an image. what you need: a cardboard tube (like the kind crisps come in); wax paper; an elastic band; a drawing pin; tinfoil or thick black cardboard what to do: Make a hole in the centre bottom of the tube using the drawing pin. Cut a piece of wax paper big enough to cover the opening of the container. Wrap the wax paper over the top of the tube and stretch the elastic band around the opening of the container to secure the wax paper in place. Wrap a sheet of tinfoil or thick black cardboard around the camera to keep the light out. Stand in a dark room and point the bottom of the container out of the window, making sure that it’s pointing at a brightly lit object. When you look at the wax paper, the scene reflected through the pinhole will appear upside down.

growing cards Plant these cards in the ground and watch them turn into flowers. what you need: 1,5 cups of newspaper torn into 2,5 centimetre strips; bowl of warm water; masking tape; baking tray; piece of fine wire mesh (window mesh works well; make sure that the piece is slightly smaller than your baking tray); seeds such as marigold or lobelia; towel what to do: Place the strips of newspaper in the bowl of warm water and soak them overnight. Fold strips of masking tape around the edges of the wire mesh to make it easier to handle. Mix the mushy paper well, gradually adding fresh water until the mixture looks like a creamy “soup” (you can use a blender if you like). Add water to the baking tray until it’s a quarter full, then pour in your paper mixture. Add the flower seeds and mix well with your hands. Slip the screen into the pan so that it slides under the pulp and seeds. Lift the screen gently and make sure that you catch the pulp mixture in an even layer on top and allow the water to drain off. Lay the screen on a towel and let your paper dry for at least 24 hours. When your paper is completely dry, gently remove it from the screen. You can add a drop of food colouring to the mixture to make different coloured paper. Write a message on the cards and you have a note and a gift all rolled into one.

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miniature garden A terrarium is a closed environment that allows you to create your own little ecosystem – rainforest or desert, whichever you prefer. what you need: empty two-litre plastic cold drink bottle with lid; small plants (miniature ferns, African violets and small palms work well); potting soil what to do: Remove the label from the bottle, and clean the inside and cap well. Cut the bottle near the bottom (where the label used to be). Fill the base with soil and plant your plants. Place the cap on the bottle and wedge the upper half of the bottle onto the base (you may have to play around a bit to get it to fit). Place your terrarium in a sunny spot and water your plants as regularly as they require it. You might like to place coloured glass, rocks, dinosaurs or fairies inside your bottle before sealing it and watch your terrarium turn into a mini wonderland as your plants grow.

shoebox zen garden The Zen garden originated in Japan where they’re made with sand or gravel, which is raked into beautiful patterns. The shoebox version is a great way to display special holiday treasures such as shells and pebbles. what you need: shoebox lid; fine sand (such as sandpit sand); pebbles, small rocks, shells; plastic fork what to do: Fill the shoebox lid with sand. Arrange the pebbles and shells in the lid. Now use the plastic fork to rake patterns in the sand.

December 2016 / January 2017

adventure

SIMCHA VAN BEL-DU PLOOY tells how she and her daughter one

day found themselves “up a tree” and glad for it.

ree climbing is something I had not done in years and a joy that I had long forgotten. But, I recently came to rediscover it when, one afternoon, I found myself in the branches of a tree in my local park, alongside my child. As we sat there, breathing a self-satisfied sigh, we smiled and looked below us. Being way up here was rejuvenating because, says author of The Tree Climbers Guide, Jack Cooke, the tree climb gave me the space, quite literally, for fresh perspective.

December 2016 / January 2017

the discovery

From that day, tree climbing became part of our lives. In fact, I generally find myself having to coerce my daughter out of a tree because, when she she’s up there, she’s never bored. It’s also become important for my relationship with my child, because this is something we can do together. As a result of the unexpected impact tree climbing has had on me – the deepened connection with my daughter, and reconnecting with my inner-child in the process

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PHOTOGRAPH AND ILLUSTRATION: SHUTTERSTOCK.com

tree-monkey fun

the journey

For children, this heightened sensory experience is where the magic happens.

– I started to explore the topic in order to understand its charm. When climbing a tree, you feel its bark, you smell its leaves, you see the light shine through its branches, and when there is a light breeze, it’s as if you’re hearing the tree dance; if you are lucky, there may be small insects or a nest to discover. According to Cape Town occupational therapist Romy Kruger, this heightened sensory experience is where the magic happens for children. After that day, during visits with friends, we would soon have all the children, and some of the parents, in the trees. Interestingly, they all preferred the tree to the jungle gym. Perhaps this is because of the excitement of the risk involved, but Henk Oosthuizen, who is a specialised children’s sports coach in Cape Town, points out that, “Tree climbing usually causes nothing more than some scratches and, in most cases, experiencing a mild fall is useful as it leads to better risk assessment the next time.” Or maybe it’s the imaginary world that tree climbing unlocks – pretending to be monkeys swinging in the tree, koalas hugging the trunk or cheetahs stretching across a branch. “Trees are the original playground for children,” notes Kruger.

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Each tree, with its own uniqueness, offers a new adventure and learning experience. Walking with my child, we focus on spotting the best trees to climb, and when approaching a tree, we have to navigate it to determine which branches are the strongest and can hold our weight. With every tree climb session, my daughter appears to be more aware of her environment, and it helps develop her problem-solving skills and teaches her risk assessment. “Trees challenge the body and inspire the creative mind,” says Kruger. Also, according to Oosthuizen, “Heaving your body weight through various movements in the tree, uses practically all the muscle groups in the body”. The higher a child climbs, says Kruger, the greater he balances. “He’s having to use his vestibular system to interpret the movement and gain a good understanding of where he is in relation to gravity.” Oosthuizen points out the benefits of tree climbing for the development of a child’s fundamental skills, such as hand-eye and foot-eye coordination, when they’re finding a solid foot and hand grip in this three-dimensional world where branches are coming at them from all directions. Cape Town-based biokinetisist J.A. van Wyk describes how, when they are climbing trees, children are performing complex movements such as crossing the midline without being cognitively aware they are doing so. Thanks to the variety of challenges waiting to be conquered, children stand to feel success and gain increased self-confidence while up a tree. One of the biggest perks of tree climbing is that it is free. While our cities have amazing indoor recreational options, such as trampoline parks, climbing gyms and ice rinks, these do not come cheap and accessing these regularly is simply not an option for many families. As such, in my life, an activity has gone from being an old forgotten memory to being happily re-lived in my parenting years.

the healing power Treehab

specialised

tree-climbing

rehabilitation and therapy that was developed by Dr. John Gathright in Japan. It has helped thousands of children with physical disabilities and emotional trauma by lessening their pain and depression symptoms. Research has been done in order to understand how people change when they climb trees. They measured pulse and stress hormone levels on the ground and again in the trees and they studied pain sensitivity. Time and again, their research showed the positive effects tree climbing was having on the children. Even more interesting, they collected the same data while climbing concrete towers and discovered the effects were not as strong – not even when the tower was in the same forest. So, it’s not just about climbing. It’s about being in the presence of a tree.

December 2016 / January 2017

parenting

why parents fight Most new parents struggle with the transition from carefree couple to tired, stressed-out parents. See if any of these arguments sound familiar… and then learn how to fix the underlying problems. By MARK VAN DIJK

s a parent, your life is divided into two periods: Before Children and After Children. As you navigate the change from one period to the next, you’ll face a few areas of potential spousal disagreement – ranging from differing ideas of how to raise the child, to resentment over the distribution of labour, to awkwardness around the changes in your relationship. Anthony Hawthorn, a marriage counsellor at the Family and Marriage Society of South Africa (Famsa), has seen his share of squabbling parents. Through his work, he’s heard a few accusations flying between moms and dads. See how many of these you recognise from your own arguments… and then follow Hawthorn’s advice on how to fix the problem.

i’m doing all the work “The biggest issue is division of labour,” says Hawthorn. “Many moms come out of careers to have babies, and then have to re-enter the job market three months later because the family can’t survive on one salary. So her point of view is: ‘I work a full day, then come home and work all night, taking care of the baby. All you do is go to your day job.’”

you’re never home Some dads are absent from home for long periods, either stuck in the office or travelling for work – and this can bring its frustrations. “Mom feels she can’t say anything, because Dad is supporting the family financially,” says Hawthorn. “But that doesn’t change the fact that her emotional needs are not being met. And then when Dad is home, and he tries to embrace the child, they cry because they don’t know who Dad is! Things spiral from there: Dad feels inadequate, so he comes home even less… and that puts immense stress on the relationship.”

you feel… different Most men struggle with the transition from newlywed with lots of intimacy to new Dad who doesn’t get enough or not at all. “Some also struggle to adjust to the changes in their partner’s body, and feel uncomfortable initiating or engaging in sex,” says Hawthorn. “It’s not often spoken about, but it can be a problem – and it can bring an element of awkwardness into their sexual experience. I’ve worked with couples who’ve had to process the fact that she’s physically different, and they’re both getting used to her new body.”

stop telling me what to do “Sometimes the things that attract a couple to each other become their Achilles heel further down the line,” says Hawthorn. “So you’ll hear one partner tell the other: ‘I married you because you know what you want in life, but now that we’re parenting our child, you keep telling me what to do!’”

This, Hawthorn explains, falls under what therapists call Family of Origin issues. New parents – who, let’s face it, aren’t exactly given a handbook on how to raise babies – often revert to what they know… and what they know is what their own parents did. The differences between the two parents’ upbringings can cause huge issues.

don’t smack my child “Discipline is an area where Family of Origin really comes into play,” says Hawthorn. If one parent believes in the “spare the rod, spoil the child” school of smacks, while the other one is more into time-outs, you have a problem on your hands.

December 2016 / January 2017

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ILLUSTRATION: SHUTTERSTOCK.com

my dad never changed a nappy in his life

we can’t afford that Many new parents fight about money – but, Hawthorn points out, money might not be what they’re really fighting about. “Children can be a trigger for other issues,” he says. “When a couple is newly married, it’s very easy to avoid conflict because – other than their careers – there are few external stressors that show up the fracture lines in their relationship. A child makes both parents vulnerable: you’re sleep-deprived, you have no free time to yourself and you can no longer use sex to hide your issues.”

you’ve changed “I hear this a lot in couples’ therapy,” says Hawthorn. “The truth is, you do change when you have a child, and sometimes one partner simply doesn’t like what the other has become. Some men don’t like the maternal role their partner takes on, especially in the early years where the mother and the infant almost have a shared identity.”

If one parent believes in the “spare the rod, spoil the child” school of smacks, while the other one is more into time-outs, you have a problem on your hands. stop fighting, start talking “There’s a simple solution to these problems,” says Hawthorn. “In the early part of our relationship, it’s easy to mask your issues with intimacy and passion – and besides, very few people enter into a relationship with problem-solving skills. We assume that if we can solve problems at work we can solve problems in our relationship. But the same rules don’t apply: in a relationship you have to find a solution that works for both parties. This transition into parenthood can be especially difficult for someone who comes from an industry where you have to be very decisive, because what you see as being decisive, your partner can see as being abusive.” “As a couple you have to learn – often for the first time – to really communicate. Real communication involves identifying problems, finding possible solutions, and deciding on what works best for both parties without either parent compromising themselves, and what is in the best interest of the child. “Dad’s primary responsibility, especially when the child is an infant, is to hold the emotional needs of his partner. If Mom feels emotionally supported, that sense of safety transfers to the child and the child feels secure. He doesn’t even have to be physically present: it’s about the way Dad is represented in the home and the way Mom talks about him, so when he does come home, that relationship is already formed in the child’s mind.”

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December 2016 / January 2017

recipes

festive food b

lake is a little bit shy, but he wants cake. So he settles down in the lounge with a huge piece and, once he’s polished it off and had his request for a second piece turned down, entertains himself by climbing all over his mom Leela. He’s a normal, happy little boy, but Leela says this is a recent development. Soon after Blake was born, his parents discovered that he had severe food allergies and eczema. The first tests came back with two pages of foods that Blake couldn’t eat. When he was three years old, Leela found out that he was also allergic to grass, sweat and hay, among other things. Blake’s reactions, from chronic eczema to leaky gut, meant that Leela had to make some big changes to his diet. And rather than cooking two meals every night, she started the whole family on the Gaps Diet. This diet, consisting of soups and broths, along with plenty of probiotics for Blake, made a big difference. Leela took the diet a step further. “Baking is my happy place,” says the mom of three little boys. So she taught herself to bake without sugar, dairy or gluten, and recently added egg yolks to this list. Blake adjusted easily – he understood that certain foods made him feel sick. Leela happily explains that he has even started school a few days a week, something she never expected to happen. Luke, the oldest, found it harder to adjust, but with the new diet, his teacher noticed that his concentration

for the fussy

improved. Max, the youngest, has never had sugar or gluten, and he’s doing very well without it. Blake’s allergies do make holidays and parties a little challenging. For parties at home, Leela makes all the snacks. For Christmas, she’ll make biscuits that the children can decorate. Holidays are important for Leela and her family, and while many hotels do cater for allergies, there is still plenty of preparation needed. They usually go with self-catering, but even at hotels Leela makes pancakes or toast for Blake, and takes it to the dining room so he can eat with the family. Leela makes most of their food from scratch, although she does keep glutenfree bread in the freezer for emergencies. She has learnt a lot about foods and allergens, and reads the ingredients on every label. Blake loves sausages on the braai, but these contain gluten and mSG, so Leela wants to start making her own (even though she is vegetarian). She chooses organic meat, tree nuts and makes her own almond milk. She has had to learn to bake again, using all of these ingredients. But her children are happy with the new food and proud of their mom for making healthy ice cream and even sugar-free muffins for baker’s day. Leela’s recipes are mostly sugarand gluten-free and, where possible, give substitutes for common allergenic foods. All of her recipes are double tested and child-approved.

Baking is my happy place, so I taught myself to bake without sugar, dairy or gluten.

Cooking for allergies can be a challenge, especially for special occasions. TAMLYN VINCENT speaks to one mom who tells us how she does it, and shares some of her family’s favourite recipes.

gluten- and dairy-free christmas cake ingredients ✻ 500g mixed dried fruit: 150g dried apricots, roughly chopped into small pieces 150g dried dates, roughly chopped into small pieces 100g dried prunes, roughly chopped into small pieces 100g glacé cherries, roughly chopped ✻ 150ml amaretto, or alcohol or juice of your choice ✻ 150g coconut sugar or xylitol ✻ 125g vegan butter or coconut butter (butter if you can eat dairy)

125g virgin organic coconut oil 1 lemon’s zest and juice 1 orange’s zest and juice 2 tsp mixed spice 1 tsp ground cinnamon ½ tsp ground nutmeg 1 tsp vanilla extract 100g ground almonds 175g plain gluten-free flour 2 tsp ground flaxseeds (I do mine in my coffee grinder) ✻ ½ tsp baking powder ✻ 6 free-range eggs, beaten (substitute for 6 flax eggs if you can’t eat egg) ✻ ✻ ✻ ✻ ✻ ✻ ✻ ✻ ✻ ✻

method Place the mixed fruits (you could use what you have) into a large bowl and cover with 150ml alcohol or juice. Leave to soak for at least six hours. meanwhile prepare your tin. Line a deep 20cm round cake tin with two layers of baking parchment. Wrap two layers of baking parchment around the outside of the tin too and secure with string. Once the fruit has soaked, take a huge pan (I use my pressure cooker) and melt the coconut oil and butter, along with the sugar. Once melted, remove from the heat and add the spices, orange and lemon zest and juice, vanilla extract and soaked fruit. Stir well. Add the remaining dry ingredients and stir well again. Finally add the beaten eggs and stir to combine. Place the mixture in your prepared tin and place in a pre-heated oven at 150°C (130°C fan) or gas mark 2, for two hours.

2 3 45 6

7 24

December 2016 / January 2017

8 9

10 11

Remove from the oven, spike all over with a skewer or fork and drizzle with two tablespoons of alcohol or juice of choice. Leave to cool in the tin before wrapping in the baking parchment and storing away in an airtight container. I “feed” my cake every two weeks with two tablespoons Cointreau. Use whatever alcohol or juice you like, as this will ensure it is lovely and moist. Remember to wrap the cake back up and store in the container after every “feed”. Leave the cake for a week without “feeding” it before icing to make sure the icing sticks. magazine joburg

PHOTOGRAPHS: ALEXIS DIACK / LEELA JIRAN

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December 2016 / January 2017

recipes

gluten-free gingerbread men

ingredients ✻ 2,5 cups almond flour ✻ ⅓ cup ground flaxseed ✻ ½ tsp baking soda ✻ 2 Tbs ground ginger ✻ 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated ✻ 1½ tsp cinnamon ✻ ½ tsp ground nutmeg

½ tsp ground cloves ½ tsp vanilla powder ¼ cup coconut oil, melted ¼ cup honey 1 egg, lightly beaten (or flax egg for a vegan substitute ) ✻ 50g sugar-free white chocolate, melted ✻ ✻ ✻ ✻ ✻

method Combine almond flour, flaxseed, baking soda, ground ginger, fresh ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and vanilla powder in a large mixing bowl and stir until well combined. Add coconut oil, honey and egg to the bowl with the dry ingredients and mix until well combined. Roll mixture into a ball and wrap in cling film. Put in freezer for 30 minutes and then transfer to fridge for another 30 minutes. Remove the dough from the cling film and place between two large pieces of baking paper. With a rolling pin roll the dough out to around 3mm thick. With a gingerbread cookie cutter, cut into shapes. The dough is delicate so it is best to remove the remaining dough from the outside of the cut-out cookie and take a sharp knife or metal spatula under the cookie and carefully place on a tray lined with baking paper. Bake for 10 minutes at 160°C or until golden. They should still be slightly soft when they come out of the oven. Allow the cookies to completely cool. melt the white chocolate and add to a piping bag with a thin nozzle. Pipe on the chocolate to decorate the cookies with your favourite design.

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coconut snow cookies ingredients ✻ 1 cup apple sauce ✻ 2 Tbs chia seeds, ground ✻ ½ cup coconut nectar or use pure maple syrup ✻ ½ cup coconut butter, melted ✻ ½ cup coconut oil, melted ✻ ¼ tsp almond extract ✻ ¼ tsp vanilla extract

for the coconut caramel topping ✻ 1 can full-fat coconut milk (about 1½ cups) ✻ ½ cup mild flavoured honey or maple syrup ✻ a pinch of sea salt ✻ 1 rounded Tbs ghee or butter (or use palm shortening or coconut oil) ✻ 2 tsp vanilla extract ✻ ¼ cup finely shredded coconut, plus 2 more tablespoons for garnishing for the dipping chocolate ✻ 1 sugar-free chocolate slab, I used my homemade one (melted in a double boiler) method Preheat your mini doughnut making machine or preheat the oven to 180°C if you are using a regular doughnut pan or making into muffins. In a large bowl, mix together the almond flour, baking soda and salt. In another bowl, combine the honey, oil, vanilla, lemon juice and eggs. Add the oil and honey mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix till just combined. Add about 2 tablespoons of batter to each mould in the doughnut machine or scoop the batter into a ziplock bag, twisting the other end to close it. Snip the end off of one of the corners. Start with a small cut. You can always make it bigger if you need to. Squeeze batter into moulds. Close the lid and allow to cook for about 2 minutes. Times will vary with each machine. Open the machine and flip over each doughnut using the forked “skewer” that comes with most machines. Close the lid again cook for about one more minute. Remove doughnuts and let cool on a wire rack. Repeat with the rest of the batter. If using a regular doughnut pan, fill each well-greased mould about ¾ full. Smooth the tops if needed and bake for 10–12 minutes. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, remove from the pan and cool completely on a wire rack. * Makes 12–15 mini doughnuts or 6 regular sized ones (depending on how much batter you eat during the prep time).

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method Preheat oven to 180°C In a large bowl, mix together apple sauce, chia seeds, coconut nectar, coconut butter, coconut oil and extracts. Once mixed, add in arrowroot, coconut flour, almond flour and coconut. Beat with electric mixture or work with hands. Roll dough into balls, flatten between hands, placing cookies on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet. Bake for 15 minutes Remove from oven and place on a cooling rack. After 10 minutes of cooling, roll in powdered sugar and leave to fully cool.

ingredients for the doughnuts ✻ 2½ cups blanched almond flour ✻ ½ tsp baking soda ✻ a bit less than ½ tsp salt ✻ 6 Tbs honey ✻ ¼ cup coconut oil, softened or liquid ✻ 1 Tbs vanilla extract ✻ 1 tsp lemon juice ✻ 3 whole large eggs, kept at room temperature

2 tsp baking soda ⅔ cup arrowroot powder ⅔ cup coconut flour ⅔ cup almond flour 1½ cup shredded and unsweetened coconut ✻ 1 cup powdered xylitol or erythritol (blend into a fine powder, to look like powdered sugar) ✻ ✻ ✻ ✻ ✻

gluten-free doughnuts

for the coconut caramel In a small-medium, heavy bottomed sauce pan, bring the coconut milk, honey and salt to boil over medium high heat, being sure that they are well combined. Reduce to a medium heat, and let the mixture boil down for about 35–40 minutes. Add the ghee and vanilla, stirring it in till well incorporated. Continue cooking for another 5 to 15 minutes or as long as needed until it is a deep caramel colour. Don’t rush the process. Depending on how hot your burner is, this process could be faster or slower. Stir often toward the end to keep the bottom from burning too much. A little burning is fine as long as you are stirring it into the mixture. It will give it a darker flavour. Remove from heat, transfer to a bowl and let cool for 5 minutes then stir vigorously until it’s creamy, shiny and smooth. While the caramel is cooking, spread the coconut out on an ungreased cookie sheet and toast the coconut in a 160°C oven. Stir often till golden, about 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool. Mix the toasted coconut into the caramel minus a tablespoon or so for garnishing later. Use coconut caramel while still warm for best spreading results. Caramel can be made ahead of time (without the shredded coconut) and reheated in a double boiler.

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I dipped the underneath with chocolate and then placed in the fridge to set. I then glazed the top and set that in the fridge, and finally decorated with melted chocolate on top.

Find more recipes on Facebook: Mommy Knows Best or on Instagram: @leelaloo

December 2016 / January 2017

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December 2016 / January 2017

resource

Worried about all the back-to-school prep? CHILD MAGAZINE compiled this guide to help you with morning

strategies, homework, lunchbox solutions, organisation tips and more.

getting from A to B

Parents might be quite glad to see the little ones going back to school, but getting them there and back can be a mad dash, so be prepared. Getting your child ready and at school on time can be a chore, for both of you, but by creating a plan, and sticking to it, you can reduce the morning madness. ✻✻ Will you be walking, driving, or making use of a school bus, lift service or car pool? ✻✻ When starting at a new school, practise your route to school beforehand to eliminate any anxiety. ✻✻ Establish a safe pick-up and drop-off spot. ✻✻ Make sure you use the right car seat for your child. This will depend on your child’s height and weight and the type of vehicle. ✻✻ If you are going to be making use of a lift service, introduce your child to the driver of the lift service so that they feel more at ease once school starts. Check that your car seat fits properly in the lift car and that the driver knows how to correctly install it. If they supply a car seat, check that it is appropriate for your child. ✻✻ Will the lift service be able to take your child to and from extramurals or do you need to make other arrangements?

December 2016 / January 2017

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PHOTOGRAPH LEFT: Highbury Preparatory School hps.co.za | ALL OTHER PHOTOGRAPHS AND ILLUSTRATIONS: SHUTTERSTOCK.com

back to school

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gearing up The correct school accessories are essential for children who are going to be starting classes. ✻✻ Before “going to town” and purchasing hair accessories, clothing and shoes, check your school’s code of conduct for their requirements. ✻✻ Uniforms can be purchased in bigger sizes so that they last longer. ✻✻ As children’s feet are continually growing, you should buy the school shoes as close to the start of school as possible. ✻✻ Will your child need a haircut or a few hair accessories to keep their hair tied back? Hair styles and accessories may need to adhere to school regulations. ✻✻ Get a sturdy bag that won’t put strain on your child’s back when they have to lug all those books and stationery to and around school. An orthopedically designed school bag that has extra padding will distribute the weight evenly on your child’s back. ✻✻ Junior is kitted out and ready to go, but you don’t want them coming back from school with half their stuff missing. Be sure to label everything using markers, or iron-on, sew-on or stick-on labels.

pen and paper Without the correct school supplies and gear, children can have a hard time keeping up with their lessons and keeping pace with the rest of the school. ✻✻ Armed with the school’s stationery and textbook list, you can do all your shopping from the comfort of your home. There are several suppliers with online stores that offer delivery to the school or your home. ✻✻ Check with your school for their suggested supplier. The stationery and textbook list may be preloaded on their website for your convenience. ✻✻ You can also check the school’s shop for any second-hand textbooks. ✻✻ Don’t forget to get all the necessary materials to wrap the books – pre-cut book covers (check if you need school specific covers), plastic covers, craft paper, plastic rolls and labels. ✻✻ If your school makes use of tablets, check if you need to supply a tablet and at what specs. Also ask if you need to download any software or e-books. There are several CAPS-approved textbooks that are available as e-books.

December 2016 / January 2017

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gadgets galore Probably the biggest change in education over the last few decades has been the introduction of new technology. Parents should keep up with the ever-changing digital world. ✻ Some schools require children to use tablets or laptops, while others may allow children to use these during class time, homework time or for specific subjects. This may depend on the grade your child is in. Check with your school as to their policy on tablets and laptops. ✻ If tablets or laptops are allowed, you can use them to download reference books, such as a dictionary. You may also be able to find digital textbooks. ✻ Some children may be allowed to take cellphones to school. most schools will allow this, especially for older children, but with limits as to when phones can be used. ✻ Depending on where your child is in his school career, you may consider getting him a portable hard drive or USB drive, a portable charger or headphones. ✻ The software and apps that you place on your child’s tablet or laptop will probably depend on his age and on what is recommended by the school. But you can include items like Google Docs and office software (which will depend on the make of your laptop or tablet).

health first

Whether your child is entering school for the first time or is about to graduate, back-to-school time is a good opportunity for parents to check up on their children’s health. ✻ Teeth Visit the dentist when your child is four or five years old, and schedule regular check-ups every six months after that. ✻ Eyes Children’s eyes should be checked when they are between three and five years old, and again when they start school. If children do have vision problems, their eyes should be checked every year or as prescribed. If your child hasn’t had any problems with his vision, get a check-up every two years. ✻ Worms Deworm children every six months, starting just before they go back to school. This means that they’ll be dewormed every January and every July. ✻ Vaccines Your child’s immunisations should be up to date. Check your Road to Health card to see which vaccinations are needed – most are required before children are 18 months old, with boosters needed at six and 12 years old. If any are required, or have been missed, visit a family clinic as soon as possible. ✻ Medication If your child needs to take any medication to school, you will need to check what the school’s policy is on dispensing medicine.

skill up Child development is not just about academic ability. There are a number of ways to help your child prepare for other aspects of school life. ✻ Ask about the potty-training policy at your toddler’s preschool. many preschools do assist with potty training, but if your child is ready during the holidays, get this “complex” issue over and done with. ✻ Social skills that are necessary for preschool include sharing, taking turns, playing with peers, and participating in pretend play. Playdates are the best environment to learn these skills.

December 2016 / January 2017

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✻ Prior to preschool, teach your child his full name, his parents’ names, and street name and number. Some preschoolers may even remember a phone number. ✻ Track everyone’s activities on a prominent and accessible calendar, encouraging your child to write her own entries and reference the calendar when making plans. ✻ Buy your older child a planner or a white board. Your child can make to-do lists, map out assignments or write down things she wants to remember. ✻ If your child is allowed a cellphone in school for emergencies, make sure they know who to call, and how to access important numbers.

lunch time make lunch planning and packing easy with these ideas. The emphasis should be on nutritional meals and functional lunchboxes. ✻ Get children a small cooler to take to school for lunches and snacks. This way, they won’t spill anything in their school bags, or forget about half-eaten sandwiches until the end of term. You can go for a cooler bag or box, but if children have a locker or designated bag area, ensure that the cooler box will fit. ✻ You’ll also need plenty of lunch boxes and plastic containers for sandwiches and snacks. ✻ Get a few juice bottles, as on days with lots of sport, your child may want to take two bottles to school. ✻ Pack enough healthy foods to get your child through the day, avoiding any junk food, sugary food and fizzy drinks. Some schools do allow treats on certain days – find out which and save treats for these days. ✻ Find out if any children in the class have any food allergies, especially if you’re supplying birthday treats or baker day items. ✻ If there is a tuck shop at school, limit tuck shop lunches to once or twice a week and encourage your child to choose healthier options.

✻

timing is everything

After weeks of school holidays and playing, it can be challenging for children to go back to school. Parents could try these tips to get a routine going. ✻ Get back into a normal routine a week before school begins. Gradually make bedtimes earlier and rise earlier. Practise being ready (washed, dressed, having breakfast) by a certain time. Also eat meals at similar times daily to provide consistency in their transition from home to school. For preschoolers and toddlers, get the crèche or daycare schedule and try to imitate this. “Re-introduce” your older child to school by looking at the coming term’s calendar together, counting down the days and chatting about the year ahead in a positive way. Young children often live in the moment, so to reconnect with the school can go a long way toward reducing any anxiety about going back. Don’t neglect the afternoon schedule. Your goal in creating a good back-to-school routine is to get in the habit of doing certain things at specific times, for example scale down on television time during term when this is the period your child will be doing homework. Stay school ready during the holidays. Stock up on interesting and educational reading materials and games. Keep your child’s mind active with daily chores such as writing up the grocery list or tallying up the restaurant tab. And keep them active. Go for family bike rides or walks and have family swim galas. Practise certain milestones. Should your child be able to tie his own shoelaces, do a tie knot or pack their own lunch? Then overcome this challenge when everyone is more relaxed. magazine joburg

December 2016 / January 2017

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what’s on in

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dec 2016/jan 2017

NOVEMBER Fantasy of Light The gardens of the mall of Africa show festive lights and visual effects, Christmas decorations and music, while Christmas characters entertain until 24 December. It’s from 6pm–10pm monday–Sunday and there is a performance of the pantomime, Secret Castle, by Lizz Meiring at 8pm. Book through computicket.com

A Christmas Concert The Gauteng Opera presents their annual Christmas concert at 8pm at the Linder Auditorium in Parktown. Take along an unwrapped gift for children from 0–8 years old, which they will deliver to the Orlando Children’s Home in Soweto. Book through computicket.com

Greenstone’s Skating Rink Slip on a pair of ice skates and impress your friends on Greenstone Shopping Centre’s ice rink. The rink is open from 10am–3pm on Saturday and Sunday until 31 December and costs R5 per hour (including skate hire). For more info: greenstoneshoppingcentre.co.za Bedford Centre’s carols by candlelight Sing along to all your favourite Christmas carols at the Bedford Centre as the Saheti School Choir welcomes in the festive season at 6pm in the Edgars Court. Contact them on 011 622 1840 or bedfordcentre.com

Harties Great Food and Wine Festival

December 2016 / January 2017

MamaMagic, The Baby Expo

An expo with an array of products and services to help make your pregnancy and parenting life a little bit easier. The expo is at the Ticketpro Dome until 4 December and offers expert seminars, amazing show specials, exciting competitions and live entertainment. Barney is on stage outside entrance 4 at 10am, 12pm, 2pm and 4pm. For more info: mamamagic.co.za

2 Carols in the Park Pack a picnic and take along camping chairs and blankets to enjoy carol singing at 6pm in Kiewiet Park, off Wayne Ave in Randpark Ridge. Candles, hymn sheets and refreshments are on sale, and there is also a small market. Contact Jeandré on 011 791 6913 or office@rra.org.za The Garden of Lights Step into a festive season wonderland as the gardens of the D’oreale Grande Hotel in Emperors Palace are lit up with hundreds of dazzling lights and colourful characters. There are also exciting funfair rides and children can have their photo taken with Santa Claus on selected days. The fun takes place from 7pm–10pm until 8 January. Bookings are essential and can be made through webtickets.co.za

Enjoy a fun-filled day of wine tasting, great food from local Hartbeespoort restaurants and loads of entertainment, such as a carnival for the children. Take your gazebo and picnic blankets. The festival runs until 4 December. For more info: hartiesfoodandwine.co.za

2 Noel Concert with the Drakensberg Boys Choir The choir is bringing the spirit of Christmas to the mulbarton Primary School hall at 7pm. Tickets are available through webtickets.co.za and cost R100; R80 for children 3–12 years old and children under 3 years old are free. Refreshments are on sale. 32

Compiled by SIMONE JEFFERY

Carols by candlelight at Norscot Manor

Gracepoint Church is leading the carols by candlelight at 6:30pm–8pm at Norscot Manor Recreation Centre in Fourways. Pack a picnic basket, camping chairs and a blanket to lay on the lawns and take along a toy to donate towards the Randburg Rotary Club’s toy drive. Entrance costs R20 per person; children under 3 years old are free; candles cost R10. Contact Lidia on 011 465 2400 / 2239 or Lauren 084 722 2048 or events@ norscotmanor.org.za

Swing City An evening of swing music from three of South Africa’s most loved artists: Nathan Ro, Graeme Watkins and Loyiso Bala. The show is at 8pm at the Barnyard Theatre in Cresta Shopping Centre. Tickets cost R150. For more info: 011 478 5300 or barnyardtheatre.co.za magazine joburg

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December 2016 / January 2017

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Trolls at Eastgate

The trolls are spreading hugs and happiness at Eastgate Shopping Centre’s Strelitzia Court until 24 December. Times to be confirmed. For more info: eastgateshops.com Cradlestone Carnival At Cradlestone mall in Muldersdrift you can enjoy carnival rides and take photos with Santa from 10am–4pm daily, watch children’s shows from 1pm–2pm Friday–Sunday, and enjoy entertainment from 10am–4pm Friday–Sunday until 24 December. For more info: cradlestonemall.co.za

Beach Festival The tropical beach playground at Silverstar Casino in muldersdrift offers children’s activities during the day and a beach paradise for adults at night until 22 December. Carols on the beach is on 16 December at 6:30pm–7:30pm. For more info: 011 662 7300 or tsogosun.com/silverstar-casino Sandton City’s Festive Wonderland

Children can meet their favourite Nickelodeon characters in the centre’s Checkers Court. Paw Patrol’s Ryder, Chase, marshall, Sky and Rubble are entertaining youngsters from 9–13 December; Dora, Kate and Pablo from Dora and Friends take centre stage from 14–18 December; and Donatello, Leonardo, michelangelo and Rafael from TMNT are in action from 19–24 December. Stage shows are at 10am, 1pm, 4pm and 6pm, plus there are three meet-and-greet sessions and plenty of fun in a giant Lego area. For more info: sandtoncity.com

December 2016 / January 2017

Construct and decorate a gingerbread house Children and adults can learn to build and decorate their own gingerbread house at the miele Centre in Bryanston. The session for 6–12 year olds is from 9am–12:30pm, and for teens and adults it is from 1pm–3:30pm. Bookings essential. Also 9 and 12 December. The workshop costs R350. Contact Jean on 082 468 7720 or jean@fun-agalore.co.za

9 Santa Parade At 2pm, Santa and his helpers make their way through Greenstone Shopping Centre to the throne in the Truworths Court, which he will call home until 24 December. A portion of funds collected by Santa is donated to charity. For more info: greenstonemall.co.za

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Born to Perform Gala A celebration of young South African talent for audiences 3 years old and older – the stars of tomorrow with the stars of today. There is a performance at 2pm and 7:30pm at The Lyric Theatre in Gold Reef City. Book through computicket.com Christmas with Richard Cock The Symphony Choir of Johannesburg and the Johannesburg Festival Orchestra, conducted by Richard Cock, perform a choral Christmas concert for the whole family. The concert is at 4:30pm at the Linder Auditorium in Parktown, and also at 3pm on Sunday, 11 December. Book through computicket.com

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Gajiga Run

A 5km run with seven massive inflatable obstacles en route – no water, no mud, no superhuman strength, no time restrictions, no colour powder, just pure fun. The run takes place at Huddle Park Golf and Recreation in Linksfield from 8am–1pm and is suitable for adults and children 5 years old and older (12 years old and under must be accompanied by an adult). Tickets cost R250– R350; children under 12 years old R100. For more info: info@gajiga.co.za or gajiga.co.za

Little maestros classical concerts Little ears 0–6 years old learn through mozart, Bach and well-known nursery rhymes. December’s theme is “Christmas carols” and the concert is at 10am at Skoobs Theatre of Books in montecasino and costs R20–R200. For more info: littlemaestros.org

10 Snake and reptile show with Wild Magazine Enjoy an interactive experience with snakes and reptiles from Croc City from 10am–11am. They’ll provide the platform for touch, sight and sound. The fun is at Cape Union mart in mall of Africa. RSVP to wildevents@ sanparks.org

To the Roots

South Africa’s best loved artists are performing together at the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens in aid of the National Youth Orchestra’s Bursary Fund. The line-up includes Shortstraw, Bombshelter Beast, Goliath and Goliath and the National Youth Orchestra. Gates open at 12pm and the performances end at approximately 5pm. Take along picnic baskets (no glass or alcohol) and blankets. Book online through plankton.mobi or through computicket.com

December 2016 / January 2017

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The Big Bad Musical

A fun interactive musical that tells the story of the court case of the Big Bad Wolf who is being sued by the villagers of Storybook Land. It has all your favourite storybook characters and original songs, and the jury (audience) gets to decide on the outcome of the trial – guilty or not guilty. Catch it at the Roodepoort Theatre until 23 December. For more info: roodepoorttheatre.com

Clamber Club at Cradlestone mall Children 1–9 years old can tumble with Clamber Club on the food court level at Cradlestone mall in muldersdrift from 10am–1pm. Also on 10 January. The fun is free and includes an obstacle course, games station, toddler equipment and entertainers. For more info: 010 020 1234 or cradlestonemall.co.za

Eugene Khoza – OCD Parents, step out and catch Eugene Khoza’s new one-man comedy show, taking place at 8pm at the Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef City Casino. Loyal followers and fans will find a new angle to Eugene’s comedy. Tickets cost R160– R345 and are available through computicket.com

December 2016 / January 2017

Mrs Claus’ Kitchen

Children can prepare edible Christmas-themed treats, cookies and cupcakes with mrs Claus and her kitchen elves in the Bedford Centre until 24 December. It costs R30 per 45-minute session and takes place at 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm and 2pm. They can also have their photo taken with Santa Claus from 5–24 December during the centre’s trading hours. For more info: bedfordcentre.com

Holiday Fun at Rosebank Mall Children can decorate Christmas-themed cookies from 10am–5pm daily in the Sheet Street Court on the upper level, and from 19 December they can have their photos taken with Santa Claus between 10am–1pm and 2pm–5pm. Ends 24 December. The cookie workshop costs R20 per person; photo costs vary. To book, SMS 060 721 4228 or rosebankmall. co.za

Holiday puppet shows See Here Comes the Circus and a show on the mess monsters. They are at ATKV Resort in Buffelspoort at 11am–11:40am on 20, 21, 27 and 28 December, and at Bambanani in melville at 2:30pm–3pm on 28 December. Contact them on 082 407 9149 or thepuppetshow.co.za

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The Great Moscow Circus

The circus captures all the thrills and fun of the circus of yesteryear with all the skill and daring of today’s circus heroes. Featuring more than 18 thrilling acts, including clowns, daring acrobats, death-defying daredevils, aerial artists, balancers, showgirls and much more. The circus is at montecasino’s Outdoor Events Area until 14 January. Tickets are available through computicket.com. For more info: greatmoscowcircus.co.za

Fruit and tea walk On a walk through Kloofendal Nature Reserve in Roodepoort you can learn what is edible, taste fruit, learn about medicinal plants, and taste some indigenous tea and coffee. The walk is from 9am–11am and costs R40–R60. Contact Karin on 079 693 5608 or kloofendalfriends.org.za

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20 JANUARY Xterra

January Raspberry picking at The Field The Field Berry Farm in Elandsfontein offers raspberry picking from 10am–3pm every Saturday and Sunday until the end of march (weather permitting). Take picnic gear or buy snacks from the market. For more info: thefieldberryfarm. wordpress.com

West Side Story The Fugard Theatre’s smash hit musical is arguably one of the world’s greatest. Inspired by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, the tale explores the rivalry between the Jets and the Sharks, two street gangs in the Upper West Side neighbourhood in New York City in the mid– 1950s. The young protagonist, Tony, a former member of the Jets and best friend of the gang leader, falls in love with the sister of the leader of the Sharks. There is a recommended age restriction of 12 years old with parental guidance. The production runs at the Joburg Theatre until 5 march. Book through computicket.com

Entrants can look forward to swimming in the pristine mountain waters of Buffelspoort Dam in the magaliesberg. The routes are guaranteed to test skill and fitness levels, yet are fun and offer magnificent scenery. Xterra Kids takes place on the Friday at 4pm and is suitable for 6–14 year olds. Ends 22 January. For more info: stillwatersports.com

Learning Point Education Exhibition make an informed decision regarding your child’s future education at this exhibition at Nicolway Shopping Centre until 29 January. There are representatives from several state and independent high schools. For more info: thelearningpoint.co.za

December 2016 / January 2017

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holiday programs

12 Days of Christmas Children 5 years old and older are making reindeer pop sticks, Christmas cookie tree decorations, snow-capped fairy cakes, an Oreo snowman, Santa hat brownies and lots more at the Olive Branch Cookery School in Fourways from 8–23 December. The classes are from 10am–12pm and 2pm–4pm and cost R200. Contact Margy on 082 854 7388, cooking@ olivebranchcooking.co.za or olivebranchcooking.co.za Aragon Stables pony camp Children 7–12 years old can enjoy horse-riding, pony-related activities and fun adventures at Aragon Stables, 158 Mountainview Dr, Muldersdrift, from 12–14 December. The camp is from 8am–5pm, with an option of sleeping over, and costs R350 per day or R950 for all 3 days. Booking essential. Contact Jennifer on 082 666 3728 or jennyf@aragonstables.co.za Bounce tramp camp Children 6–12 years old develop aerial skills, throw dodgeballs, launch themselves into giant airbags and enjoy free jumping from 13–15 December and 11–13 January at Bounce in Waterfall Lifestyle Centre in Midrand. Booking essential. Contact them on 011 517 2500, enquiries@bounceinc.co.za or bounceinc.co.za Bushtrail holiday camp An adventurous nature camp in Magaliesburg that keeps 6–15 year olds busy with hiking, art, swimming, obstacle courses, baseball, cross volleyball, clay work, cookouts, campfires, games, trail setting and more. Booking essential. The camp is from 10–17 December, or an extended camp from 10–21 December. The camp costs R1 600; extended camp R2 475. Contact Liz on 014 577 1566 or bushtrails.co.za Chartwell Stables pony camp Three days and two nights of riding, stable management, crafts and fun for 6–14 year olds. Children do not have to sleep over and may come for one, two or three days. The camp is from 13–15 December, 8:30am–4pm, and costs R1 400 for the three days, or R467 per day. Contact Shirley on 083 500 0103, 073 952 8572 or chartwellstables.co.za Cricket School of Excellence holiday cricket clinic Boys and girls, 6–15 years old, can learn the ins and outs of the sport during a professionally run clinic at the University of Johannesburg Cricket Oval, conducted by qualified Cricket South Africa (CSA) coaches. Booking essential. There is a clinic from 12–15 December and 2–5 January, 9am–1pm. The clinic costs R650. Contact them on 071 355 3487 or cricketschool.co.za Expressions Centre holiday fun The centre in Carlswald, Midrand, treats children to a fun-filled, activity-based holiday programme from 8–15 December and 9–17 January. They can take part in a variety of creative and crafty activities as well as fun physical games including yoga, baking, a science fare and more. Contact Carla on 082 402 8169, carla@ expressionsinfocus.co.za or expressionsinfocus.co.za Fame Academy theatre camp Musical theatre workshops for 6–16 year olds in Sandton from 12–17 December. Children learn to sing, dance and act and perform on stage at the Theatre on the Square on the last day. Booking essential. The camp costs R1 200 per child. Contact them on 082 336 4424, vicky@showiz.co.za or register online at fameacademy.co.za

markets Christmas fun for children The Rosebank Sunday Market has a face painter and balloon modeller to entertain children, they can play on the jumping castle, and take part in colouring-in activities on 18 December from 9am–4pm. There is a treasure hunt starting at 12pm and a mini car or bike to play in. Contact Nadene

December 2016 / January 2017

Festive fun at Clearwater Mall From 2–24 December, Toy Kingdom keeps the little ones happy with character visits, colouring-in, face painting and other surprises. You can also snap a selfie with Santa from 9–24 December, 10am–1pm and 2pm–6pm. For more info: clearwatermall.co.za FlipFlop holiday camp Children take part in treasure hunts, nature walks, campfire tales, baking, swimming, and more from 7–10 December. The camp bus departs for the Hartbeespoort Holiday Resort from Bishop Bavin School, St Georges Rd, Bedfordview. It costs R2 000, including accommodation, transport, meals and activities. Booking essential. Contact them on 072 238 7342 or flipflopgym.co.za Gizmos and Gadgets holiday programme Children build and explore gizmos and gadgets from 10– 31 December (excluding Christmas Day) at the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre in Newtown. The programme changes daily. Contact them on 011 639 8400 or sci-bono.co.za Happy Acres holiday camp Fully supervised nature camps in Magaliesburg for boys and girls 7–14 years old, with activities such as art and crafts, nature walks, games, swimming, cookouts, crab catching, playing with the guinea pigs or rabbits and more. Booking essential. They offer camps from two days to 14 days, between 8–22 December. For more info and to book: happyacres.co.za Hilltop Friends Christmas crafts and activities At Hilltop Friends Preschool and Playschool in Jukskei Park, 1–14 year olds get to construct and decorate Christmas items, take part in baking, and outdoor games from 8–15 December, 7am–1pm or 7am–3:30pm Monday–Friday. Booking essential. The programme costs R120 for half day, R160 for full day and includes lunch and mid-afternoon snack. Contact Kelly or Paula on 011 023 0101, 083 627 4043, kelly@hilltopfriends.co.za or hilltopfriends.co.za Holiday skate camp RollEgoli in Bryanston is holding a skate camp for 5–14 year olds from 8–9, 13–14, 15–16, 20–21 and 22–23 December, from 9am–1:30pm. Take along socks. The camp costs R400 for two days and includes fruit, juice, bottled water, lunch, skate hire and coaching. Contact them on 071 748 1432 or info@rollegoli.co.za Inchanga Stables pony camp From 12–15 December, 6–14 year olds can take part in an educational, no-sleepover pony camp with a minimum of two rides per day. The camp concludes with a gymkhana show and prizegiving. The stables is at 124B Runnymead Rd in Chartwell. It costs R1 300, including lunch and snacks. Booking essential. Contact them on 083 925 1975 or inchanga@gmail.com International Tennis Academy day clinic Indoor sessions are held in the event of rain. The clinics run 8 and 9 December and 12–16 December. It is at Crawford Preparatory in Lonehill and at the Craighall Park Tennis Club. Booking essential. Contact: 083 443 3391, info@ itatennis.co.za or thetenniscoach.co.za Kidz fishing camp Over three days and two nights children 7–14 years old learn how to fish, tie knots, canoe and more. They also go on an outing to the supertubes. The camps is on 5–7 and 12–14 December on the Vaal River, and costs R1 200 (includes transport from and to Joburg). Contact them on 083 610 2911 or kidzfishingcamp.co.za

on 011 028 7818, info@rosebanksundaymarket.co.za or rosebanksundaymarket.co.za Crafters Fair A Christmas market with stalls selling scrapbooking goodies, jewellery, toys, decor items, gifts and more at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park from 11–23 December, 9am–9pm. Tables are restocked daily to ensure availability of products. There is an entrance fee of R10; children under 12 years old are free. Contact Ursula on khaya@polka.co.za or craftersfair.co.za In The Forest Christmas Folk Market A market for young folk, old folk and teeny weeny folk. Funky stalls

Kings Camps holiday programme With a wide range of sports and games. Booking essential. The camp is for 4–14 year olds and takes place from 12–16 December, 8am–4pm, at Kingsmead College in Melrose. It costs R850 per week. Contact Sophie on 087 550 2370, info@kingscamps.co.za or kingscamps.co.za Little Cooks Club holiday programme Little Cooks Club Kyalami is holding festive season cooking classes on 8, 21, 22, 28 and 30 December and 6, 10 and 13 January, for 4–15 year olds. Classes cost R270 per child and take place from 9am–1pm. To book, contact Tamsyn on 076 944 2939 or tamsynw@littlecooksclub.co.za Martin Whitcher’s golf clinic Children of all ages take part in a golf programme at the Randpark Driving Range from 5–9 and 12–16 December. You will play two hours of golf each day and play a 9-hole mashie course on the Friday. Bookings essential. Contact them on 011 215 8631 Montecasino Bird Gardens’ holiday programme Children 6–11 years old learn about birds, mammals, reptiles and conservation initiatives, and get a behind-thescenes look at the Montecasino Bird Gardens from 12–15 December, 8:30am–2:30pm. Take a packed lunch. Booking essential. It costs R145 per day. For more info: 011 511 1864 or montecasino.co.za NCT theatre camp The National Children’s Theatre in Parktown is holding a fun-filled theatre camp that includes drama, dance and singing classes from 8, 9, 12, 13 and 14 December. Booking essential. It is suitable for 7–17 year olds and costs R1 300. Contact Cindy on 011 484 1584, cindy@nctt.org.za or nationalchildrenstheatre.org.za Pottery fun Book a class at Pottery Junxion in Glendower Place Shopping Centre and paint or mosaic on a variety of ceramics or wooden blanks. Children under 7 years old need to be accompanied by an adult. The studio is open from 9am–4pm Monday–Friday and 9am–2pm on Saturday. It closes 23 December and reopens 3 January. Booking essential. Contact them on 011 453 2721 or Facebook: Pottery Junxion Sugar Bay holiday camp A week-long adventure camp on Zinkwazi Beach, KZN, where 7–17 year olds can take part in over 100 free-choice activities under the supervision of counsellors. Each week follows a different theme: 9–16 December: Finding Dory, 16–23 December: Candy Land, 27 December–2 January: Outrageously Crazy, 2–8 January: Blast from the Past. To book, contact Roma on 032 485 3778, holidays@sugarbay.co.za or sugarbay.co.za Summer pony camp Riders of all skill levels can take part in a pony camp at Sheperd’s Fold Stables in Lanseria. Booking essential. The camp is on 8 and 9 December or 12–16 December and is suitable for 6–15 year olds. Children must be 8 years old and older to sleep over. It costs R300 per day, or R350 to sleep over. Contact Belinda on 084 220 2657 or shepherdsfoldstables.co.za Virgin Active’s Club-V Your children cared for while you workout. The camp is packed with games, activities, and crafts. It runs from 12–15 December, is suitable for children from 6 weeks old to tweens. It is free to Club V members. For more info: 0860 200 911 or virginactive.co.za

offer great food, entertainers and buskers in a mystical, magical forest, as well as food trucks, craft stalls, craft beers, yummy baked stuff and more. Children can explore the fairy forest, go on a forest zipline and fly kites. The market is on 3 December, 10am–5:30pm at 2 Aloe Ridge Dr, Walkerville. There is an entrance fee of R20 for adults; children who fit under the giant mushroom enter free of charge. For more info: intheforest.co.za Market on Middle A fun night of live acts, great stalls, fantastic food and a children’s playground is held on 2 December from 4pm–9pm at Rivers Church, cnr

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in the february issue of

“get organised because

school’s back!” ✻ extramurals ✻ playdates ✻ tutors and au pairs ✻ lift clubs ✻ homework and projects open days ✻ what to look for ✻ questions to ask

montessori vs waldorf financial planning for your family how to choose a

✻ birth partner ✻ childminder ✻ crèche ✻ day mom

South and Middle Rd, Morningside. For more info visit Facebook: Rivers Church Sandton Montecasino’s Christmas Market The market brings the magic and wonder of Christmas to Montecasino’s Piazza, just in time to find that perfect gift and to celebrate the joy of the festive season. Children can enjoy the dedicated play area and whisper their wish list in Santa’s ear. There are Christmas movie screenings and traditional carols with Swing City. It runs from 30 November–4 December. Contact them on 011 510 7000 or montecasino.co.za

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The Linden Market This is a local pop-up market with a special focus on local, handmade and stylish products. There’s a selection of gourmet food, fine wines, design, antiques and vintage items, live entertainment and children’s activities, such as a jumping castle, face painting, skateboarding lessons and culinary and craft workshops. The market is on 3 December, 9am–6pm at the Joburg Botanical Gardens in Emmarentia. There is an entrance fee of R10; children under 12 years old are free; parking R10. For more info: thelindenmarket.com

on street 26 January To advertise call: (011) 807 6449 or email: jhbsales@childmag.co.za Booking deadline: 10 January Material deadline: 12 January

December 2016 / January 2017

itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s party time

December 2016 / January 2017

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family marketplace

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December 2016 / January 2017

finishing touch

down the load When AnÉl Lewis rationed her children’s screen time, they transformed her lounge furniture into an imaginary castle and moat to entertain

ou know there’s perhaps a bit too much screen time going on when your son, in response to a question about why it’s taking him so long to get dressed, tells you: “I’m still busy loading.” Erin also told me the other day that the game she was playing was being “unresponsive”. But it was only when she told me I could bring my phone with me to her bed so that I could scroll through Facebook after we had read her bedtime story, that I realised it was me who has become unresponsive because of all the technological distractions in our home. Like most busy families, devices have become the easy option when we need a few minutes to get something done. But not only do we let the children spend too much time staring at screens, we as parents also tend to get sucked into arbitrary posts and videos of dancing cats on Facebook and Twitter. I didn’t realise what impact this could have on the children’s development until someone explained that they are becoming so accustomed to the multisensory stimulation of tablets and computer games, that they are finding it nigh impossible to sit still and “just” look at what’s happening on the board in the classroom. Handwriting skills take a backseat when all you have to do is swipe to the left to enter a digital wonderland ablaze with colour and sound. How can a book hold appeal when you have to actually read the words and actually use your hands to turn the pages? So we decided to make some drastic changes. I informed Conor that Eskom (who says we can’t use the power utility for parenting purposes) had switched off the electricity

December 2016 / January 2017

Erin, Anél and Conor

for television in the mornings, and there would only be TV for one hour in the afternoon. He was very concerned about what would happen to his beloved train characters if he couldn’t watch them. But I assured him they would be waiting for him at Tidmouth Shed when the power returned. Erin looked at me aghast when I said she could choose to either play on her iPad or watch TV for a half an hour. “Not both?” This digital cold turkey was going to be more difficult than anticipated. The first night was a bit hairy, I’m not going to lie. Conor whined and complained. There were tears and pleas. Erin mooched around, saying she was bored. But the next evening, I arrived home to find a fort constructed of boogie boards and all the pillows from the lounge stacked up in the TV room. Instead of the usual sounds of singing pirates blasting from the television, I heard my children shrieking in delight as they chased each other around an imaginary moat. I was immediately assigned a role as the evil giant in their pantomime, and for the next hour or so we played – the good-old fashioned way. Mornings have also become far more manageable since we dropped breakfast in front of the TV. And it no longer takes Conor 20 minutes to “load” before he can leave the house. Now, to really call this digital overhaul a parenting win, we just have to convince the children to bring us croissants in bed on weekends, instead of watching TV, so that we can manage a lie-in (without checking Twitter, of course). Anel has also invested in a compendium of games to keep the children busy when “Eskom” has turned off the TV’s power (and she needs to sneak off for a quick Facebook fix).

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PHOTOGRAPH: Susie Leblond Photography | ILLUSTRATION: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

themselves. But she doesn’t mind.