healthy & happy families
P r e t o r i a’ s
b e s t
g u i d e
f o r
pa r e n t s
the bumper holiday issue jam-packed with party inspiration ✻ a feast for father’s day ✻ holiday hot spots ✻ the future of education the rise of playgroundology
plus
ryan o’connor shares his parenting journey for things to do in your city go to page 24
www.childmag.co.za
June/July 2017
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editor’s note
The bumper holiday issue is one that I have always looked forward to as a reader and so it is quite serendipitous that it is my first as editor. As a working mom, it’s also been a much-needed reminder of what the holidays are really all about. More than just time off, they are an opportunity to reboot and reconnect as a family. Growing up I always looked forward to our annual road trip to Kenton-on-Sea in the Eastern Cape. Carpool karaoke with my sisters and pit stops at local farm stalls and off-the-beaten-track restaurants made for some great memories. Despite the long drive, we would arrive full of energy, eager to head to the beach and plan our holiday itinerary. As a mother, holidays are somewhat less carefree but no less joyful. Sunbathing has been replaced by building sandcastles and languid lunches are a thing of the past. But what can one expect with a toddler and baby in tow? I’ve learnt that the secret to a successful getaway with children is to choose your destination and, more importantly, your accommodation wisely. Turn to p15 for our pick of family-friendly hotels across the country to help you plan your next trip. In the spirit of reconnecting, read “Time for Tea” (p14) about the importance of family rituals and the benefits of taking time out to have a cuppa together. In this issue we’re also celebrating all things party from great recipe ideas to décor and games inspiration – say goodbye to those party planning blues. And if you’re looking for ways to spoil Dad this Father’s Day, cook him a hearty meal from Reuben Riffel’s new cookbook (p18) – you’ll be hard-pressed to choose just one. Until next time, safe travels.
Psst... this issue’s Cape Town cover models are none other than my husband and our daughter Olivia when she was just eight weeks old – she’s now two! A stark reminder that with parenting, the days are long but the years are short.
Hunter House P U B L I S H I N G
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Child magazine Online
Lisa Mc Namara • lisa@childmag.co.za
childmag.co.za
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Online Content Manager online@childmag.co.za
Editor Jessica Baxter • editor@childmag.co.za Resource Editor
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Tamlyn Vincent • pretoria@childmag.co.za Copy Editor Mariola Fouché
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Subscriptions and Circulation
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Accounts Nicolene Baldy • admin@childmag.co.za 0861 867 885
circulation Joburg’s Child magazine Cape Town’s Child magazine Durban’s Child magazine Pretoria’s Child magazine
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Pretoria’s Child magazine is published alternate monthly by Hunter House Publishing, PO Box 12002, Mill Street, 8010. Office address: Unit 7, Canterbury Studios, 35 Wesley Street, Gardens, Cape Town. Tel: 0861 867 885, email: info@childmag.co.za. Annual subscriptions (for six issues) cost R150, including VAT and postage inside SA. Printed by CTP. Copyright subsists in all work published in Pretoria’s Child magazine. We welcome submissions but retain the unrestricted right to change any received copy. We are under no obligation to return unsolicited copy. The magazine, or part thereof, may not be reproduced or adapted without the prior written permission of the publisher. We take care to ensure our articles are accurate and balanced but cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage that may arise from reading them.
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24
what’s on in june and july
3 editor’s note 6 pub’s note / over to you
features 7 diary of a dad KFM radio presenter Ryan O’Connor shares his parenting journey 8 health focus The health awareness days to diarise 12 thinking out the box A look at the emerging science of Playgroundology 14 the ritual of tea Sam Page talks about the importance of family rituals 15 book your next breakaway Find a family-friendly hotel to suit your style
(and budget), at home or abroad
19 let’s party All your birthday party needs covered, from themes and recipes to décor and more!
regulars 9 pregnancy news – parental guidance Jessica Baxter shares her insights into pregnancy and its impact on your relationship
10 best for baby – bedtime best practice Philippa Selfe explores ways to guarantee a good night’s rest for baby
17 a good read For the whole family 18 recipes – a feast of flavours Sample chef Reuben Riffel’s favourite childhood recipes from his new book Reuben at Home
24 what’s on in June and July 26 finishing touch Anél Lewis discovers there are some things dads are just better at 26 in the next issue of child magazine
classified ads 20 family marketplace
this month’s cover images are supplied by: Cape Town
Durban
Kelda Lund Photography Megan Hancock Photography keldalund@gmail.com meganhancockphotography.co.za
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Joburg
Pretoria
iStock by Getty Images istockphoto.com
iStock by Getty Images istockphoto.com
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PHOTOGRAPH: CLUB MED
contents
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pub’s note
With a new editor on board (welcome to Jessica), I was able to step out of the office for a few days and take a break. There is little that beats going on holiday – especially if it involves exploring somewhere you’ve never been. This time it was Abu Dhabi, a city of many faces, but one that shouts family fun. Be sure to check out our August/September issue for more on my travels to this Middle Eastern mecca, from fastpaced thrills to idyllic beaches. Ah, and the food… plates and plates of fattoush, moutabel and tabbouleh. So good!
letters
over to you
Let us know what’s on your mind. Send your letters or comments to editor@childmag.co.za or PO Box 12002, Mill Street, 8010.
oh baby! Having delivered babies for 33 years, I am always bumping into women whose children I have helped birth, but to have recently been in attendance at the birth of the baby of a baby that I delivered over 30 years ago was a first for me! Sydney Grové, General Manager of Origin Family-Centred Maternity Hospital, Parow, Cape Town
Lisa Mc Namara, Publisher
our amazing autism journey
starting young We always love receiving your complimentary magazine. Even the children have started reading it. Karin, Montessori Children’s Centre, Sundowner Fun times at Yas Waterworld, Abu Dhabi
Connect with us: childmag.co.za twitter.com/childmag instagram.com/childmagsa facebook.com/childmag.co.za
subscribe to our newsletter and win Stay up to date with all our news and enter our weekly competitions by signing up to our newsletter. Subscribe at childmag.co.za
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thank you I just received the April/May issue of Child magazine – my very first copy. As a working mother of four boys, I particularly enjoyed and related to the articles “disengaging the mothership” and “he says, she says.” Many thanks for the great work so far. Lusanda
going green In our complex we’ve contacted numerous companies to arrange collection of our glass and plastic for recycling and have not received one reply. The council does collect, but it all goes into the same truck! If recycling were taken more seriously, many more people would be doing it. Anonymous
We recently celebrated Mother’s Day and as a mom to a special-needs child, I wanted to share our amazing journey with our eight-year-old son, Mehul Soni – the most courageous, incredible person I know. Mehul was born in 2008 and was perfectly healthy, reaching all his milestones up to the age of 18 months. Suddenly, over a period of 72 hours after receiving his vaccinations, he completely regressed. He lost eye contact, became non-verbal, lost interest in playing with toys and displayed all the red flags of autism. It was heart wrenching to watch. Mehul embarked on a very intensive early intervention programme at the Centre for Autism Research & Education (C.A.R.E) in 2011 and over the past few years has made incredible strides. Today, he is an amazing, adorable, talkative, confident, friendly and happy boy with a zest for life. He is my true inspiration, my purpose and reason for being. I am truly privileged to be his mom and have learnt so much from him. Mehul, with his dad Satish Soni and mom Dr Rakhee Singh.
We reserve the right to edit and shorten submitted letters. The opinions reflected here are those of our readers and are not necessarily held by Hunter House Publishing.
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diary of a dad With Father’s Day approaching, CHILD MAGAZINE caught up with KFM radio presenter Ryan O’Connor about raising his daughters Faith (22 months) and Erin (seven months), and what parenting means to him. if you had to describe parenting in three words, what would they be? Scary, beautiful, rewarding.
PHOTOGRAPH: Johan Botha
yours was not an easy journey to parenthood. Can you share your story? After 10 years of battling to fall pregnant, my wife Karen and I looked into surrogacy and adoption. And then we found out we were expecting Grace. After carrying her to term, we unfortunately lost her due to a placental abruption. Amongst other things this gave us little hope of ever having children naturally. But miracles do indeed happen and we had Faith who arrived at 31 weeks and then 15 months later, Erin was born at 32 weeks. Both were delivered early because of the risk of another placental abruption. Faith’s arrival was incredibly nerve-wracking. Seeing her hooked up to so many machines made my heart sink. A day felt like a week as we watched her fight her way out of the neo-natal ICU. When Erin came along, because we’d already been through the process and had built good relationships with the staff at the hospital, it felt a little more controlled (or maybe I just was). what have been the biggest challenges of parenting so far? Friends and family warned us of sleepless nights and nappy drills, but in all honesty the sleep deprivation wasn’t as bad as we’d expected. Yes, we were tired and yes, they screamed at all times of the night (and sometimes they still do), but being a parent is so rewarding that I tend not to dwell on the physical strains and focus more on the joys of parenthood.
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parenting and what are the joys for you? The first smile and every smile after that. Hugs, kisses, hearing the word “dada” and just feeling so much love that it takes my breath away.
Becoming a parent has opened up a world of emotion for me.
what pearls of wisdom do you have for first-time fathers? Spend as much time as possible with your children. They are only small once. And get involved as much as you can to give your wife time to rest. Moms are the hardest-working people in a household with a newborn. how has having children changed you? Becoming a parent has opened up a world of emotion for me that didn’t exist before. I see things through more compassionate and empathetic eyes. what has surprised you the most about parenting? I honestly never thought I’d be changing as many nappies as I do! how do you like to spend the holidays with your daughters? I enjoy taking the girls out to markets or to visit family on the weekends – the holidays are much the same, only we get to do it for a lot longer. how do you celebrate Father’s Day in your house? Breakfast in bed and spending the day together as a family.
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health
health focus The health and awareness days to diarise in June and July.
Blood Donor Month June is dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of donating blood. Just one unit can be separated into red blood cells, plasma and platelets, potentially saving up to three lives. World Blood Donor Day on 14 June celebrates the many people who donate blood.
Men’s Health Month Men are sometimes reluctant to see the doctor for regular check-ups, but knowing what symptoms to look out for and when to visit the GP allows for early detection of illnesses. Find out more about what illnesses commonly affect men and boys at menshealthmonth.org. 5 June
JULY
Mental Illness Awareness Month
There are a host of mental disorders that have been diagnosed, from depression, bipolar affective disorder and schizophrenia to dementia, intellectual disabilities and developmental disorders, including autism. Many people across the globe battle these disorders, but most will never get help. This month not only highlights the importance of
Corporate Wellness Week The stress levels of a company’s employees can have a marked impact on productivity in the workplace, especially if combined with other mental disorders such as depression or anxiety. This can lead to increased absenteeism and higher healthcare costs. This week, companies are encouraged to raise awareness of mental health issues in the workplace while providing support and wellness solutions for employees. 8 July
South African National Blood Service
In an effort to make a difference to disease prevention and create better access to testing, treatment and care for hepatitis, World Hepatitis Day raises awareness around viral hepatitis, which is the seventh leading cause of death globally and can affect millions of people without them even knowing. But there are vaccines and treatments available for hepatitis B and even a cure for hepatitis C, making the elimination of this disease possible. For more information on hepatitis, visit worldhepatitisday.org
sanbs.org.za / 0800 119 031 The Cancer Association of South Africa cansa.org.za / 0800 22 66 22
This day celebrates everyone who has lived through cancer and gives hope to those still fighting the disease. Not only is this a celebration of the strength of survivors, but it’s also an acknowledgement of the family and friends who support and care for them.
reach4recovery.org.za / 079 462 3973
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address book
International Cancer Survivor’s Day
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seeking treatment, but also challenges the stigma attached to mental illness. In South Africa, there are a number of support groups and organisations you can contact for counselling. The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) runs Facebook Friday, a free online Q&A session during which you can ask psychiatrists about your diagnosis, symptoms and medication queries.
Reach 4 Recovery The SA Federation for Mental Health safmh.org.za / 011 781 1852 SADAG sadag.org / 011 234 4837 / 0800 20 50 26 Suicide Crisis Line 0800 567 567 / SMS 31393
World Hepatitis Day
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PHOTOGRAPH: ISTOCKPHOTO.com
JUNE
pregnancy news
parental guidance
Pregnancy is a journey unlike any other. Some might argue it’s the wildest ride you’ll ever take. Moms-to-be are often counselled through what to expect, but what about their partners?
PHOTOGRAPH: ISTOCKPHOTO.com
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CHILD magazine editor and mom of two, JESSICA BAXTER, shares her insight.
hen my husband and I found out we were expecting our daughter, we were elated. Those heady days of early pregnancy when you lie in bed debating baby names and imagining life with a little one had us convinced the next nine months would be spent in loved-up bliss. And then the hormones kicked in. When asked for advice by soon-to-be dads on how to navigate their way through pregnancy, my husband simply replies: proceed with caution. Pregnancy is equal parts difficult and delightful – at least it was for me. With my first, I battled with the changing shape of my body, the tidal wave of hormones and the enormity of just how life-changing having a child is – and my husband bore the brunt of it. If I wasn’t crying over paint colours for the nursery or complaining that my pants no longer fitted, I was excitedly reorganising the house, room by room. It was like living with Jekyll and Hyde, my husband tells me. Looking back, I feel
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somewhat guilty that his experience of my pregnancy was, in many ways, even more of a rollercoaster ride than my own. Perhaps if someone had warned him, he would have found the transition a little easier. Of course he could have read any one of the mountains of pregnancy books that lived on my bedside table, but to be honest, none offered much in the way of advice for partners. So, here are a few pearls of wisdom I have picked up along the way…
practice patience Pregnancy tests you in many ways. Your other half may ask you the same question a hundred times – most likely about whether she looks fat in a particular outfit or (in my case), if you really are excited about becoming a parent – or she’ll send you to the shop late at night to satisfy her craving for ice cream under the guise that “it’s for the baby”. Stay calm, set boundaries when needed and remember that this too shall pass.
talk it out
accept change
While engaging in conversation with a pregnant woman can sometimes feel like navigating your way through landmines, it’s important to keep the lines of communication open. Remember, a relationship is only as good as its dialogue. Tell her when she’s being difficult or inconsiderate. My husband reminded me one day that pregnancy was also tough on him, for different reasons. Making me aware of what he was going through made me more mindful of his feelings.
Pregnancy, and especially the arrival of the baby, changes the landscape of your relationship. Instead of bemoaning your wife’s newfound priorities, namely your child, see it as an opportunity to discover new things about her. I was recently at a wedding where the couple wrote their own vows and one part stood out for me: “I promise to love you not just for the person you are today, but for the person you will become.” Parenthood alters the fabric of your being. Love each other through the changes.
Pregnancy changes the landscape of your relationship.
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bedtime best practice
Arguably the hottest topic among parents of young children is sleep. Although every baby is different, there are things you can do to set the scene for quality ZZZZs – for you and baby.
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PHILIPPA SELFE takes a look.
ow your child sleeps can be directly proportionate to how you cope as a new parent. As someone whose children didn’t sleep consistently through the night until the age of two, I basically fell apart. If we had a third child, I’d probably do things differently. For starters, I definitely wouldn’t wait 12 months before seeking professional help like I did with the first two. As owner of a baby academy that specialises in sleep consultation, Una van Staden points out: “Many families question the necessity of paying for sleep advice. Interesting when you think that babies spend more time sleeping than doing anything else – and they develop their brain during sleep. An important investment!” Of course disrupted nights should be expected when your baby is very new, but Van Staden recommends introducing a flexible routine at around four to six weeks. Consistency can help baby identify the cues of sleep, sending a message of security and reassurance.
create a calm zone You can help set the scene for fuss-free naps by paying attention to the sleep environment as well as following a calm sequence to help baby wind down. “The nursery should be decorated in muted colours with minimal visual stimulation. Mobiles and toys in the cot signal a play zone when in fact it is a sleep zone,” says Van Staden. Bath time could be followed by a quiet, soothing massage for baby. Gentle touch stimulates the central nervous system, making the brain produce more serotonin (the feel-good hormone) and less cortisol (the stress hormone). After feeding, Van Staden recommends placing babies into their cot drowsy but still awake. “Most babies prefer to be on their side and will roll onto their back at some stage,
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which is the safest sleep position. Tummy sleeping is not recommended,” she says. At night, Van Staden advises total darkness for babies, but do allow some form of natural light into the room during the day to prevent them from developing day-night reversal.
the fourth trimester While not crucial, starting off in a small crib or Moses basket can help the transition to the outside world. “Newborns sleep much better in a contained, elevated position,” explains Van Staden. According to Dr Natalie Arkin, a Joburg-based chiropractor, babies tend to hold their foetal position for the first weeks of life. “That’s why they like to be swaddled,” she says. The position of the arms is key when swaddling. Traditionally swaddles keep arms by the baby’s side or across their chest, but some allow for the natural arms-up position, which enables movement of the hands to the mouth to truly self-soothe. You can simulate the womb further with sleep aids that play heartbeat sounds and white noise, which is different frequencies of sound combined together at one level to create a shushing sound similar to what babies hear in utero. “White noise helps a baby transition from light to deep sleep much more quickly. It is particularly beneficial for reflux babies, but it is crucial that it plays for at least one hour, so that the baby completes one sleep cycle,” says Van Staden.
comfort is key The ideal nursery temperature is 21-22°C. A good heart rate monitor will display the room temperature and is also an essential piece of equipment for monitoring breathing.
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PHOTOGRAPH: istockphoto.com; Sources: Centres for Disease Control and Prevention; National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
best for baby
For babies who struggle to settle even when fed, burped and changed, consider consulting a paediatric chiropractor who will use gentle adjustments to correct misalignments to the spine and nervous system. It also helps stimulate the digestive system, which is why chiropractic works so well on colicky babies. Arkin explains: “Sometimes the limited space in utero forces babies into a very uncomfortable position and they can have a torticollis (or ‘wry neck’). The birth itself can also cause issues. In a natural delivery, forceps and suctions can cause trauma. With caesareans, the sudden change in pressure affects the cranial bones of the skull and there is a tremendous amount of pressure placed on a child’s neck to pull them out,” she says. If you hold your baby up under their arms and their legs don’t hang straight down but like a banana, it’s a good indication that they are not comfortable and are in need of a chiropractor. “Of all the research on paediatric chiropractic, the one thing that comes out consistently is that chiropractically treated babies sleep better,” says Arkin.
a note on SIDS
The exact cause of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is unknown, but the following guidelines are recommended to reduce the risk. ✻✻ Always place a baby on its back for every sleep. ✻✻ Use a firm mattress covered by a fitted sheet. If there is a history of allergies or asthma in the family, consider a hypoallergenic mattress. ✻✻ Have the baby share your room, not your bed. If you bring the baby to the bed to feed, put him back in the cot afterwards. ✻✻ Keep soft objects, such as pillows and loose
tips for parents Van Staden suggests parents alternate carrying out the bedtime routine to avoid a situation where baby cannot go to sleep if one particular parent is not present. “The most important principle here is that everyone is on the same page regarding the sleep routine,” she advises. She recommends moving baby out of your room at the age of roughly four months. “The baby and adult sleep cycles don’t always coincide and this could be the reason for frequent night waking in babies.” Partners can help by taking over one or two night feeds of expressed breastmilk or formula. At this time, it makes sense for Mom to sleep in a separate room where she won’t be disturbed, even if just for two or three hours. If your baby won’t take a bottle, let your partner handle burping and nappy changes so you can get back to bed immediately after a feed. It isn’t always possible to nap while baby naps when there are bottles to be sterilised and there’s laundry to be done. Relinquishing as many of these tasks to your partner or a nanny will free up some rest time. The good news is that the extreme tiredness doesn’t last forever. My four- and two year olds now wake up and make their own bottles without even disturbing us!
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bedding, out of your baby’s sleep area. An infant sleeping bag is a good option in winter as it prevents baby’s head from slipping under the covers. ✻✻ Do not expose your baby to cigarette smoke. ✻✻ Research shows that a dummy reduces the risk of SIDS. Do not attach the dummy to anything that carries a risk for suffocation, choking or strangulation. ✻✻ Don’t dress baby too warmly. Caregivers should watch for signs of overheating, such as sweating or baby’s chest feeling hot to the touch. For a list of sleep trainers, paediatricians and chiropractors in your area, go to childmag.co.za
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Albert Einstein once said that play is the highest form of research, yet very few schools are using play as a form of learning – until now. ANÉL LEWIS investigates the emerging science of Playgroundology.
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lay is deemed so important for a child’s development that the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights has entrenched it as a child’s fundamental right. Yet there seems to be little time set aside at school for climbing trees, playing hopscotch on chalk-etched courses and partaking in an obligatory game of hide-andseek with imaginary friends. These are some of the activities that proponents of Playgroundology – an emerging science focused on creating stimulating spaces for children to play in – say are essential for the development of young minds. The premise of Playgroundology is that play is not a luxury, but a necessity and a right.
space to play Alex Smith, a Canadian advocate of Playgroundology, says the benefits of play are “more pronounced in those spaces where adults have demonstrated empathy by taking the time, care and knowledge to create environments that lend themselves to adventure, exploration and the defining of limits”. This is done extensively at Elkanah House in Cape Town where children are encouraged to spend time exploring their environments. “In this way, they are equipped to become adults who have learnt to follow their passion and take initiative. These are the vital self-starter skills to set them up for future success,” says Sarah Jacobs from Elkanah House. “Play is the most important learning process for young children and modern schools often fall into the trap of putting children at desks for too long, too young. The consequence is that children are deprived of a natural development process critical to their growth. With Playgroundology, it is the environment that should be the primary teacher,” she adds.
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PHOTOGRAPH AND ILLUSTRATIONS: ISTOCKPHOTO.com
thinking out the box
education
Elkanah’s classrooms are designed with the concept of indoor/outdoor play to effectively create learning spaces without walls. In the pre-primary classes, small groups of children take part in different experiential activities during the day for constructive play. Their outside play space, which is equipped with sandpits and water troughs, is used to teach mathematical concepts such as mass and capacity, and each classroom has its own garden and stack-a-doors to make it easy for teachers to work indoors and outside at the same time. But play is not just beneficial for a child’s academic development, it also teaches them social norms, boundaries, collaborative expertise and the foundations of good human relationships. “Our children benefit from learning through play from a young age as they acquire the skills of human relations, inquiring minds, critical thinking and become problem solvers through self-discovery,” says Jacobs, adding that play in the younger years is also crucial in creating an environment in which children feel secure. Research shows that children who play games outside, balance on low walls, hang on monkey bars and play with balls very seldom need the help of an occupational therapist later in their school life. “Play also encourages individuality as children are given the opportunity to develop at their own pace,” adds Jacobs.
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With Playgroundology, it is the environment that should be the primary teacher.
not just child’s play When we’re on the hamster wheel of adulthood, play is very far down on the list of priorities. But Dr Stuart Brown, an American psychiatrist and pioneer in play research, says it is a catalyst for learning at any age. It is also critical for healthy relationships and social wellbeing. “Our adult biology remains unique among all creatures and our capacity for flexibility, novelty and exploration persists. If we suppress this natural design, the consequences are dire. The play-less adult becomes stereotyped, inflexible, humourless, lives without irony, loses the capacity for optimism and generally is quicker to react to stress with violence or depression than the adult whose play life persists.” Researchers agree that play has important benefits, including boosting creativity and problem-solving skills, mental acuity and improving work performance.
get playful Ideas to encourage more play at home for you and your children: ✻✻ Role play with your children. Brown, who is also the founder of the National Institute for Play in California, says: “Play should also be used by teachers in their classroom and by parents when they help their child with homework. Learning should not be drudgery. Play promotes true intellectual curiosity.” ✻✻ Host a game night with old-fashioned board games. ✻✻ Instead of scrolling through Facebook, write or doodle a sketch when you have free time. ✻✻ Buy an adult colouring-in book – you don’t even have to stay within the lines. ✻✻ Dance like no-one is watching. ✻✻ Stay active – wrestle and rough play with your children, take part in an obstacle course and climb trees with them.
play time
Cowan House, a co-educational preparatory school in KwaZuluNatal, highlights six key modes of play in its approach to learning: ✻✻ quiet play, which involves activities such as reading and drawing. ✻✻ creative play, which focuses on painting and dancing. ✻✻ imagination play ✻✻ co-operative play, which involves more than one child. ✻✻ dramatic play such as role playing and pretend. ✻✻ manipulative play, which involves solving puzzles and playing with blocks to promote hand-eye co-ordination. ✻✻ active play, such as riding bikes and climbing trees.
Visit us on facebook.com/ childmag.co.za and share how you encourage more outdoor play in your home.
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parenting
the ritual of tea
“The simple act of brewing, sipping and savouring tea leaves in a cup elevates you above the chaos of life today,” says Jesse Jacobs, the founder of Samovar Tea Lounge in San Francisco and a prolific writer on the benefits of the ritual. “Filling you with flavour, calm and vitality, the tea ritual is a vehicle for both inner peace and health, and interpersonal connection and happiness.” And while serving tea to tots is hotly debated on parenting forums because of the caffeine content and polyphenols that make it harder for the body to absorb iron, resulting in anaemia, the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics reported that children who drank moderate amounts of tea – up to two cups a day – suffered no harmful effects. Recently, my son and I were enjoying a cup of rooibos tea together while he recovered at home after an appendectomy and he declared that he felt better “with every sip”, but the benefits for children 1 Tea may reduce the risk of go far beyond healing. What I love is the heart attack and stroke. focus on being present in that very moment 2 Tea has 50% less caffeine without the burden of homework, projects than coffee, and herbal blends and peer pressure; the indulgence of taking are caffeine free. time out to share opinions and swap ideas; 3 Tea is calorie free. acknowledging differences (I take my tea without milk and he takes his with milk); and unconsciously stressing the importance of “please”, “thank you” and “I enjoyed our time together”. Barbara H. Fiese, professor of Human Development and Family Studies at the University of Illinois, believes that a family tea ritual enhances children’s sense of belonging, which is especially relevant to adolescents who are dealing with social upheaval and insecurity. “If our parents and siblings value us and believe that we’re smart, funny, creative, lovable or talented, then we begin to see ourselves through that lens,” Fiese adds. Furthermore, establishing a tea ritual can help your child cope more effectively with stress throughout their life. Use Granny’s cups or teapot to add a note of nostalgia or choose your own set that is reserved for your family, and keep conversation light, varied and stimulating (and, of course, non-judgemental) so that you’ll always have eager company and a loving exchange. Now send out a loving call (anyone for tea?) and wait for your guests to arrive. Tea, and family time, is being served.
three things you may not know about tea
day – some linked to our faith or culture, some to our family – but there are few more unifying than sipping a cup of tea. SAMANTHA PAGE raises her tea cup to the humble brew and its benefits for
i
mind, body and soul.
t’s been almost 20 years since I sat cross-legged on a simple, woven mat in my tiny apartment in Bangkok, Thailand, where I was teaching English, but I remember it as vividly as the ceremony that took place there that day. Bangkok can be loud, hot and sticky, but on this particular morning, my Japanese colleague, Aimi, was preparing matcha tea and everything felt cool, quiet and restrained. I had mentioned that I was feeling a little homesick and Aimi decided to come “rescue” me with a tea ceremony that is integral to Japanese culture and carries its participants away from the worries of the world and grounds them in the now. The vibrant green matcha powder, which is a superior grade of green tea containing up to 15 times more nutrients than loose-leaf green tea, was wrapped in a simple linen cloth with black Japanese letters dancing from end to end – her mother’s handiwork, Aimi explained. The message: be still and the Earth will speak to you. After we washed our feet and hands, we took our places opposite each other and the graceful, choreographed preparation began. With elegant, immaculate and measured movements, she added hot water to powder and, using a bamboo whisk, blended the ingredients into a rich foam-topped tea. I gently swirled and sipped and bowed as we passed the delicate bowl between us. Conversation was to be “happy”, Aimi suggested before we started, so no gossip or small talk – only praise, mindfulness and peace. It was one of the most sincere gestures of friendship I have ever experienced and a beautiful expression of how an ancient tradition can fit so seamlessly into a contemporary milieu. The Chinese were the first to discover the tea leaf and regarded it as a synonym for life. Before it became widely consumed there, the humble leaf was considered a medicinal staple thought to successfully treat illnesses and promote long life and vitality. Since the beginning of the Ming dynasty, teahouses have been popping up all over the country and now people of all ages frequent these tea sanctuaries at all hours of the day or night to drink tea and simply enjoy each other’s company. Many years later, tea is the second most consumed drink in the world after water and it is revered as much more than a mere beverage. Whether you’re welcoming guests with a bright mint tea in Morocco, socialising with a strongly brewed anise-flavoured red tea in Thailand or sipping a spicy, milky chai from a street vendor in India, drinking tea has been known to soothe a broken heart, warm you when you’re cold or cool you when you’re hot and provide an opportunity to connect with those you love, respect and treasure. A good friend of mine offers me a cup of Earl Grey when I visit, before I’ve even reached the front door, because she knows my penchant for the fragrant bergamot black tea, and you can be sure there’ll be a butter biscuit nonchalantly slipped onto the saucer as an extra measure of love. In a world that is moving at such an incredible pace, the respite of brewing and drinking a cup of tea with your family and friends reduces stress and brings instant comfort.
The simple act of brewing, sipping and savouring tea leaves in a cup elevates you above the chaos of life today.
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tea tips
Rooibos and honeybush tea are both perfect for infants, toddlers and young children. Both are naturally caffeine free and have an inherent sweetness so there’s no need to add sugar or even milk. It soothes colic, tummy troubles and allergies, and next to water, it’s arguably nature’s purest beverage. Chamomile is well known for its health benefits, so it has never been solely drunk as a beverage. Perfect for tweens and teens, this floral drink will work wonders to calm exam nerves, induce sleep and quiet restless minds. Bubble tea, also called pearl milk tea, is fun and delicious for everyone. It’s a fruity ice tea flavoured with “popping bobas” which are filled with pure fruit juice that burst in your mouth. Traditionally, tapioca pearls are used, which are a good source of iron, calcium and vitamin C.
fact or fiction?
We bust some of the myths around tea: Green tea is the healthiest. All teas have health benefits, but as a result of hype, green tea is credited with everything from curing cancer to losing weight. Tea doesn’t have an expiration date. The health benefits (potency of antioxidants) decrease after six months. Tea bags are as good as loose tea. Loose teas are higher in quality, while tea bags contain lower-quality tea dust.
ILLUSTRATIONS: ISTOCKPHOTO.com
Without realising it, we participate in rituals every
Boiling water “burns” delicate teas. The general rule of thumb is the hotter you brew, the darker and more robust your tea will be; the cooler your water, the sweeter and more mild it’ll taste. magazine pretoria
resource
book your next breakaway The holidays are fast approaching and if you’re feeling slightly panicky at the thought of cooking, cleaning and entertaining, check into a hotel where your meals will be sorted and your children kept busy, giving you time to relax. Here is our pick of family-friendly establishments across the country.
kzn Salt Rock Hotel Salt Rock Hotel on the North Coast is an idyllic escape, with sea-facing and air-conditioned rooms. There are various dining options available, a jungle gym for the little ones, a pool at the hotel, a tidal pool on the beach and a sun terrace for dolphin viewing. saltrockbeach.co.za The Cavern Drakensberg Resort and Spa With daily children’s entertainment; walking trails; canoeing; a children’s pool; and indoor activities, this Drakensberg resort knows how to look after your family. The children’s dining room caters to your little one’s tastes, too. Join them for dinner or make use of the nanny services and go out for a meal on your own. cavern.co.za
PHOTOGRAPHS: SUPPLIED
Champagne Sports Resort Located at the foot of the Drakensberg Mountains, this resort has recently had an upgrade and now boasts a Wellness Centre and impressive buffet and dining areas. The Children’s Play Park offers plenty of activities and a big jungle gym for your children to explore. There is spacious accommodation available for families, all with views of the mountains or hotel gardens. champagnesportsresort.com
The Oyster Box Spend your time exploring the lush gardens, lazing at the pools or soaking up the sun at one of the protected beaches. For children, there’s a holiday club; indoor and outdoor activities; a movie theatre; and a child-focused menu. Youngsters will also be gifted with a holiday backpack and a wristband for complimentary items on arrival. Babysitting services are available; you can even take your pet. oysterboxhotel.com
magazine pretoria
June/July 2017
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resource
Beacon Island Synonymous with family trips to Plettenberg Bay, Beacon Island, boasting 200 rooms, is just a stone’s throw away from the beach. The Bambino playroom will keep smaller children entertained while you soak up the sun, and there’s a games room as well as entertainment programmes for older children, and babysitting services on request. tsogosun.com
Pumula Beach Hotel This beachfront hotel just south of Durban provides plenty of holiday entertainment for children as well as a children’s dining room and a Tiny Tots Kitchen for new moms. Babysitting, cots and high chairs are also available, as well as family and adjoining rooms. pumulabeachhotel.com
Spier Hotel Just outside Stellenbosch, Spier is a great base camp for families wanting to explore winelands country. Rooms come with daily housekeeping, free Wi-Fi, in-room childcare, and cribs and rollaway beds on request. spier-hotel-stellenbosch.h-rez.com
western cape Arniston Spa Hotel This four-star hotel is positioned next to a charming old fishing village and surrounded by beaches and nature reserves. Country living at its best, the rooms offer en-suite bathrooms with a shower and bath, and extra beds can be installed for children. Soccer balls, boogie boards, a volley ball net and mountain bikes are available, plus a selection of board games for when the clouds come rolling in. Child minders are available at just R20 per hour. arnistonhotel.com Fancourt Not just for golf enthusiasts, Fancourt also offers plenty of activities for the whole family. The Teen Lounge is equipped with table tennis, pool and gaming facilities to keep your older children entertained, while the younger ones can join the Fancourt Kidz Club for supervised activities. Babysitting services are available at R300 for the first three hours and just R60 per hour thereafter, plus all babysitters are trained in CPR or have a first aid certificate. There is also a baby pool, as well as bicycles for all sizes and a golf academy for children aged seven and up. fancourt.com Gondwana Game Reserve Popular with nature-loving families, Gondwana offers Big Five game drives, mountain bike trails and nearby golf courses, plus the Junior Ranger programme will keep children of all ages busy. Families can enjoy the privacy of one of the luxury bush villas, which boast en-suite bedrooms; an outdoor deck; flatscreen TV and DVD player; plus cots and rollaway beds if needed. Babysitting at R150 per hour and in-room dining for children are added bonuses. gondwanagr.co.za Aquila Private Game Reserve Safari & Spa Aquila, just two hours outside Cape Town, boasts the Big Five in a malaria-free area and luxury accommodation to boot. While parents unwind at the spa, children can entertain themselves with mini golf, mini basketball, self-pushed bikes and, on those cooler days, indoor games and PlayStation. All meals, plus one game drive are included in overnight stays. aquilasafari.com
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Garden Route Game Lodge The Garden Route Game Lodge is an ideal family getaway. Children can go fishing (all equipment is provided), participate in an hour-long bush walk and go cheetah tracking with an experienced field ranger. There are also a Kids on Safari programme, children’s menu and special meal times on offer. Stay in the family lodge or luxury family suites, all with housekeeping, complimentary Wi-Fi and en-suite bathrooms. grgamelodge.co.za Belmond Mount Nelson Centrally located and boasting tree-lined gardens and beautiful accommodation, this hotel is a luxury family getaway. The Helmsley Wing provides families spacious accommodation, with ground-floor rooms that open onto the gardens. For littlies, the Children’s Club and the supervised playroom have a number of arts and crafts activities, while children from 12-18 years can make use of the separate teen lounge. belmond.com Arabella The Arabella is as child-friendly as it is luxurious with babysitting services, a children’s pool and a Kid’s Club at Balou’s Adventure Centre. You can also explore the nearby town of Hermanus, which is known for its beautiful beaches and whale watching. marriot.com Sanbona Gondwana Family Lodge This magnificent lodge boasts 12 luxury suites, a pool, Relaxation Retreat and a dedicated outdoor play area, activity room and sprawling lawn for children. The educational Kids on Safari programme is also a hit with children aged four and up. sanbona.com The Wilderness Hotel Resort and Spa Set in a picturesque coastal town, the Wilderness Hotel oozes old-world charm. A range of activities such as tennis, mountain biking and Putt-Putt will keep everyone in the family entertained. There’s also a dedicated children’s play area and a number of nearby farmers’ markets you can explore when you’re in need of an outing. Choose from the deluxe, classic or standard family room, depending on your budget. wildernesshotel.co.za
gauteng Sun City The adjoining rooms and baby-changing facilities aside, Sun City offers a range of activities for children. Drop the little ones off at Kamp Kwena, or take a family trip to Waterworld, Animal World, Valley of Waves, or the Maze of the Lost City. There is no shortage of entertainment here! suninternational.com African Pride Mount Grace Country House & Spa Just an hour from Joburg and Pretoria, this hotel boasts beautiful views over the Magaliesberg Mountains. The rooms come complete with Wi-Fi and flatscreen TVs, and can accommodate a cot. There are a variety of dining options at the hotel and children can keep busy at the Kids Club. marriott.com Crystal Rose Lodge Located in the Cradle of Humankind, this lodge boasts beautifully appointed family rooms with a double bedroom and bunk bed, plus an en-suite bathroom. Nearby attractions include the Sterkfontein Caves, hot-air ballooning and Cradlestone Mall. crystalroselodge.co.za Emerald Resort and Casino From game drives and fishing to adventure
golf, wall climbing and the covered water park, Aquadome, this resort is a family paradise. There is also a babysitting service at the Kidzone and in-room internet access. emeraldcasino.co.za Southern Sun Montecasino Visitors to Joburg can stay in this luxury hotel equipped with an outdoor pool, restaurants, a theatre, bird gardens and more. Baby cots, high chairs and babysitting services are all available on request. Family rooms have twin double beds with an en-suite bathroom and guests can take advantage of the free Wi-Fi. tsogosun.com Gold Reef City Theme Park Hotel If you love theme parks, a visit to South Africa’s biggest is a must. The hotel provides family-friendly accommodation, free Wi-Fi, babysitting services and cots on request. Guests also get free access to the theme park and all rides. Other activities include a movie theatre, a museum and mine tours. tsogosun.com Valley Lodge & Spa Spend your time relaxing at the pool, playing tennis and exploring the many walking trails. After the day’s activities, unwind on your private patio, dine out at the lodge restaurant, or picnic on the banks of the Magalies River. valleylodge.co.za
if you’re planning a trip abroad… LUX Resorts and Hotels Enjoy an all-inclusive beach getaway in Mauritius, Reunion or the Maldives. The Play programme, available at some of the resorts, offers supervised activities such as art classes and treasure hunts for children 3-11 years, while older children aged 12-17 can participate in local dance and language classes as well as beach sports and adventure trips around the islands. Accommodation is dotted along the pristine beaches, bringing new meaning to seaside living. For something a little different, explore the new resorts in China, the UAE, Turkey and Vietnam, set to open next year. luxresorts.com Club Med Club Méditerranée SA, commonly known as Club Med, specialises in vacation villages in various locations around the world. Most of these villages are designed for families and offer supervised areas for younger children and a special space for 11-17 year olds. Club Med doesn’t only offer beach destination holidays, but also alpine vacation and winter wonderland packages. Club Med’s Aime La Plagne in France has a snow garden for 4-10 year olds where they can learn to ski at their own pace. The Kid’s Club also entertains them with arts and crafts, dancing and special evening activities. Adjoining rooms and a babysitting service for 2-7 year olds are also available. clubmed.co.za Rosewood Abu Dhabi The Rosewood Abu Dhabi offers the ideal stay for families passing through the city. This waterfront hotel feels more like a luxurious home-away-from-home, with each room individually decorated and original artwork spreading light and creativity on every floor. Spacious twobedroomed suites or interleading rooms offer parents complete peace of mind. For children, the Rose Buds room offers a wonderful space to play and be entertained. Some of the perks for parents include the portable crib and changing table, baby Primrose skincare products, en-suite wireless baby monitors, full-size cribs and linen, an in-room baby proofing service and lush velour terry child-sized bath robes and slippers. rosewoodhotels.com
PHOTOGRAPHS :SUPPLIED
Cathedral Peak Hotel Situated in the Central Drakensberg, this hotel offers a dedicated children’s dining room with play area; a games room; pools; rides; holiday activities; and more. A babysitting service is also available and cots can be requested. In bad weather, the hotel runs a game of bingo or you can request board games of your choice from reception. cathedralpeak.co.za
magazine pretoria
a good
for Dad
books for pre-teens and teens
read
The holidays are almost Go to facebook.com/ childmag.co.za to win tickets to the Cape Town Book Sale on 16-18 June, plus a R500 book hamper!
here and if you’re planning a trip somewhere, make sure to pack one of these great reads. for early graders
A Little Horse Called Pancakes and the Big Mountain Fire By Candice Noakes-Dobson (Jacana, R120) Inspired by events that occurred during the March 2015 fires in Cape Town, this book celebrates friendship and coming together as a community. The story follows Anna B and her horse Pancakes on an adventure to save their beloved mountain from a raging fire. If your children loved the first book in the series, A Little Horse Called Pancakes, they won’t be disappointed with this second instalment.
magazine pretoria
Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life By James Patterson (Penguin Random House, R150) In an effort to make his first year of middle school memorable, Rafe Khatchadorian devises a game with his best friend Leonardo the Silent – break every rule at school and earn points while doing it! But when Rafe’s game starts to catch up with him, he has to decide if winning is what’s most important, or if he’s finally ready to face the rules, bullies and truths he’s been avoiding.
parenting
How to Raise a Feminist: Bringing up Kids with Confidence to Change the World By Allison Vale & Victoria Ralfs (Jonathan Ball, R275) As mothers and educators, authors Allison Vale and Victoria Ralfs share their insights into parenting and how feminism came to play an important role in raising their respective children. Honest and at times hilarious, this book gives parents of both boys and girls advice on raising strong, empathetic and likeable young people.
Homegrown By Bertus Basson (Jacana, R330) Owner of the award-winning Overture restaurant in the Cape Winelands, chef Bertus Basson knows a thing or two about good food. A proudly South African cookbook, Homegrown shares Basson’s favourite recipes inspired by both his Afrikaans upbringing and local tastes and flavours. This makes for a great Father’s Day gift for men who love to cook.
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recipes
a feast of flavours
In his latest book Reuben at Home, chef REUBEN RIFFEL invites readers into his kitchen and shares his love for food and family.
roast leg of lamb
My memories of leg of lamb are happy ones. I must have been about 14 or 15 years old when my ma would come home on Sunday evenings from Chamonix, where she worked, bringing us some of the buffet leftovers. Sometimes there were things from the dessert buffet, sometimes some vegetables or roast chicken, but the pieces of garlicky-rosemary lamb were always my favourite. Years later, when I too entered restaurant kitchens, I worked at Chamonix and my very first job was to debone and prepare the legs of lamb for the Sunday buffet. There is a beautiful synchronicity in that – the very same lamb that had once made such an impact on me as a child became my first culinary responsibility, in the exact same kitchen that my mom worked in. There are no coincidences… serves 6–8 ingredients 1 leg of lamb (about 3 kg) 1 leek 1 carrot 1 celery stick 3 mushrooms 4 garlic cloves 1 tablespoon tomato paste 2 cups white wine cup Worcestershire sauce 3 cups water, with concentrated lamb stock added
1 tablespoon Maizena (cornflour) roast potatoes, for serving marinade 2 cloves garlic, crushed teaspoon black pepper 2 tablespoons olive oil picked rosemary leaves picked thyme leaves 1 teaspoon sea salt teaspoon grated lemon rind
method 1 Preheat the oven to 195˚C. 2 Blend together the marinade ingredients. Cut gashes into the lamb and rub this marinade all over. This allows the flavours to permeate the meat and helps get the fatty bits nice and crisp. 3 Chop up the leek, carrot, celery and mushrooms and place into a roasting pan, along with the garlic cloves. 4 Place the lamb on top of the vegetables, drizzle with olive oil and roast for hours, keeping the pan moist by adding up to 1 cup of water. 5 Once cooked, remove the lamb and set it aside. 6 On the stovetop, continue cooking the vegetables until nicely done. Add the tomato paste and cook some more. 7 Pour in the wine, Worcestershire sauce and stock water, and cook to reduce by half. Strain to remove the veggies. 8 Mix the Maizena with a little cold water and add it to the sauce to thicken it slightly. 9 Serve the lamb with the sauce and roast potatoes.
lemon & chilli grilled calamari I only discovered calamari once I’d left school but I seriously love it. Dishes like this remind me of the fish and chips shops of my younger days. Of places like Lady Grey’s Fisheries in Paarl, where we’d all stand, happily and hungrily, in a row waiting for our hot parcels of vis en tjips in an aromatic haze of lemon, oil and vinegar. In later years when Maryke and I were working in England, I experienced exactly the same good feeling when we went down to the local ‘chippie’, as they call it. And speaking about chippies, when it comes to fish and chips, the chips need to be slap tjips with vinegar – no crispy, thin, fancy double-fried numbers. Now, I feel the same about calamari. It just needs lemon and chilli. These flavours are so great, you seldom need more than that.
serves 6 ingredients 1 long red chilli, finely chopped bunch spring onions, chopped tablespoons lemon juice 100ml olive oil 800g baby calamari, cleaned sea salt
4 2 2 8
lemon slices garlic cloves, thinly sliced red peppers rosa tomatoes, quartered cup Sauvignon Blanc 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 50g rocket
method 1 Combine chilli, spring onions, lemon juice and 50ml olive oil in a bowl. 2 Toss the calamari in this dressing and sprinkle with salt. 3 Heat a griddle pan until it starts to smoke, and cook the calamari and lemon slices in batches (depending on the size of your pan). Once the calamari hits the pan, weigh it down with a flat-iron or foil-wrapped brick.* It should take a minute on either side to cook and get nice colour. 4 Heat the rest of the olive oil in a small pot, add garlic, peppers and tomatoes, and slowly fry until the tomatoes release their juices. 5 Add the wine and reduce until it thickens. Season with salt and paprika. 6 Serve as a sauce with the calamari, garnished with rocket and the cooked lemon slices.
*The pressing down helps to get nice colouring on the calamari, which in turn gives it excellent flavour. about the book
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PHOTOGRAPHS: Craig Fraser
The creamy fennel (page 168) and garlic green beans are perfect side dishes.
Reuben Riffel has worked in kitchens around the world, but it’s the local flavours and food of South Africa that have his heart. Reuben at Home is bursting with recipes inspired by his childhood and the meals that he shared with his family. Published by Quivertree (quivertreepublications.com), Reuben’s latest offering is available from all good book stores at a suggested retail price of R345. magazine pretoria
let’s party
birthday basics Find party inspiration with our four exciting themes and throw a birthday bash your child will never forget!
PHOTOGRAPHS AND ILLUSTRATIONS: ISTOCKPHOTO.com
music and movement (p20) edutainment (p22)
adventure (p21) winter warmers (p23)
accessories
catering
equipment hire
Cosmo Balloons 012 998 3596 / cosmo-balloons.co.za Garden Games 086 111 2876 / joburg@ giantgardengames.co.za / giantgardengames.co.za Money Box Party Packs 083 659 4055 / jorsam.co.za Parties4Africa 072 083 4844 / info@parties4africa.co.za / parties4africa.co.za Rainbow Parties – Hatfield 012 362 0568 / carmen@rainbowparties. co.za / rainbowparties.co.za Toy Adventures toyadventures.co.za
Donut cakes – 079 497 4444 / madeleine@donutcakes.co.za / donutcakes.co.za Sunrise Sweets Roodepoort / 011 475 8366 / sunrisesweets.co.za
Costume Castle 012 807 2243 / info@costumecastle.co.za costumecastle.co.za Crazy Water Balls 082 449 4197 / bookings@ crazywaterballs.co.za / crazywaterballs.co.za Kids Fancy Dress 012 993 1370 / info@kidsfancydress.co.za kidsfancydress.co.za Scrooge & Marley’s – Centurion 012 667 2287 / scroogescostumes@ gmail.com / scroogeandmarleys.co.za
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entertainers JK Productions 0861 112 876 / info@jkproductions.co.za / jkproductions.co.za Little Kickers – Centurion & Hatfield 072 222 4147/ centurion.hatfield@ littlekickers.co.za / littlekickers.co.za Uncle Dum Dum the Magician 0861 112 876 / info@jkproductions.co.za / jkproductions.co.za
indoor & outdoor venues The Collection – Garsfontein, Pretoria East / 012 993 3638 /
info@thecollection.co.za / thecollection.co.za Taste Life Café – 66a Faerie Glen / 076 722 9784 / info@tastelifecafe.co.za / tastelifecafe.wixsite.com/tastelifecafe
indoor venues Bounce Inc Menlyn Maine Central Square / 011 517 2500 / bounceinc.co.za Spur 0860 00 77 87 / spurtribe.co.za
planners Giggles & Glamour 012 543 0843 / gg@vsg.co.za gigglesandglamour.co.za
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let’s party
a festival of
music and movement
say cheese!
family market
Photo booths are great fun and an easy way to keep children entertained. If you don’t have the budget to hire one, make your own. Here’s how: • Hang a big piece of plain or patterned fabric on a wall. • Gather interesting props such as wigs, oversized sunglasses, tiaras and masks and store them in a basket or box next to the photo booth wall. • Appoint someone to man the booth. • If you’re using a polaroid camera, you can give each child a copy of their photos as you take them. If you’re using a digital camera, have the photos printed as thank you cards.
food truck fun Join the food truck craze and set up your own personalised version with an ice-cream stand. All you need is a trestle table covered in a bright tablecloth, a chalkboard with the menu options written on it and some delicious treats – think ice lollies, ice cream scoops and a variety of toppings. If the weather calls for warmer fare, consider a hot chocolate stand with bowls of marshmallows, chocolate spoons, milk, whipped cream and sprinkles.
karaoke Talent shows like The Voice and Lip Sync Battle have seen karaoke make somewhat of a comeback. Depending on your budget, you can hire a karaoke machine or buy a toy mic and download a few popular tunes for children to sing along to. Rockstar props are a must!
how low can you go? Limbo dancing is always a hit at parties and it’s easy to set up. If you don’t have a pole, make use of what you have lying around the house – think broom or pool noodle. Have two adults hold the pole up horizontally, dropping it with every round to make the game more challenging. The goal is for children to pass under the pole bending backwards without touching it or falling. If they do, they’re out. Make sure you’ve got an upbeat playlist to get everyone in the party spirit.
venue Drum Connection - 071 160 4254 / drumconnection.co.za Pretoria Barnyard Theatre – Moreleta Park / 012 368 1555 / parkview@barnyardtheatres.co.za / barnyardtheatre.co.za
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magazine pretoria
adventure Take inspiration from the likes of Bear Grylls and host a sleepover in the garden. You will need adult supervision, so enlist the help of other parents or family and work in shifts. too cold to go outside? Move the party indoors if the weather turns bad. Transform your living room into a campsite, laying all the sleeping bags (each child must bring their own) on the floor. Opt for a fondue or chocolate fountain to keep the children entertained – dipping marshmallows in chocolate is a nice twist on the campfire tradition of roasting marshmallows.
backyard movie night Create your own outdoor movie experience by setting up a projector screen (if you don’t have one, look for rental options) and speakers in the garden. Pick an adventure-themed movie and make sure to serve popcorn too.
campfire cooking Get the braai going and have children make their own toasted sandwiches. Make it a feast with a table laden with a variety of breads, grated cheese, sliced tomatoes and other toppings that tickle your taste buds, and let guests get creative. Place the sandwiches on a braai grid and toast over the coals for a few minutes on each side until golden brown.
outdoor expedition What could be more adventurous than a night-time treasure hunt? Take your cue from The Amazing Race and divide the children into groups, giving each child a mini torch (which can double as a party favour) to help them navigate their way in the dark. Instead of hiding chocolate, leave clues around the garden and whichever team finds all their clues first, wins a prize.
venues
Lasertag Extreme 084 542 8689 / info@lasertagextreme.co.za / lasertagextreme.co.za Honeydew Mazes 073 795 2174 / enquiries@maizemaze.co.za / honeydewmazes.co.za
magazine pretoria
June/July 2017
21
let’s party
taste explosion For the marble cake • 450g unsalted butter, really soft, diced, plus more for the tins • 3tbsp cocoa powder • 450g self-raising flour • 2tsp baking powder • 8 eggs, lightly beaten • 2tsp vanilla extract • 450g golden caster sugar • 50g dark chocolate For the honeycomb lava • 200g golden syrup • 350g caster sugar • 2tbsp distilled white vinegar • 2tsp bicarbonate of soda For the buttercream • 150g cocoa (55%) solid chocolate, or 2tbsp cocoa powder sifted • 225g unsalted butter, really soft • 300g icing sugar, sifted • 1tsp vanilla extract To decorate and assemble • 200g granulated sugar • mint green food colour paste • 3tbsp royal icing • 30cm round cake drum • 200g milk chocolate, chopped • red or orange boiled sweets • 4 packets popping candy • 400g digestive biscuits, crushed • 1 firework candle or sparkler fireworks
method Preheat oven to 170°C/fan. You will need three 20cm round sandwich tins. Butter the tins and line the bases with baking parchment. If you have only two tins, make the cake batter and divide it into three batches, baking the third last.
For the lava, line a 23cm baking tray with baking parchment. Have a glass of cold water at hand. Place the syrup, sugar, vinegar and 125ml water in a large heavy-based pan. On a gentle heat, stir until the sugar dissolves. Increase the heat, bring to a boil and do not stir anymore. If you have a sugar thermometer, boil it to 155°C. If not, drop a small ball of syrup into the glass of water. If it crackles and becomes a hard ball, it is ready. If not, continue boiling. Remove from the heat and add the bicarbonate of soda; it will erupt! Let it calm down, stir and pour into the prepared tray. Leave it to set, then break into chunks. You won’t need it all, but it keeps for a few days in a dry, airtight tin. Place 100g of the lava into a polythene bag and crush with a rolling pin.
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invitation inspiration Put on your thinking cap and get creative with your child’s invitation. If you’re throwing a science-themed party, brush up on your chemistry and use parts of the periodic table or maths equations to spell out the details of the day. But make sure you add plenty of colour and some fun illustrations to keep the invitation exciting – it is a party, not a science fair, after all!
To prepare the buttercream, melt the chocolate (if using) in a bowl over simmering water; the bowl should not touch the water. Set aside to cool. Beat the butter until pale and fluffy, then add the icing sugar and vanilla. TIP Beat for five minutes until light and creamy. These cakes Add the chocolate or cocoa powder and beat will freeze well, again. Set aside. so you can bake in advance. For the grass, place the granulated sugar into a bowl. Mix a little green food colouring with 2 teaspoons of water and pour into the sugar. Mix with your fingers and spread on a tray to dry. Mix every couple of hours. In a dry place, this keeps for weeks.
To assemble the cake, spread a thin layer of royal icing over the drum and press on the sugar “grass”. Remember you won’t see the middle, so concentrate on the edges. Place the cake on to the drum.
Extracted from The Birthday Cake Book by Fiona Cairns (Quadrille), which is available at amazon.com. Photograph: Laura Edwards
What is a party without bunting? Stick to the theme by sewing letters onto each flag to create science words.
Mix the cocoa powder with 2-2,5 tablespoons very hot water and stir to make a paste. Set aside to cool. Sift the flour and baking powder in a bowl, add the butter, eggs, vanilla and sugar. Beat until well blended. Spoon half the batter into the tins (substitute a bowl for the third tin if you only have two). Fold the cocoa paste into the remaining batter with the dark chocolate and spoon into the tins. Swirl the two cake mixes together with a fork until rippled, level the tops, then bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a skewer emerges clean. Remove from the oven, leave for a few minutes, then run a knife around the rims. Turn on to wire racks and remove the baking parchment. Allow to cool and give the cakes a spell in the fridge to make them easier to shape later.
Once ready to assemble, remove the cakes from the fridge and trim all three so the tops are level. Cut each in half horizontally to create six cakes. Sandwich together with buttercream. Stick a skewer in right through to the work surface to use as guide to avoid a lopsided volcano. Shape the cake from the top. Volcanoes do vary in shape; mine has a flat plateau on top and gently sloping edges. Dig out a crater in which to place the candle or sparkler.
erupting firework cake!
brainy bunting
Melt the milk chocolate in a small bowl over simmering water, making sure the bowl does not touch the water. Cool slightly. Pour over the cake. Press on the crushed honeycomb and a few crushed boiled sweets for the embers, with the popping candy. Allow the honeycomb to tumble over the board. Surround the tableau with biscuit crumbs and set off the firework candle for a spectacular centrepiece.
DIY dinosaur fossil pit what you’ll need • cornflour • water • plastic dinosaur toys Mix two parts cornflour to one part water in a container – the amount of mixture you make will depend on the size of your container. Bury the dinosaur toys in the mixture. Leave the mixture to bake in the sun for a day or two until it becomes hard and cracks begin to show on the surface. Give each child a mini hammer, paintbrush or toothbrush as excavation tools.
magazine pretoria
winter warmers Create a winter wonderland by hanging snowflakes and cottonwool balls onto helium balloons.
get crafty
diy snow globe what you’ll need • glass jar • strong glue (non-water soluble) • miniature plastic toys • glitter or small foil stars
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method Remove the lid from the glass jar and glue the toy to the inside of the lid. Leave to dry. Place the glitter inside the jar and fill with water. Screw the lid tightly back onto the jar, shake and turn upside down.
Take a square piece of paper and fold in half diagonally to make a triangle shape. Fold that triangle in half again and then into thirds. Cut across the bottom to make it straight. Cut both curvy and straight lines into your paper and then open it up – voila! A beautiful snowflake.
June/July 2017
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calendar
what’s on in
For more events go to childmag.co.za/whatson or submit an event for Aug/Sept before 7 July to pretoria@ childmag.co.za
1 June
4 June
A Beautiful Noise
FNB Platinum Trail Run
This tribute to country, folk and acoustic rock singers over many decades includes songs from John Denver, The Eagles, Cat Stevens, Rodriguez, Lumineers, Mumford & Sons and Shania Twain, along with Afrikaans artists like Juanita du Plessis. It shows at various times at the Rockwood Theatre in Parkview Shopping Centre. Ticket prices range from R75 to R220. Visit rockwoodtheatre.co.za for details.
Forming part of the FNB Magalies Monster MTB Classic’s 15-year birthday celebration, the FNB Platinum Trail Run will close off a thrilling weekend of action-packed off-road racing. Incorporating the best trailrunning routes in the majestic Buffelspoort region, entrants can choose to participate in a 24km, 12km or 8km route. The day kicks off at 7:30am at ATKV Buffelspoort. Race entry costs R120-R300. For more, go to stillwatersports.com.
16 June
Fijnwyn Wine and Food Festival Wine tastings, deli food stalls, live music, children’s entertainment and more is on offer at this two-day festival. Open from 10am until 17 June in Pretoria East, adults pay R150, children 12-18 years old pay R50 and children under 12 go free. Visit fijnwyn.co.za for more.
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June/July 2017
17 June
7 June
Free Reading Group for Moms and Tots This reading group for toddlers and babies takes place on alternating Wednesdays from 7 June. Held at 10:15am-11am at Waverley Library, it’s a great outing for moms and young children. Contact 083 332 4181 or email irene.schoem@ gmail.com for more.
28 June
My Child and Sexuality
Alma School Golf Day
A workshop for parents of babies and young children under the age of 12. Sex and sexuality is a difficult and often uncomfortable topic, but one parents shouldn’t ignore. This workshop equips parents with the skills to talk about these issues with confidence. Held at Vita Nova Counselling Centre at 9am-11:30am, tickets cost R650 per couple. Booking is essential. Visit vitanova.co.za for more.
This day promises to be full of fun for you and your teammates, from the first swing to challenging each other to hit the longest drive. Registration starts at 9am at Zwartkops Country Club. A fourball alliance costs R2 500. Call 012 335 0252 for details.
10 June
Transformers Animatronics Young and old can see Optimus Prime, Megatron, Bumblebee and the Rescue Bots as well as an impressive arsenal of weapons used by the Transformers characters at this travelling exhibition featuring an impressive 12 animated Transformers, sculptures made from car parts and other statues. The expo runs until 15 October, at 10am–7pm at the Centurion Mall. Adults pay R155, children 5-17 years pay R100 and family packages are also available at R440. Visit transformersafrica.com for details.
magazine pretoria
PHOTOGRAPH: CLUB MED
june/july
29 June
30 June
The National Arts Festival
Premiere of Despicable Me 3
Featuring new works alongside Festival favourites such as the Gala Concert, visitors to this year’s Grahamstown Festival can expect a thrilling mix of productions that both reflect and challenge South African society. There’s something for children too, with shows like The Gruffalo and James and the Giant Peach. Running until 9 July, the full festival programme is available at nationalartsfestival.co.za
In the latest instalment of this movie franchise, Balthazar Bratt, a child star from the 1980s, hatches a plan for world domination and Gru’s long-lost twin (Dru) emerges. Voiced by Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Trey Parker and Miranda Cosgrove, this animated film is showing in cinemas nationwide. Go to numetro.co.za or sterkinekor.com to book your tickets.
13 July
The Smurfs Live on Stage This show is a magical adventure that will see the Smurfs battle Gargamel and save Mother Nature, demonstrating the power of family and team spirit. The Smurfs come to life on the grand stage with life-size mushroom-shaped forest houses, vibrant backdrops and wonderful singalong music. Show times are 10am, 2pm and 6pm until 30 July at Emperors Palace. Tickets cost R150 at computicket.com
open days Woodhill College
Offering tuition for three year olds up to Grade 12, Woodhill’s open day takes place on 5 August at 9am-12pm. Call 012 998 1774 for details.
Curro Hazeldean College Every day is visitors’ day at Curro. To book a tour of the school, call 012 809 8914. Grades 8-12 welcome.
Curro Hazeldean Primary The school caters to children from three years up to Grade 7. Come visit the campus on 20 May at 9am-11am to learn more. Call 012 809 0714/6 for details.
PLG Raslouw College This school offers affordable private education to residents in the Centurion
magazine pretoria
The Wonderful World of Disney on Ice
28 July
The Student Expo Students looking for guidance about their tertiary education or career path can meet with representatives from a wide range of universities, techs, FET colleges and other tertiary institutions. Open at 9am-3pm at Forest Hill City, Centurion, until 29 July. Entrance is free. Visit student-expo.co.za for details.
area. The school has big grounds and a peaceful country atmosphere. They offer pre-primary, primary and high school tuition from Grade RRR–8. The open day is on 10 June at 10am at 290 Poole Ave, Raslouw. Call 012 942 9599 / 063 742 8498 or send an email to raslouw@plgschools.co.za for more.
markets
Brooklyn Square Antiques Fair Find antique treasures at the Brooklyn Square Antiques Fair held on 3 June and 1 July at 9am–3pm. Be sure to ask the antique dealer a few questions on the piece, such as where it was bought and the history behind it. Contact 082 883 4933 or visit ssaf.co.za for details.
Families can enjoy the magic of Disney with an extraordinary line-up of hit songs, memorable scenes and timeless characters. Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy will take a walk down memory lane and reawaken the Disney moments that span generations. Joining them will be the characters from Finding Dory, Frozen, Rapunzel, Snow White, Aladdin and more. It shows at various times on 30 June – 9 July at the Ticketpro Dome. Tickets are R100–R475 and family packages are available. Visit disneyonice.co.za to book.
on stage from 30 June holiday programmes
Junior Nature onservator Holiday Course
This four-day course introduces learners to nature conservation. Learners will explore and research the adaptations, behaviour and conservation issues of animals in the zoo, reptile park and aquarium. They will interact with the zoo’s conservation and veterinary staff, and will also assist with the husbandry of selected animals. This course is for learners in Grades 7-12 and is available on 4-7, 11-14 and 18-21 July, 8am–4pm at the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa. The course is R150 per learner and you must provide your own lunch. Visit nzg.ac.za for more.
Deeper Holiday Club This is a week of fun-filled activities and Bible teachings suitable for learners in
Grades 0-7. This free programme takes place at the Eastside Community Church, Moreleta Park on 3-7 July, at 8am-1pm. Visit eastside.org.za for more.
Mandela Day is on 18 July. For ways to spend your 67 minutes, go to childmag.co.za
June/July 2017
25
finishing touch
finding the balance It took trying to teach her children how to cycle for ANÉL LEWIS to realise there are some things that dads may just be better at.
w
hoever coined the expression “it’s like riding a bike” has clearly never tried to teach two children how to balance without training wheels. Conor, age 5, was easier to teach than Erin. Barring the small mishap when he rode head first into a drinking fountain, he found his pedals quite easily. I think Craig only had to do two laps around the park before Conor was riding like Evel Knievel through groups of runners and ladies walking their Maltese poodles. Erin, age 6, was a bit more hesitant atop her trusty steed. To be fair, I think her bicycle could have done with a bit of maintenance. It seemed to lean to the left, which made her attempts at staying upright rather difficult. As Conor raced off into the distance, scattering poodles and prams, Erin was loathe to let her father take his hands off the handlebars. Craig was being quite firm with her, shouting instructions as her legs flailed widely in the region of – but actually nowhere near – the pedals. I thought maybe I would have more luck teaching her the finer nuances of cycling, seeing as I have a softer
approach to these things. But there were some factors I had failed to consider. Gear is very important – I am talking about the instructor’s and not the budding cyclist’s. Erin’s kit would have made Lance Armstrong envious. She had leggings, colour coordinated socks and a matching headband underneath her helmet. At the other end of the fashion fitness spectrum was me, sweating buckets in my jeans and wedge sandals. I also did not expect my sweettempered, slightly reticent child to transform into a tyrant on two wheels. “Mom, what are you doing? Hold me. No, don’t hold me there. Why am I wobbling? Stop. Go.” I was a mess. Erin was in tears. And Conor was breaking land speed records on the other side of the nasturtiums. I tried to be patient at first. “I’m here to hold you. Trust me, I won’t let you fall.” But Erin wasn’t convinced. After shouting at me several times for being unable to prop her up while showing her how to pedal, she called for her father. I walked off in a huff, feeling very upset that she seemingly had no faith in my teaching abilities. If this is what showing her how to ride a bike entails, I can only imagine what it’s
in the next issue
going to be like when we have to get behind the wheel of a car. Craig seemed to have the magic touch (and more suitable gear) and soon Erin was cycling slowly for a few minutes unaided. As her confidence grew, the distance between her and us widened and eventually she was riding happily alongside her brother. My frustration at not being able to guide her on this part of her journey subsided and I just felt so proud of her for tackling this milestone. It also reminded me that both parents have roles to play in children’s development. As mothers, we tend to take on much of the teaching aspect of our children’s growth. But there are just some lessons that Craig is better at than me, and that’s okay. What’s important is that we are both able to share in our children’s joy when they achieve their goals. And, there’s also some comfort in knowing that I’m off the hook when Erin starts driving lessons. Dad’s clearly better equipped for things involving wheels and steering. Anél Lewis is dreaming about the pottery course she will do in 2028 when Craig is teaching Erin how to drive.
planning ahead for university Different matric qualifications and how they influence your choice of school
on the move How to survive moving house, from planning to packing
dealing with anxiety Ways to manage your child’s anxiety and your own
camera ready Family photo shoot do’s and don’ts
fashion fix The psychology behind our wardrobe choices for our children
getaway Two days in Abu Dhabi – a playground for parents and children
august/september is our
education issue with a spotlight on “get organised”
nursery news Create the perfect space for your baby
on street 27 July
To advertise call: (011) 807 6449 or email: dbnsales@childmag.co.za | Booking deadline:11 July | Material deadline: 13 July 26
June/July 2017
magazine pretoria
PHOTOGRAPH: craig lewis
Conor, Erin and Anél