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September 2015
free
september
fairs, festivals and so much more
active
get up and get moving – creating a culture of exercise
health
education
entertainment
Hunter House P U B L I S H IN G
Yuck! That’s gross, let’s do it again!
Publisher Lisa Mc Namara • lisa@childmag.co.za
Editorial Managing Editor Marina Zietsman • marina@childmag.co.za Features Editor Marc de Chazal • features@childmag.co.za Resource Editor Simone Jeffery • joburg@childmag.co.za Editorial Assistant Lucille Kemp • capetown@childmag.co.za Copy Editor Debbie Hathway
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Does “Get Active” mean “Get Dirty” in your home too? In April we spent a few magical days in Knysna, arriving after a particularly rainy spell. Fortunately the sun came out as we dropped off our bags, but the roads remained wet and muddy. There is something in the air in that part of the world that makes you want to spend all day outdoors, which we did. Early mornings saw us out for a run, with the children riding bikes ahead. As I lagged behind (being more of a jogger than a runner), I watched the children go from dirty to downright filthy at breakneck speed. The magnetic allure of a muddy puddle to a child is a mystery to me. With mud spraying up the back of their hoodies, they egged each other on, laughing hysterically as children do. As their hilarity grew so mine diminished, imagining the pile of washing I was soon to be faced with. But the wonderful thing about running is that it gives you time to clear your head and hopefully find your happy place. Why is it so important that my children remain pristine? Does having dirty children reflect poorly on my parenting ability?
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Turn on the TV and within minutes you’ll see a washing detergent advert claiming super stain-removing powers. These companies spend a small fortune researching parents’ reactions to dirty children – one noting that 62% of parents admit they worry about being branded a “bad parent” if their child is seen wearing dirty clothes. But getting dirty is good for children. Many studies show that bacteria in dirt helps activate feel-good chemicals in the brain. Perhaps that’s why my dad was always in the garden and my husband loves to mountain bike. Why should children be the only ones having fun in the mud? Have a super, sunny September.
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arise from reading them.
magazine joburg
September 2015
3
contents
september 2015
14
3 a note from lisa
regulars
6 over to you readers respond
9 pregnancy news – inducing labour Anél Lewis looks at accepted methods to help speed up the birthing process
features 14 how much exercise do children need? Samantha Page finds out and gives tips on getting youngsters active
17 food to nourish & nurture in her new cookbook, Real Food, Healthy, Happy Children, dietician Kath Megaw introduces your family to delicious, low carb ideas
20 hit refresh Lucille Kemp gets advice from experts on how to declutter and reorganise your home
22 green is the new black how schools can make a difference by teaching green habits and becoming eco-friendly. By Glynis Horning
24 falling for zambia Catherine Janse van Rensburg and her family explore a piece of African heaven
10 best for baby – potty time mastering the potty is all about timing, says Melanie Rosettenstein
12 dealing with difference – heart to heart Marc de Chazal speaks to a mom about her family’s brave, but difficult, journey since her son was diagnosed with congenital heart disease
28 resource – heritage gems Simone Jeffery inspires you to explore some interesting places on Heritage Day with your family
31 a good read for the whole family 34 what’s on in september 42 finishing touch after being told off by her daughter for excessive cellphone use, Anél Lewis’ home is now gadget-free on weekends
health
classified ads
8 take a bite Tamlyn Vincent finds
37 family marketplace
out which foods are beneficial for
40 it’s party time
oral health
this month’s cover images are supplied by: Joburg
Cape Town
Pretoria
Durban
Joburg - Hugatree Photography julie@hugatreephotography.co.za Cape Town - Joli Jacqueline Photography facebook.com/jolijacquelinephotography Durban & Pretoria - Megan Hancock Photography meganhancockphotography.co.za
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September 2015
magazine joburg
magazine joburg
September 2015
5
letters
party etiquette Thank you for an amazing and enjoyable magazine. It’s always brimming with loads of interesting topics and beneficial information. I’d like to bring up an often touchy subject, which has been raised before, but herewith in slightly more detail: etiquette at children’s parties. Having hosted children’s parties several times over the years, and being a guest to many, here are a few pointers I feel need to be emphasized: 1 At the outset, a parent need not feel pressured to invite the entire class unless they are happy to, and it’s within their means. Otherwise, the rule of thumb is usually the age of the child plus one (e.g. a five year old should have six friends invited). 2 If, however, a parent does invite the entire class, it usually entails the classmates only, and maybe one parent, depending on the age of the child. Unless it mentions the whole family is invited, it does not imply unreasonable sibling requests, nor uninvited family members and friends. The host decides who to invite – do not abuse the privilege.
3 In the case that a guest finds it necessary to bring along a classmate’s sibling, the polite thing to do is to first ask for the host’s consent. In circumstances where the host is paying per child, at an often costly venue, a host is reasonable in expecting that the invited parent may be required to bear any additional costs for siblings. Do not bring extras if you are not footing the bill, nor expect party packs for uninvited siblings. 4 It is polite to advise the host if a classmate cannot attend – it does not take much effort. This serves to remove any doubt in the host’s mind and assists planning. 5 It is a good idea, though not necessary, to ask the host for the birthday child’s likes/dislikes to enable easier gift shopping. A gift is naturally part of the excitement, no matter the value (even better if it’s handmade), but must naturally be within your budget. Some hosts may forego gifts to the child in favour of donations to charities. However, don’t be the parent who habitually turns up at a child’s party “forgetting to bring a gift”, yet enjoying the host’s generosity.
over to you thanks child mag I just want to thank you for the lovely article, “when you can’t breast-feed” (August 2015). I feel it helps moms to understand a little better what “normal” is when it comes to breast-feeding, and the links to helpful info were awesome. Cecilia I would just like to thank everyone from Child mag for their contribution [to the Mandela Day soup kitchen]. It is greatly appreciated and the children had a great day. Our goal was to feed 1 000 children and with everyone helping we were able to feed just over 5 000 children. Nicky Coleman
vaccination debate In response to the article “vaccinated or vulnerable” (August 2015): I have always insisted on vaccinating both my children. However, my youngest, five years old, has just recovered from a bout of German measles. What surprised me was that having been diagnosed, only after the rash appeared, I was told Follow us on twitter.com/ChildMag, facebook.com/childmag.co.za and pinterest.com/childmagazine
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September 2015
6 The host caters according to their means. Some guests should consider other guests at the party when selfishly wiping out half the generously provided platters for themselves and uninvited family, before anyone else has had a chance to sample them. It is considered courteous to allow everyone a chance to enjoy goodies provided. Parties are expensive and exhausting to plan, whichever way you do it. Consider the host parents’ efforts to make beautiful memories for their family and the fact that the birthday child would like to see children they know and are happy to play with. It may become a sore point for some when extra party packs need to be made and additional catering provided, all at exorbitant and/or unnecessary cost to the host. To those parents who understand the common sense of party etiquette, hats off to you – you are a delight to invite and we’ll see you again. And to those who don’t get it, or simply pretend not to, take heed: it may be the last party you are invited to for years to come. Anonymous
Let us know what’s on your mind. Send your letters or comments to marina@childmag.co.za or PO Box 12002, Mill Street, 8010.
that three days at home would do the trick and he could return to school. The first thing I did, after doing a bit of internet research, was to warn all parents of children with whom my son had been in contact prior to the rash appearing. There have been reports of measles doing the rounds at schools again this year, and my son is the first one in his school to get it. I was amazed at some parents’ reaction; most were of the opinion “let the children get measles now rather than later”, however, several actually threatened to sue me if their children “caught it”. They claimed that I was irresponsible in not informing everyone prior to the rash appearing. The two weeks prior to the rash are the most contagious time, but how do you know that your child has picked up the virus? My child did have a fairly mild form of it, even though he was covered from head to toe with the rash and his temperature was extremely high. Please put together an article explaining the symptoms prior to the rash. Vaccinations do help to keep our children safe and I will never regret having done it for my children in the first
place. However, the MMR vaccine does not prevent German measles. Roisin Losco Childmag asked Prof Diana Hardie to respond: “It is possible to be infected even after having the MMR vaccine. Clinical mumps and rubella (also known as German measles) are not uncommon in MMR-vaccinated children. The reason is that usually infants receive only one dose of MMR and so immunity is less durable. Also, as most children in South Africa do not get the MMR, mumps and rubella circulate freely and there is a good chance that vaccinated children could be exposed to infected playmates (where there is low herd immunity). Ideally, children should receive at least two doses of MMR. My personal opinion is that the second MMR dose should be given at puberty to extend durability of immunity for mumps and rubella into adulthood.” subscribe to our newsletter and win Our wins have moved online. Please subscribe to our newsletter and enter our weekly competitions. To subscribe, visit childmag.co.za
We reserve the right to edit and shorten submitted letters. The opinions reflected here are those of our readers and are not necessarily held by Hunter House Publishing.
Post a comment online at childmag.co.za
magazine joburg
magazine joburg
September 2015
7
health
take a bite brushing. TAMLYN VINCENT discovers which
food is good for teeth, and which gets in the way of dental health.
b
rushing twice a day is good. Using mouthwash is even better. But paying attention to what our children eat can also make a difference to their dental health. We all know overdoing sugar is bad, but some food can actually be beneficial for teeth.
dental do-gooders Food that is good for dental health includes dairy, eggs, fresh fruit, nuts, and whole-wheat cereals and breads, says Julian Meyer, a Joburg-based dentist. Milk, cheese, other dairy products and nuts contain minerals that are important for oral health, particularly calcium and phosphate, notes Durban dentist Medina Badrodin. She explains that tooth enamel is made of hydroxyapatite, which has calcium and phosphates as its main ingredients. These
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September 2015
types of food, as well as eggs, also contain vitamin D, which aids calcium absorption. Eating fresh fruit and vegetables requires a lot of chewing, says Badrodin, so the food brushes against teeth while making saliva, helping to clean teeth. Vegetables and fruit also contain vitamin C, which prevents gum disease. Starchy food like bread, biscuits and pasta is comprised of simple carbohydrates, which break down into simple sugars. But they can also become soft and stick to teeth. Bacteria in the mouth feed on this, produce acid and cause decay, says Badrodin. So choosing whole-wheat starches is better for your teeth. Badrodin adds that the best way to decrease risk of cavities is to quit snacking on high-starch food during the day and choose healthier options instead.
tough on teeth Sugary food, sweets, concentrated fruit juice, carbonated soft drinks and fruit high in acid are not as good for teeth, says Meyer. But this doesn’t necessarily mean you should avoid eating acidic fruit. Alison Lang, a dietician in Joburg, encourages us to eat five fruit and vegetable portions a day. Sipping juice from a bottle can compromise dental health, but eating the fruit is still encouraged as part of a balanced diet. Children shouldn’t brush their teeth immediately after eating acidic or sugary food, says Badrodin, “as the combined action of brushing and acid can weaken enamel”. Rather drink water to neutralise the acid, or chew sugar-free gum that contains xylitol. This can help to dislodge food, while the saliva produced protects against the acid and the xylitol inhibits bacteria. Eating sweets isn’t ever a good idea, but sweets such as toffees, sour sweets, nut brittles, hardboiled sweets and ice lollies should definitely be avoided. If your children are getting a sweet as a treat, choose ones that are less of a problem, says Meyer, like chocolates, marshmallows or liquorice.
routines to remember Dr Julian Meyer recommends regular tooth care: • Children should be brushing teeth twice a day, with a parent supervising and/or brushing for them as well. • Children over six years old should floss two to three times a week. Parents should do this for them initially. • A fluoride mouthwash can be used with children from six years old, about twice a week. Dip the toothbrush into a glass with mouthwash and brush. • Children should start visiting the dentist when they’re between four-and-a-half to five years old, followed by check-ups every six months.
September is National Oral Health Month, so download your teething and teeth eruption charts from childmag.co.za/downloads
magazine joburg
photograph: Shutterstock.com
Keeping teeth healthy takes more than regular
pregnancy news
inducing
p
regnant for more than 41 weeks, the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, apparently went swimming to jumpstart her labour. As royal watchers gathered waiting for the second baby to arrive, a heavily pregnant Kate was reportedly spotted heading for the pool with Prince George. Baby Charlotte was born naturally several days later. While there’s anecdotal evidence that a few laps in the pool may well bring on labour, Dr Candice Roberts, a Durban-based obstetrician and gynaecologist, says: “One can strive to do everything possible to go into labour, but it won’t work unless the body is ready.”
bring it on Labour can, however, be induced or artificially started by an obstetrician or midwife in hospital, and it is usually done when a pregnancy goes past the due date at about 41 weeks, says Roberts. It will also be considered if the amniotic fluid is low, the mother has medical disorders such as high blood pressure or diabetes, or if her waters break without the onset of labour. Roberts says logistical factors, such as the risk of a very speedy labour or the mother’s distance from a hospital, could occasionally influence the doctor’s decision to induce. “The aim of induction of labour is to bring on contractions and progressive dilation of the cervix or entrance of the womb. The ultimate aim is to have a normal vaginal delivery, with the birth of a healthy baby from an elated, healthy mother,” says Roberts.
magazine joburg
labour
While pregnancy is a wonderful experience, most mothers would agree that by the end of the third trimester, they are more than ready to give birth. ANÉL LEWIS finds out how to give nature a helping hand. medical help According to the South African Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, membrane sweeping can be done without hospital admission, and is regularly applied to prevent pregnancies going beyond full term. The midwife or doctor will place a finger just inside the cervix and make a sweeping motion to separate the baby’s membranes from the lower part of the uterus so that labour will start naturally. Hospital procedures include the administration of manufactured hormones to soften and open the cervix. Roberts says the prostaglandin hormones can be inserted into the vagina as a gel, tablet or pessary. When the cervix
is dilated and “ripe”, the doctor will give the mother a drip with the oxytocin hormone to bring on uterine contractions. Another option is to use a specially designed hook device to puncture a hole in the amniotic sac, forcing the waters to break so that labour starts. Pretoria-based obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Elizabeth de Gouveia says labour can also be induced mechanically by stretching the cervix “gently” with a balloon catheter or hygroscopic medium, which will swell when inserted. It can still take a few days for the mother to give birth even if labour is induced, says the Health Society of South Africa. If the procedure fails or the baby becomes distressed, the mother may have to have an emergency Caesarean section, says Roberts.
spontaneous labour Roberts says there’s little chance of “accidentally” starting labour. “If a woman is busy and neglecting her health and hydration, the body may signal this by developing cramps and multiple Braxton-hicks contractions,” she explains. She cautions against herbal remedies, often prescribed by traditional healers, and other substances. “Studies have revealed these ‘herbal’ remedies contain medical prostaglandins, oxytocin and even battery acid on occasion, which can cause serious fatal complications in the unsuspecting pregnant woman.” De Gouveia agrees, and adds that there’s “some science” to the advice that sex could induce labour, as semen contains low doses of prostaglandins.
September 2015
9
best for baby
potty time Potty training can be a real struggle, writes MELANIE ROSETTENSTEIN, so it’s important to wait for the right signs before you begin. newfound power accordingly. The only logical thing to do was to put those nappies back on. After a week back in nappies she insisted on wearing panties again. Her school friends were potty training and since potty time is party time for toddlers, she wanted in on the action. Not wanting to discourage her, I dutifully helped her back into her panties and asked her to sit on the potty. Again, no! Out of despair I asked her teacher if she would put her on the potty once a day. She agreed and later reported that she had sat on the potty without
Don’t worry if your child is not ready, it doesn’t matter if he or she has to stay in nappies until nearer the age of three. She would either refuse to sit on the potty or sit on it for half an hour then do her business elsewhere. I tried everything but she only sensed my growing frustration and wielded her
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a fuss. After a few days her teacher said she had successfully made a wee in the potty and soon she was coming home from school in panties. But she still wasn’t cooperating at home, magazine joburg
PHOTOGRAPHS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
i
recently entered the world of potty training and boy, was I unprepared. Having successfully used the potty a few times, at 23 months my daughter was showing positive signs that she was ready to ditch her nappies. At 24 months her baby brother arrived and the potty training was postponed while I had my hands full with the newborn. Fast forward a few months and I felt ready to tackle this critical milestone again. But in that short time my cooperative little girl had jumped feet first into the terrible twos and all my attempts to encourage her to sit on the potty were met with an emphatic “no”.
so it was time to get creative. I filled a jar with sweets for rewards and bought her a well-illustrated pottytraining book. The bribery worked and my frustration vanished when I saw the pride on her face when she successfully did the deed in the potty. We were finally making progress.
timing is everything According to Sister Jenni Johnson of Berea Baby Clinic, Durban, potty training is all about timing. Even though my gamble worked, she said my timing was premature. She recommends delaying potty training four to six months after a sibling’s birth where there is a two-year age gap. “A little bit of bribery can be useful and in this case following through with the support of the teacher was a good thing,” she adds. Kristy Greener, a Durban-based clinical psychologist, says that while my daughter was ready to be potty trained at 23 months, her brother’s birth caused her to regress. Greener says, “When a new sibling is born, it disrupts the family’s routine and they have to get used to sharing Mom and Dad with this new person. They need a lot of reassurance and encouragement.” Catherine L’Hoste, a clinical psychologist from Cape Town, echoes Kristy’s theory saying, “She is probably feeling insecure and is likely to be testing where the boundaries are and whether you still love her if she doesn’t do as you ask. It’s less about a power struggle and more
about her checking out how the world works and where she fits in with a new baby around.” A child needs to be physically, cognitively and emotionally ready to use the potty. “The emotional readiness is often the last to come. A child needs to feel ready to let go of the familiarity and comfort of using nappies, and venture into new territory,” says L’Hoste. In the case of resistant potty users, all three practitioners urge parents to wait until the child is ready and when they are, to make as little fuss as possible. “Wait for the signs before you begin; if there are no signs try again at two years and four months,” says Johnson. “Don’t worry if your child is not ready, it doesn’t matter if he or she has to stay in nappies until nearer the age of three.” Greener says, “There’s no prize for the youngest potty-trained child. Waiting until the child is a little older can make it a much simpler process.” My daughter still gets distracted and forgets to do her business in the potty, but every day is better than the last. If there is an accident we just clean it up and carry on. If she successfully uses the potty or toilet, she is rewarded with heaps of praise. I have also set aside lots of one-on-one time for us, which has helped significantly. It’s taken a couple of months, but I can confidently say we have put our potty woes behind us and she is now very proud of being a big girl who wears biggirl panties.
when your child is ready These are important signs and levels of ability that will indicate if your toddler is ready to potty train. By Gina Ford, Potty Training in One Week 1 He is over 18 months old. 2 His nappy is frequently dry when you get him from his lunchtime nap. A dry nappy a couple of hours since his last nappy change would also be an indication that he is getting some bladder control. 3 He is aware that he is doing a poo, i.e. going very quiet and showing signs of concentration, or points to his nappy and says poo or pee-pee when he has done one. 4 He can understand and follow simple instructions, i.e. “go and fetch your red ball” or “put your toy in the box”. 5 He is eager to participate in taking off his own clothes, i.e. shoes, socks and shorts, and understands what pulling his shorts up and down mean. 6 He can point to the different parts of his body when you name them, for example, “where’s your belly button?” or “where’s your nose?” 7 He has the ability to sit still and occupy himself or concentrate for five to 10 minutes with a toy, book or watching a video.
magazine joburg
September 2015
11
d
heart to
heart
Daniel Kemp was born with a rare congenital heart defect. MARC DE CHAZAL spoke to his mother, Monique, about his brave struggle to survive against the odds.
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aniel is a smiling, active four year old with two older siblings and doting parents. It’s hard to believe that this happy little guy endured so much in the first two years of his life. By the time he was five months old, he had undergone five major open-heart surgeries and two minor surgeries. His mom, Monique Kemp, was expecting her third child when she went for a routine check-up at 22 weeks. The scan revealed that her baby had a rare congenital heart defect (CHD). Her unborn baby was also tested for Di-George Syndrome, which leaves a child with no immune system and very little chance of survival after birth. Monique had the option to terminate her pregnancy at this stage, but she refused to consider abortion, no matter the outcome. The test was negative and she carried her child to full term. According to the Paediatric Cardiac Society of South Africa, CHDs are the most common birth defects, affecting about 1:100 children. They are usually referred to as a “hole in the heart” and there are around 35 types of CHDs found in babies. Daniel was born with a particularly rare type known as interrupted aortic arch, as well as Hirschsprung disease, which is a blockage of the large intestine due to poor
muscle movement in the bowel. It’s also a congenital condition. “His start to life was not easy,” admits Monique. “He had his first seven-hour openheart surgery when he was just seven days old. Ten days later he had a plication of his diaphragm, which had shifted due to the heart surgery. Ten days later he had the Hirschsprung repaired. And then ten days after that, his first surgery was repeated to repair the collapsed aortic arch.” Little Daniel stayed in hospital from birth to three-and-a-half months old, but he had only been home for three weeks when Monique had to rush him back to hospital. “He had blood in his stool and was also vomiting blood,” she explains. “I’ll never forget 13 January 2011 when doctors worked around the clock on Daniel, unsure what to do with his tiny little body that was bleeding profusely. By 4:30am the doctors had essentially given up on him. They called me into the ICU to say goodbye to my son before he was operated on again to remove two duodenal ulcers.” One can hardly begin to comprehend the helplessness a parent must face at such a time. Daniel survived these emergency surgeries, but he then began to starve. “His gut wouldn’t digest any of the regular baby
magazine joburg
photograph: Shutterstock.com
dealing with difference
formulas on the market,” says Monique. Various health-care practitioners, including a dietician, struggled for a whole month to find a suitable formula for Daniel, while his disease-ravaged body continued to waste away. A relieved Monique explains that they eventually discovered something his body would digest. Daniel was now seven months old. “He spent many hours undergoing neurological physiotherapy, speech therapy and cardiac appointments to bring him to a full recovery. All of this took two years of his life to achieve,” says Monique. Unfortunately, there is no cure for CHD, although it can be repaired so that children go on to live a relatively full life. Daniel is now four years old and living a normal life, besides the six- to 12-month checkups with a cardiologist to ensure that his condition is still under control. “Daniel doesn’t really have daily challenges with his CHD. He is not on any medication for his heart, but his weak
immune system does make him prone to chest infections and flu and cold viruses. He uses an asthma pump during the winter months as a precautionary measure,” points out Monique. Daniel’s siblings, Ethan and Mia, were aged three and two respectively at the time Daniel was born. “They were too young to have a full understanding of what we were dealing with,” says Monique. “But we were always honest with them about Daniel and showed them photos of when he came out of surgery covered in pipes and machines. Today it seems as if they were never separated for such a long period. They have a very close bond with Daniel and always look out for him. They have an amazing relationship.” Monique established a support group called Heart of Hope in 2012 to connect other families dealing with CHD. Her lonely, difficult journey has given parents facing similar ordeals one of the most vital things to cling to – hope.
Heart of Hope CHD support group 073 279 6439 monique.kemp@westerncape.gov.za
magazine joburg
what is CHD? Babies born with congenital heart defects (CHDs) have abnormally structured hearts. These abnormalities can range from large vessels, incomplete and/ or missing parts of the heart, missing chambers, narrow or leaky valves and narrow vessels. Heart defects affect the normal function of the heart and these can vary from being relatively small problems to severe malformations that are life-threatening. Babies born with CHD require special medical care immediately after birth. The treatment of congenital heart defects depends on the type and severity of the defect. Some are corrected or treated with a catheter procedure or surgery. The cause of a CHD is unknown. There are approximately 35 defects that may be found in babies. Some of them are patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), atrial septal defect (ASD) and ventricular septal defect (VSD). The diagnosis and treatment of CHDs can improve the chances of a healthy and productive life well into adulthood.
signs and symptoms affiliated with CHD • • • • •
The appearance of a CHD baby is a pale, blue or dusky colour. Check if the heart rate is too high or too low. The normal heart rate for a baby is 100 to 160 bpm. Low energy; very sleepy especially when feeding. Breathing too fast or slow. A normal breathing rate is 40–60 breaths per minute. Check the temperature of the baby – cold to touch, especially the hands and feet.
September 2015
13
your child’s life
how much
exercise do children need?
Life is more sedentary with children getting more screen time and less fresh air, so how can parents help their children get active?
s
o much of our life today is lived in the virtual space. When we were children, our playground was the backyard; we climbed trees, scaled the jungle gym and hung upside down from rickety branches, without our parents’ supervision. Children were free to explore their surroundings and they made friends and memories without giving a thought to the complex social and physical choices they were making just by opting to go outside. Today, many children play in a virtual space. They drag and drop, skip and build, slide and flip and laugh and learn, without venturing outdoors, which explains why a recent study revealed that children play outdoors half as much as their parents did when they were young, and are more inclined to stay indoors and watch television, play computer games, and in some cases, even do their homework, than go outside. It’s also important to note that whereas children 30 years ago used to walk or cycle to school, nowadays, buses, taxis and parents driving children to school have become the norm, thus preventing them from getting exercise on a daily basis. Professor Vicki Lambert of the MRC/ UCT Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine says, “We need to reclaim our neighbourhoods. It seems the days of cricket in the streets and riding bikes are gone; we need to bring those activities back.”
couch potatoes The consequences of a more sedentary lifestyle profoundly impact the health and wellbeing of our nation’s children. According to the 2014 Discovery Healthy Active Kids Report Card, there are concerning
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trends for inactivity and obesity, which have led to the shocking prediction that children born from 2000 onwards might, for the first time in many generations, have a shorter life expectancy than their parents. Furthermore, despite national guidelines that children get a total of at least 60 minutes of moderate to heavy exercise per day, research suggests that fewer than half do, and teenagers are even worse. In South Africa, as many as 20% of pupils are overweight, with more than twice the number of girls affected than boys, and the Department of Health also found that 38% aren’t getting enough exercise. Physical activity is vital, not just because a lack thereof can be directly or indirectly linked to many serious medical conditions, but also because physical activity balances the amount of energy we take in from food with what our body uses. It also has a positive biological effect on complex metabolic processes, such as normal physical and chemical changes, the healthy functioning of the circulatory system and on mental health. “The importance of sport in the lives of our youth has never been greater. The increasing popularity of television, computer, video games and cellular technology contributes to children’s inactive lifestyles,” says Patrick Lees, headmaster of St John’s Preparatory School in Gauteng. “Similarly, participation in physical activity can assist in the social development of young people by providing opportunities for self-expression, building self-confidence, social interaction and integration.” But our children are also busier than they have ever been and free play is often relegated to weekends or holidays, if at all. “All the school work means that my son magazine joburg
photographs: Shutterstock.com
By SAMANTHA PAGE
Children of active fathers are three-and-ahalf times more likely to be active than children of inactive fathers. misses out on playing and interacting with his friends during the week. He just cannot afford to waste time, otherwise he’ll lag behind,” says Masanda Peter, mom to a Grade 2 boy.
striking a balance “Sport and cultural activities contribute to the development of many characteristics that are fundamental to a child’s growth into adulthood,” says Melvin Beckmann, principal of Bay Primary School in Fish Hoek, in a Parent 24 article. But many parents are asking: just how much is too
much and how do you draw the balance between not enough and excessive? The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) recommend school-aged youth should accumulate at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity of physical activity every day. Additionally, The Centers for Disease Control and the American Academy of Pediatrics advise that teenagers do at least 20 minutes of high-intensity activity three days a week, and 30 minutes of moderate activity preferably every day of the week.
cultivating a culture of exercise The whole family needs to commit to a healthy lifestyle. So what can parents and children do to keep moving? Here are some tips. 1. eat, play, love Eating healthy food is only one step to health and wellbeing. In younger children, unstructured play is very important. “Build a clubhouse or tree house, go for a discovery walk, dig holes at the beach, take the dog to the park or kick a ball around,” says Andrew May. 2. keep the menu varied Children are easily bored, so parents have to be creative about exercise and physical activity. “Vary the menu to prevent boredom and to stimulate physical and intellectual skills,” says Dr Deepak Patel, paediatrician and author of Child and Family Health, “and include activities that promote gross motor (climbing, jumping or running), fine motor (drawing or building blocks), cognitive (jigsaws) and, when possible, creative skills.” 3. lead by example While sitting on the sidelines shows support, parents need to take the lead in the family’s physical activities. “My family is very conscious about making the correct health choices when it comes to food and exercise, and I’m proud of the effect my personal choices have made on my nine-yearold daughter,” says Michelle Merryweather. 4. make it an event There are many races, cycle tours and walkathons held every year for various causes. Enter as a family and, for the next few months, train together. You’re not only engaging in an exercise that is healthy and promotes bonding with your children, you’re also developing a social conscience in them. “Riding the Junior Argus for charity, my children harness their friends, work hard and raise substantial amounts of money, coming home exhausted and empowered,” says Rahla Xenopoulos, mom to triplets, who ride in the cycle race every year.
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September 2015
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your child’s life
When asked how to encourage children to cultivate activity early on, Beckmann is hugely supportive of exposing primary school children to all sporting codes so that they can learn to develop skills and discover if they have a natural flair for a particular sport. “The emphasis during these formative years should always be on enjoyment,” he stresses. “Exercise is essential, especially with today’s busy lifestyle, and I can see the benefits in children who participate in regular, structured forms of exercise,” says Michelle Merryweather, who runs a children’s health and fitness programme in Cape Town. “Their bodies have become stronger, they have higher levels of selfconfidence and self-esteem and with the increased energy levels and enhanced brain metabolism they are able to concentrate and accomplish so much more.” Parents can create opportunities for physical activity, not just by limiting time spent watching television or playing indoors, but also by being supportive of their children’s active pursuits and by setting a good example. A 2010 study in the International Journal of Pediatrics examined parents’ influence on the physical
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activity of young children. A total of 102 preschool-aged children’s family sociodemographics and physical activity habits were analysed, and the results showed that children who received greater parental support and encouragement for activity were significantly more likely to engage in one hour or more of daily movement. A related study, Influence of Parents’ Physical Activity Levels on Activity Levels of Young Children, found that children of active fathers are three-and-a-half times more likely to be active than children of inactive fathers, according to parent and coach Andrew May. We don’t need research to support these findings. Many parents can remember playing swing ball or tossing a Frisbee with Mom and Dad, or being coached by them for a more formal sporting code. “It is our responsibility as parents to make sure the next generation is health-savvy and exercising shouldn’t be a chore but rather seen as a facilitator to a future of excellent health,” comments Merryweather. Perhaps one of the greatest gifts we can give our children is a positive attitude towards being healthy, which begins with being active.
age-appropriate exercise 2–6 years old Unstructured play with an emphasis on fun. Activities: Running, swimming, tumbling, throwing and catching. 6–9 years old Continue to promote free play with an emphasis on basic skills development. Activities: A range of organised sport (soccer, tennis, swimming) and start emphasising active living by taking the stairs, walking (particularly if you have a dog) and cycling. 10–12 years old While participation and enjoyment is still encouraged, more formal competitive sports can be introduced. Activities: Strength training should be supervised due to the risk of injury, but more complex sports can be introduced (climbing, surfing and team sports). Adolescents Physical activity usually drops dramatically in this age group, so parents should identify sports that are fun and include friends. This age group also enjoys noncompetitive sports, such as dancing, rollerblading and skateboarding.
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book extract
pumpkin nut muffins
food to
nourish &nurture In her book Real Food, Healthy, Happy Children KATH MEGAW brings us a balanced approach to the new concepts in nutrition. PHOTOGRAPHS: Craig Fraser
Try these recipes for a low-carb solution to your lunchbox blues.
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These muffins are high in beta-carotene to assist the immune system and eye health.
Makes 12
ingredients • 4 tbsp coconut oil, softened, plus extra for greasing • 6 free-range eggs • ½ cup coconut flour • ¼ cup roughly chopped raw macadamia nuts • ½ tsp ground ginger • ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda • ½ cup puréed pumpkin • 3 tbsp honey • ½ tsp vanilla extract
method
1
2
Preheat the oven to 200°C. Grease a muffin tray with coconut oil. Beat the eggs, adding one at a time.
3 4 5
In a separate bowl, mix together the dry ingredients. Add the eggs and remaining ingredients and mix well. Spoon the mixture into the muffin cases and bake for 20 minutes or until golden. (Recipe: Kath Megaw)
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book extract
meatballs and tzatziki Makes 25–30 meatballs
ingredients • • • • • •
500g minced meat (chicken, beef, ostrich or lamb) ¼–½ cup grated Parmesan ½ cup almond flour ½ cup warm water 1 tbsp dried Italian herbs 1 tsp chopped, fresh coriander
method
1
Preheat the oven to 180°C.
2
Place the mince, cheese, flour, water and herbs in a large bowl, and combine well (if the mixture is not binding, add a little more almond flour). Using your hands, form the mince mixture into balls about 5cm in diameter (dip your hands in water when rolling to prevent the mince from sticking to them). Arrange the meatballs in a greased ovenproof dish and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until cooked through (alternatively, fry the meatballs in a large pan over medium heat). Allow to cool and serve with a simple tzatziki made with yoghurt, grated cucumber (squeezed to release excess liquid) and chopped fresh mint. (Recipe: Kath Megaw)
3 4 5
low-carb sandwich bread Makes 1 small loaf (12 slices)
ingredients
before transferring to a wire rack
• 6 large free-range eggs • 1 tbsp xylitol • ½ cup melted unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing • ¾ cup coconut flour • 1 tsp baking powder • ½ tsp sea salt
to cool – about 30 minutes. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
(Recipe: Kath Megaw)
method
1
2 3 4 5
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Preheat the oven to 180°C. Whisk together the eggs, xylitol and melted butter. Sift together the coconut flour, baking powder and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture and blend until thickened. Transfer the mixture to a greased bread tin and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the sides pull away from the tin and are golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool in tin for 10 minutes
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golden parmesan chicken strips You can keep these in the fridge for up to two days before coating and baking. The turmeric gives the strips their lovely golden colour.
Serves 4–6
ingredients • • • • • • • • •
4 skinless, deboned chicken breasts ¾ cup thick Greek yoghurt ½ lemon, juiced 2 tsp finely grated fresh ginger 2 cloves garlic, peeled and finely grated salt and milled pepper, to taste ¾ cup almond flour a few pinches turmeric ½ cup finely grated Parmesan or Pecorino
method
1
2 3 4 5
Cut the chicken breasts into strips about the size of your finger. Place the strips in a nonmetallic bowl and add the yoghurt, lemon juice, ginger, garlic and seasoning. Stir well so every strip is coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour – or overnight, for really tender chicken. Preheat the oven to 200°C, and switch on the fan if you have one. Put the almond flour in a bowl and stir in a few pinches of turmeric. Place a large sheet of baking paper or foil onto your countertop and on top of it set a wire grid. Remove the chicken strips from their marinade and arrange them on the grid. Dredge the strips with almond flour, so each one is well coated. Arrange strips on a nonstick baking sheet, and sprinkle each with grated cheese. Bake for 8 to 12 minutes, or until the strips are cooked through and golden. Serve immediately with avocado dip or guacamole. (Recipe: Jane-Anne Hobbs)
about the book Real Food, Healthy, Happy Children (Quivertree Publications; quivertreepublications.com) by respected dietician Kath Megaw offers readers a balanced approach to the popular LCHF (lowcarb, high-fat) eating lifestyle. Megaw encourages parents to be revolutionaries, not tyrants, when it comes to their children’s diets. Her book will prove invaluable in educating and empowering parents of children who are tired of feeling unwell and lacking energy, to develop a lifelong relationship with food that nourishes body, mind and soul. Real Food is packed with practical health and dietary information, and recipes to help you begin a (loving) revolution in your home. Real Food is available from all good bookstores for R335.
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September 2015
19
your home
refresh The expert organisers swoop in to rejuvenate your home one room at a time. By LUCILLE KEMP your lounge Problem area There is too much on display, such as toys, magazines and ornaments. Expert solution • Baskets are a useful storage solution for these, as well as newspapers or firewood; whether they stand alone, slide under a couch, or fit into a shelving unit or bookcase. • Multi-purpose furniture is a great space saver. Think ottoman for linen or books, a shelving unit or chest of drawers as a TV display unit, a bookshelf or dresser unit for ornament displays. Nikki Mercer, thetaskteam.co.za
your kitchen Problem area Kitchens lack flow and work efficiency when they haven’t been zoned. A vast number of appliances end up on work surfaces instead of being stored, making the kitchen look cluttered.
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Being the point of entry/exit for most houses, the kitchen becomes a dumping zone for mail, schoolwork and bags. Expert solution 1. Organise your space • Zone your kitchen by designating a preparation, storage, cleaning and cooking area. • Edit the surfaces and cupboards, working from the top down. • Only keep appliances on the countertops that you use constantly. • Store glasses of the same height in rows, making it easier to reach what you want. • The surface area next to the oven and stove-top should be where pots and pans, cooking utensils, herbs, spices and oven gloves are kept. • Label containers for foods that look the same, such as your white ingredients. • Keep condiments, lunchboxes, flasks and juice bottles together for lunchbox prep. 2. Optimise storage space • Place hooks under shelves to hang mugs or cups. Use metal grids with “S” hooks or install magnetic strips near the cooking area to hang utensils and knives. • Fit a shelf basket underneath a shelf for extra storage. • Mount wrap organisers and spice racks to the inside of doors between shelves. • Use a tin dispenser in your pantry to easily stack and access your tins. • Keep lids separate from your pots and containers for easy stacking. • Place a cleaning caddy under your sink containing all your cleaning liquids; this makes them easy to grab in one go.
3. Reduce clutter • Install pigeon holes, close to the entry point, to store school bags, lunchboxes, handbags and post. • Erect a notice board or paint the back of a door with magnetic paint for calendars, art work and school notices. • Keep one drawer or a container for art and craft materials to keep your little ones entertained while you cook. • If you have two utensils that serve the same purpose, keep the newer one. • Place a small tray or decorative box on your counter for keys and cellphones. Heidi Meyer, cloud9organised.co.za
your dining room Problem area The dining room is the one room that gets used for things other than eating, as many families these days opt to eat in front of the TV or in the kitchen. Expert solution • Table cloths, placemats, crockery and cutlery should be kept together in one section of the sideboard leaving the other space free for non-dining equipment, such as homework materials. • Keep a caddy for your hobby equipment. You can then whip it out of sight when you have guests around. Jennifer Thomas, jenerallyorganised.co.za
your bedroom Problem area The space becomes a catchall for everything from paperwork and electronics to ironing. Clothes gather on the floor or on a chair and the dressing table and bedside tables become cluttered with odds and ends.
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photograph: Shutterstock.com
hit
Expert solution • Only have items that belong in a master bedroom, such as basic furniture, a comfy chair, and accessories such as wall pictures, a mirror and hooks behind doors for dressing gowns. • Have pretty containers on your dressing table to hold jewellery, makeup and odd items like pens. • Keep only what you use on a regular basis on your bedside table, such as your current book, a lamp and hand cream. • Remove electronics and relocate to your study along with paperwork. • Remove chairs if used as a dumping area. • Ensure your wardrobe is not so cluttered that you can’t get any more clothing in it. Judith Penny, allsortednow.co.za
your bathroom
your child’s bedroom
your laundry room
Problem area Toys everywhere, and clothes and school stuff on the floor. Expert solution • Sort like with like and label containers to make it easy to return to its home. Regularly go through toys with your child and remove anything broken or no longer played with. • Solutions should fit the age of the child – place clothes at a height that your child can get to. Have containers for socks and underwear, and make sure they can reach shelves. Have hooks on the wall or behind the door at an accessible height for bags, jackets and hats. Keep storage containers that are easy for your child to open, close, take out and put away. Judith Penny, allsortednow.co.za
Problem area This area is often small, so use of space is a top priority. Expert solution • Place a rod across a doorway or in a corner so you can immediately hang up damp cotton shirts and other moist garments. • Put kits for minor sewing repairs, stain removal, shoe care and clothing storage within easy reach. • Have a little bowl around for loose change, popped buttons and other pocket paraphernalia. • Choose a laundry hamper with compartments to help sort your whites, brights, darks and dry cleaning, and set up a special container to keep your delicates separate and wash them in a fine-washables bag. Carla Lewin, errandgirl.co.za
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Problem area It’s easy to throw grooming products, makeup and medication into bathroom drawers and cupboards. Expert solution • Dispose of any expired or unused items, and bulky packaging. Only leave daily essentials on the counter top. • Plastic boxes and trays that fit into drawers act as compartments making it easy to keep your fragrances, makeup and medication together and accessible. Place your hair gels, sprays, brushes and dryers into one holder so that when you do your hair, the whole tub can be neatly taken out and put away in one movement. • If drawer space is at a premium, limit the space to only items you use every day or a few times a week. Carla Lewin, errandgirl.co.za
get your child involved Judith Penny has some suggestions: • They must put one toy away before bringing out another. • At a set time each day your child is to clear their toys, clothes and schoolwork. • They should unpack their own lunchbox and school bag. • Create a star chart for picking up and putting away. • Before your child’s birthday, get them to sort through their toys and toss/recycle anything broken or incomplete as well as donate toys they no longer play with. • Keep a box for items that are not put away and at the end of the month allow them to “buy back” items by doing chores.
who wants your stuff Cheshire Homes – accepts anything in working condition – cheshirehomesa.org.za Salvation Army – collects things in reasonable and usable condition – salvationarmy.org.za Helen Keller – collects furniture, bedding, linen and useful items – helenkeller.org.za My Waste – this website will help you find your nearest recycler – mywaste.co.za PCT – collects TVs, microwaves, Hi-Fis, monitors, fridges, furniture and old clothes, among other recyclables. Randburg – 061 071 2615
September 2015
21
education
green is the new
black
With climate change threatening our children’s future, ensuring that schools are eco-friendly and teaching green habits has never been more important. By GLYNIS HORNING
t
an eco-committee of learners, teachers, parents and community members, who do an audit to determine their strengths and challenges in terms of waste, water, energy use, biodiversity and health. Then they use their findings as a basis for the development of an eco-code and vision, and tackle their challenges through sustainable action projects and curriculum-based lessons. These are documented and submitted for our annual eco-awards.” One of her prime examples is The Birches Pre-Primary in Pinetown, Durban, “an incredible eco-school that is selfsustainable”. Principal Scilla Edmonds, a life-long environmentalist, began greening initiatives 23 years ago, and today the school has a community recycling station for glass, paper and cans, with a roof that harvests rainwater running into a “fruit forest” – fig, pawpaw, plum and peach trees grown permaculture-style, with gooseberries and companion plants below. “Tea” from two worm farms and manure from seven chickens compost a thriving vegetable garden, watered from rainwater tanks that also link to washbasins and flush toilets. “Recycling has become a way of life, helping the planet and educating the children,” Scilla says. As a stateaided school with limited funds, The Birches also saves costs by using old calendars, cardboard and paper already
PHOTOGRAPHS: SCILLA EDMONDS
he world we are leaving our children is at risk. Last year a UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report found climate change was already affecting ecosystems, which sustain life. “This report tells us we have two clear choices: cut emissions now and invest in adaptation and have a world that has challenging and just barely manageable risks. Or do nothing, and face a world of devastating and unmanageable risks and impacts,” says Samantha Smith, leader of the World Wide Fund for Nature Global Climate and Energy Initiative. Our best hope for our children is to raise them with eco-awareness, and a number of NGOs are pointing the way by running school programmes on green issues and helping to create inspirational pilot schools. The Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) launched its EcoSchools programme 12 years ago and has reached over 1 200 schools, exposing around 500 000 children to environmental learning. “We give guidance and support to schools to help them implement community, health and environmental projects and curriculum-based environmental learning,” says Charissa Jaganath, its project manager for coastal KwaZulu-Natal. “Any school can apply. They follow a seven-step framework, which guides them towards better environmental management. They form
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printed on one side, for drawing and painting. Proceeds from recycled cans and computer cartridges pay for library books and for greening the grounds, as do sales of eggs. “Our chickens are precious pets, but also help in so many ways – nesting hay is used as mulch and their eggshells are used to keep snails off our veggies, which the children sell in a sustainability business, learning practical mathematics, literacy and life skills.” Such efforts have won the school a host of ecological and entrepreneurship awards, including a coveted Eco-Logic Youth Award in 2013.
creative, resourceful individuals who will make a difference in our world.” But currently the highest honour for eco-friendly education belongs to Vele Secondary School in Limpopo, which this year was named the second greenest school on earth in the global Best of Green Schools list. “It’s an extraordinary achievement for what was a dilapidated rural school with lessons given under trees,” says Claire Brown of the Creating Schools Trust – a group of South African professionals in education, design, community development and environmental issues that was set up to create model
Our goal is ultimately to go off the Eskom grid and have a carbon-neutral footprint. Another eco-venture, the SA Green Schools Initiative (SAGSI), was launched that year by the energy forum of the BorderKei Chamber of Business, and its pilot project is Merrifield Preparatory School and College near East London. An independent school catering from Grade 00 to Grade 12, it had already developed awareness around greening issues and recycling, and received international status as part of the WESSA Eco-Schools programme. With SAGSI, however, emphasis is on reducing its carbon footprint through renewable energy technologies, and Merrifield has introduced energy-saving lighting and a demonstration area for teaching other schools and the community, with a solar geyser, solar panels and batteries from First National Battery. A wind turbine project is also in the pipeline. “Our goal is ultimately to go off the Eskom grid and have a carbon neutral footprint,” says the school’s executive head, Dr Guy Hartley. “We want to change students’ thinking about what can be achieved in the face of adversity, high costs and depletion of the earth’s resources. Our aim is to encourage the emergence of
schools that can in time be rolled out countrywide. Today at Vele, solar panels help power 80 computers, rainwater is harvested, grey water recycled, and toilets have been designed to work without water. Through careful positioning, classrooms are naturally lit and ventilated to keep cool in scorching Limpopo summers and warm in freezing winters. Indigenous roof gardens help insulation, and intensive food gardens and medicinal herbal ones have improved nutrition for both pupils and the surrounding community. “The children have been involved in every step of the pre-occupancy design process and post-occupancy support,” says Claire. “They’ve had their horizons stretched beyond imagination, and it’s great to see the number of homes in the surrounding deep rural villages that now implement permaculture gardening principles, as well as those that now harvest water. “The children love being here, and their school attendance and results have improved. It’s win-win for them and the planet. And hopefully an example other schools can take from.”
go green School supplies – Check if children really need every item on the back-to-school list; recycle half-used notebooks and usable pencils and pens, opt for refills, and avoid buying items with excessive packaging. Clothing – Use or set up a second-hand uniform shop at school. Transport – Carpool, or encourage your children to bike or walk in groups, or go with them for your daily fitness routine. Lunches – Send wholesome sandwiches using fresh local produce in reusable lunchboxes, rather than support a tuck shop with fast food and disposable packaging.
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September 2015
23
falling for zambia
i
n 1957 my grandmother left England by boat to teach in Zambia. During the trip, she met my South African grandfather and he proposed before the two-week voyage to Cape Town was over. She said no. Undeterred, he followed her to Zambia and continued to court her until she eventually relented and they were married. With this story in my head, I was particularly excited to be visiting Zambia for the first time on a family holiday with my husband, two children (Arden, 3, and Nina, 8 months) and my in-laws. We spent a few days exploring Lusaka and then chartered a small plane for the 25-minute flight to the
Royal Zambezi Lodge – a luxury camp on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River and at the edge of the Lower Zambezi National Park. I had never been in such a tiny
would not bring the plane down. I had packed everything, from winter jackets to swimming costumes, and even felt compelled to pack my electric food blender… more about that later. The view from the tiny plane was incredible – bush, valleys and mountains teaming with wild animals. We could see herds of elephant, zebra and buck running below us, and finally the glittering Zambezi River, snaking its way through the landscape. We landed on a tiny airstrip in the middle of the bush and were met by two friendly guides in their game viewing truck, who took us to the lodge via a pride of lions in the area. What a start to the holiday.
Venturing into the spectacular interior of Africa
teeming with wildlife was a memorable adventure for
CATHERINE JANSE VAN RENSBURG and her young family.
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plane before and the experience was both nerve-wracking and thrilling. I sat clutching my daughter, feeling guilty about how much baggage I had packed and praying that it
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PHOTOGRAPHS: CATHERINE JANSE VAN RENSBURG / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
getaway
View over the river from the Royal Zambezi Lodge
The Janse van Rensburg family Tiger fishing on the mighty Zambezi
Royal Zambezi is made up of a central lodge, where meals are taken, and 15 separate private luxury tents along the river. “Tent” seems like the wrong word to use considering we had a lounge area, king-size bed, bathroom, outdoor shower and mini swimming pool overlooking the river bank. At night it was difficult to get to sleep at first because of all the animal noises right outside our tent. I would lie awake trying to identify the different animals and figure out how far away they were from me and my sleeping family – lions, hippo, hyena, frogs and crickets all going about their nightly business. We had to sign indemnity forms when we arrived at the lodge, which was slightly disconcerting, but with the promise of high adventure, we all obliged. Lying awake listening to the wildlife around us, I had a deep sense of awe and
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Far from their depiction in most children’s storybooks, hippos are huge, they have enormous teeth and can be dangerous.
A small plane took the family to their destination on the Zambezi River
realisation that we were in the middle of their territory, not the other way round.
bush tales I stupidly decided to wean Arden off his dummy a week before our trip. We had made great progress, but I took the dummy along in my overfull bag, just in case. Well, of course he needed it. Who wouldn’t, with lions outside their tent? Arden was hugely relieved to have his dummy back and it helped considerably in getting him to sleep in a new place. The lodge provides a personal guard for each tent – someone brave, with a strong flashlight, who escorts you from the main lodge to your tent at night. My husband and I felt this was a little over the top and opted to walk
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getaway
to our tent in the dark, unassisted. One evening we were making this little trip, deep in conversation, when suddenly my husband pulled me back in panic. Three metres in front of us was a hippo standing on the path, munching grass. Far from their depiction in most children’s storybooks, hippos are huge, they have enormous teeth and can be dangerous – especially if you walk straight into them. We didn’t walk alone again! Another incredible part of the service was our own childminding tent guard. One of the staff would stand outside our tent, once we had settled the children for the night, and call us if they cried. So we could enjoy supper in style, knowing they were okay. Evenings at the lodge were very special. We would sit around a fire on the deck overlooking the river, enjoying drinks and supper. There is such energy in the air at the end of an African day in the bush as birds sing their final song and the animals get ready for the night. One morning while we were having breakfast a huge elephant wandered out of the bush and ate her breakfast from the trees right next to us. Another time I was in the swimming pool when a herd of elephant emerged from the bush and approached the pool, at which point I fled for cover (and my camera), and then watched them in wonder casually saunter past. We also had a go at Tiger fishing. After a long hard battle, my fish landed thrashing
Three-year-old Arden – the Tiger fisherman
Lying awake listening to the wildlife around us, I had such a deep sense of awe and realisation that we were in fact in the middle of their territory, not the other way round. in the boat, teeth gnashing. My cautious three year old found the whole experience a little scary – the speed of the boat, hippo eyeballing us from the water, and then of course fish with sharp teeth landing in the boat. Some children would love this type of thing; it really depends on your child. The next time we went out fishing, we left the children with their grandmother at the swimming pool.
hunts, raids and blenders The game drives were spectacular and the children really enjoyed them. We made books beforehand by cutting pictures of the animals they might see out of magazines. It was a great way to prepare them, teach them about animals and build anticipation for the trip. And they enjoyed ticking off the ones they saw.
Mom and eightmonth-old Nina
When you hear commotion from monkeys, somewhere bush drama is unfolding
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Catherine and the elephants
The family boarding the Cessna plane
On one game drive we stopped at a beautiful spot for sundowners near the river. Suddenly there was much commotion from the monkeys in the trees nearby, alerting us that some drama was unfolding. We piled into the vehicle and within 200 metres of our scenic spot, came across a lioness tucking into a freshly killed kudu. It was scary to realise how close we had been to the hunt and incredible to witness such a scene. With the kudu still twitching and the lioness protectively surveying her surrounds, Nina decided she was tired and started screaming inconsolably. This evoked a grunt from the lioness. The magic was broken and sensing possible danger we reluctantly tore ourselves away from the site and headed back to camp. With her crying all the way, we were like a siren charging through the bush; any animals within kilometres of us were likely scared off. Every parent understands such moments… One afternoon we came back from an incredible game drive to find that our tent had been raided by a troop of baboons. We had not closed the antibaboon bolt on the door and they had seized the opportunity. Our tent was completely trashed – broken glass, clothes all over the floor and every jar of carefully packed baby food had been opened and eaten. Worst of all, the entire holiday’s supply of baby formula was tipped out and the tin was lying empty on the grass halfway between our tent and the river. There was no supply plane arriving magazine joburg
The view from the Royal Zambezi deck over the river
any time soon and parenting books say that you should only give a baby cow’s milk after the age of one. I was left with no choice. Nina, who was still very dependent on bottles of milk, had to drink cow’s milk. Thankfully, she had no adverse reaction. With no baby food left, my electric blender became an important travel item. The kitchen graciously took the blender and followed my instructions to make a bowl of baby food every meal. What incredible service and a happy ending to a rather unfortunate event. We left Royal Zambezi with heavy hearts. It had been one of the most magical weeks of my life. We had experienced so many incredible things, had so many adventures and grown closer as a family. The little plane, which took us back to Lusaka, was rather delayed and we ended up arriving at the airport 20 minutes before our flight to Windhoek. We were naturally stressed about missing our flight. Can you imagine arriving 20 minutes before an international flight anywhere else in the world? The woman checking us in at Lusaka could see we were worried and with a big smile told us to relax, that everything was going to be okay. It was one of those “this could only happen in Africa” moments and my appreciation of the Zambia that my grandmother came to, and the Africa that I am now part of, deepened. I’m so grateful to be from this beautiful continent and to be able to share it with my children. September 2015
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heritage gems As 24 September is Heritage Day, SIMONE JEFFERY has chosen six distinct and educational ways to celebrate.
On a guided tour of the renowned 94 000-seater stadium, you are taken to areas normally restricted to the public. The guide will take you down to pitch level where you can take in the vast size of the stadium as it surrounds you. You’ll then head through to the player’s tunnel, change rooms, warm-up areas and mixed-zone areas where local and international soccer and rugby stars have prepared to take to the field, and to the VIP areas and upper concourses. A combined tour with lunch is available at additional cost. Interesting fact FNB Stadium is also known as Soccer City and The Calabash. Location All tours begin and end at gate C, cnr Nasrec Rd and Rand Show Rd, Nasrec Times Tours are 60 minutes long and conducted at 9am, 10:30am, 12pm, 1:30pm and 3pm on Thursdays only. You need to arrive 10 minutes before the tour. Bookings are essential. Contact 011 247 5300, functions@ stadiummanagement.co.za or stadiummanagement.co.za “First game of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, South Africa vs Mexico” by 2010 World Cup – Shine 2010 – originally posted to Flickr. Licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons – commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/
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September 2015
magazine joburg
PHOTOGRAPHS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
fnb stadium
askari lodge and spa
kromdraai gold mine
Askari Lodge and Spa has one of the largest The Kromdraai Gold Mine is one of the oldest gold mines private collections of ox wagons, carts and other in Gauteng, having been granted a mining concession by animal-drawn vehicles from 1800 to 1900. The museum Paul Kruger in 1885. Using traditional mining methods, displays a variety of Stone and Iron Age artefacts as the miners carved out a kilometre of tunnels into the well as tools and other collectibles from those eras. hillside following a rich, gold-bearing vein of quartz using Guided nature walks give guests the opportunity to candles and hand-held drills with hammers. Closed in learn more about the fauna and flora of the region 1914, the mine and surrounding area are now preserved; and take them through areas where many stone carvings mining is forbidden. On a one-hour guided tour, Gavin will can be found. On a visit, you are able to go on a twotake you underground to explore the maze of dark tunnels hour game drive and adults and children over 12 are just as the miners did a century or more ago. He will talk able to interact with Damara and Nzewe, two beautiful about traditional mining methods, touch on the geology sub-adult male elephants. Children and history of the area and show you under 12 are allowed on the family the equipment that miners used. Due to game drive, which excludes the lion the nature of the tour it is best suited to enclosure for safety reasons. The children six years and older. There isn’t a lodge serves a buffet breakfast and restaurant on-site, so take along snacks a buffet lunch on Sundays followed and drinks. by a game drive. Interesting fact The Bat Interest Group Interesting fact The first recorded recently found a Short Eared Trident Bat use of an ox wagon was around 1653 in the mine, which was thought to be in the diary of Jan van Riebeeck, the extinct in Gauteng. first governor of the Cape. Location Ibis Ridge Farm, R540, Location Askari Lodge, off the R560, Kromdraai Rd, Cradle of Humankind 1 Doornspruit Rd, Magaliesburg Times Tours take place every hour Times 24 hours; call to schedule a between 9am–4pm Saturday and Sunday; game drive or museum visit last tour 4pm. Tours during the week are Contact 014 577 2658/9, available by prior arrangement. Bookings reservations@askarilodge.co.za or are essential. askarilodge.co.za Guided tours of Kromdraai Gold Mine Contact 082 259 2162, 073 147 8417
magazine joburg
Steam train trips with Reefsteamers to Magaliesburg and Irene
reefsteamers Reefsteamers is an NGO established in 1991 to preserve and rebuild old steam locomotives. The organisation is run by volunteers from all walks of life who are passionate about the preservation of locomotives and rolling stock, South Africa’s industrial heritage. To raise funds they conduct day trips to Magaliesburg and Irene. They also conduct photo shoots at the Germiston depot and host an annual open day with workshops and tours. Interesting fact The first steam train journey in South Africa took place between Durban and Harbour Point in June 1860. The train travelled 3,2km and took five minutes. Location The Magaliesburg Express departs from Johannesburg Park Station, platform 14, and the Irene Steam Special departs from Rhodesfield PRASA Station. Times Dates for public train trips vary. The Magaliesburg Express normally departs at 9am and returns at 5:30pm. The Irene Steam Special departs at 9:30am and returns at 3:30pm. Contact 011 875 2354, bookings@reefsteamers.com or reefsteamers.com
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rhino and lion nature reserve and the wonder caves The Wonder Caves and the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve gives you an opportunity to appreciate your natural heritage. On a self-drive tour or while on a guided day or night drive around the reserve you can view various species of antelope, giraffe, zebra and wildebeest, predators, buffalo, as well as rare and endangered species. A vulture restaurant enables you to view a colony of Cape vultures, a highly endangered endemic species, and you can interact with cubs at the animal crèche in the visitor’s centre. Guided tours of the Wonder Caves, situated within the reserve, take place every hour. These are a great introduction to caves for young children who might be nervous of going underground, as you don’t need to duck and crawl through tunnels to get to the cathedral of the cave. After going down a steep flight of stairs and a lift you are presented with a magical open space that is filled with stalactites, stalagmites
and a pool of water. You can grab something to eat at the café at the entrance to the reserve where you can enjoy the thrill of feeding a relatively tame giraffe at a small fee. At the visitor’s centre there is the Boma Restaurant with a deck overlooking the pygmy hippo pond, a children’s playground, a swimming pool, and picnic and braai facilities. Interesting fact While in the reserve you can view springbok, South Africa’s national animal, and the blue crane, our national bird. Location 520 Kromdraai Rd, Cradle of Humankind Times 8am–5pm Monday–Friday (last entry 3:55pm), 8am–6pm Saturday, Sunday and public holidays (last entry 3:55pm). Lion feeding 1pm Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays. Snake shows 2:30pm daily (except for Monday and Friday). Closed on Mondays during the school term. Contact 011 957 0349/0106/0109, 082 800 5305, bookings@ rhinolion.co.za, info@rhinolion.co.za or rhinolion.co.za
Animal viewing and interaction at the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve and the Wonder Caves
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Shango La Hashu
shango la hashu – our traditional african village The Orchards Guesthouse in Midrand offers a vibrant African cultural experience complete with an authentic feast. You are welcomed with traditional song and dance and are guided through the village where six tribes are represented: Ndebele, Pedi, Sotho, Tswana, Venda and Tsonga. In the village you get to enjoy a traditional African dance show, a presentation under the mystical wild fig tree and children can play traditional African games. The feast is comprised of the usual favourites as well as traditional delicacies such as mopane worms and morog. The cultural experience is for a minimum of 10 people. Interesting fact The village focuses on vanishing cultures, which is why you won’t see Zulu or Xhosa dancers. Location 46 Allan Rd, Glen Austin, Midrand Times 10am arrival for lunch at 1pm, or 3pm arrival for dinner at 6:30pm. Bookings are essential. Contact 011 023 4933, 072 159 9916, info@ theorchardsmidrand.co.za or theorchardsmidrand.co.za
magazine joburg
books
a good
read
toddlers
preschoolers
Busy Machines: Emergency! By Julie Fletcher (Published by Scholastic, R103) Perfect for little fingers up until three years old, the Busy Machines series introduces little ones to a range of moving machines. The board books have chunkyshaped pages, making them easy to turn and wipe clean. In Emergency! toddlers are introduced to a shiny police car, a splashing lifeboat, a loud fire engine and a bright ambulance.
magazine joburg
The Great Sheep Shenanigans By Peter Bently and Mei Matsuoka (Published by Andersen Press, R43) “‘A lamb for my supper will taste mighty fine,’ thought a wily old wolf by the name of Lou Pine. As he sneakily, slyly snuck up on the flock, it wasn’t the sheep that were in for a shock...” With a cunning plan, Lou Pine finds a disguise that is sure to deliver a lamb stew, but this flock of sheep aren’t quite the dumb mutton they seem to be. This gem is from the creators of The Great Dog Bottom Swap, which was shortlisted for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize.
Slinky Malinki By Lynley Dodd (Published by Puffin Books, R129) Slinky Malinki steals: from a clothes peg, to a slipper, to a clock. Our hero is a bad cat. This story is told in wonderful rhyme, and through pictures full of life and movement. One might ask why a book about a cat stealing should be recommended, and the answer to that is that preschoolers love this character. After Slinky Malinki is caught out, “Never again did he answer the call… when whispers of wickedness stirred in his head, he adjusted his whiskers and stayed home instead.”
Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book By Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler (Published by Macmillan Children’s Books, R168) Children as young as three years old up to the age of six will love this story by this successful picture-book partnership. Charlie Cook is reading a book about a pirate captain, who is reading a book about Goldilocks, who is reading about a knight, who is reading about a frog... From kings and ghosts, there’s something for everyone in Charlie’s amazing book.
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books
early graders
Scholastic Discover More: Penguins and Dinosaurs (Published by Scholastic, R91 each) With 260 stickers and fun text, these unique sticker books are for children from the age of six to nine years old. The regular topics are all here: species, distribution, life cycle, predators (Penguins), and timelines, record breakers, worst fights and meteor hits (Dinosaurs), but the handwritten text is full of jokes, funny comments, and crazy facts designed to amaze and amuse children.
Oom Kallas and the Tortoises By Claerwen Howie and Meg Jordi (Published by Bumble Books, R135) A week on Gran’s farm becomes an adventure of discovery when Oom Kallas introduces the children to the geometric tortoise, but then a devastating veld fire sweeps through a nearby nature reserve. Will the firefighters stop the fire reaching Gran’s farm? This reality adventure for five to 10 year olds has non-interfering English translation of colloquial Afrikaans dialogue, and Meg Jordi beautifully illustrates it.
preteens and teens
Brick Wonders: Ancient, Natural and Modern Marvels in Lego By Warren Elsmore (Published by Octopus Books, R300) Using Lego bricks, artist Warren Elsmore creates stunning scenes with easy-tofollow instructions. Designed with only standard Lego pieces, Warren’s talent lies in choosing exactly the right parts to enable the reader to recreate these icons of history in their own home. While many of the original seven ancient wonders have crumbled away, here we see them in their full (Lego-version) glory. Brick Wonders also takes a look at new wonders of the world – treasures from the past millennium that remain standing today.
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September 2015
Captain By Sam Angus (Published by Macmillan Children’s Books, R125) It’s 1915 and British troops are about to sail to Gallipoli. Billy is the youngest soldier in his platoon and is teased for not being old enough to drink or shave. The truth is, at 15 he’s not old enough to be a soldier either, and he’s terrified of the war he’s about to fight. Then he meets Captain, a refugee boy, and his donkey, Hey-ho. Together they teach Billy what it means to be brave, loyal and fearless, and above all, what it means to be a friend. This touching story from the author of Soldier Dog is recommended for children from nine to 11 years old. magazine joburg
for us Where We Belong By Catherine Ryan Hyde (Published by Doubleday, R158) Fourteen-year-old Angie and her mom are on the brink of homelessness... again. The problem is her little sister, Sophie, who has a form of autism and shrieks. Home never seems to last long. Until they move in with Aunt Vi, across the fence from a huge Great Dane. Sophie falls in love, and begins to imitate the dog’s calm nature. The shrieking stops. Everyone relaxes. Until Paul, the dog’s grumpy, socially isolated owner moves away. Much to Angie’s humiliation, her mom thinks they can follow Paul.
Sense of Taste: Uncomplicated Food for any Occasion By Peter Ayub (Published by Human and Rousseau, R250) In his flagship book, foodie icon chef Peter Ayub shares the experience of 22 years of fine cooking and the lessons learnt while serving the famous and the well informed. Peter takes the reader by the hand and starts from the beginning: sourcing the best produce. This he follows with stepby-step advice as he shows us how to prepare delicious dishes. His food is easily prepared and has great taste without any confusing or clashing flavours.
parenting
Bringing up Girls By James Dobson Maths: First Steps By Marise Oberholzer and Nicol Faasen (Published by Metz Press, R150) Practical and brimful of tips, this book enables parents to guide their children comfortably into the world of maths, using everyday examples that present themselves amid the hustle and bustle of daily life. And it requires no special knowledge or training; just a positive attitude and a sharpening of your interactions with your children to familiarise them with maths concepts through play. magazine joburg
(Published by Christian Art Publishers, R116) Peer pressure, eating disorders, and decisions about love, romance and sex; academic demands, life goals and how to achieve them – these are just some of the challenges that girls face today. And the age at which they encounter them is getting younger and younger. In this book widely acclaimed parenting expert, Dobson, presents his companion book to the best-selling Bringing up Boys. Based on the latest research, Bringing up Girls will help you face the challenges of raising your daughters to become strong, healthy and confident women who excel in life. September 2015
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calendar
You can also access the calendar online at
what’s on in september
childmag.co.za
Your guide for what to do, where to go and who to see. Compiled by SIMONE JEFFERY
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sun
special events
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FUN for children
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only for parents
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bump, baby & tot in tow
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how to help
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SPECIAL EVENTS
FUN FOR CHILDREN
ONLY FOR PARENTS
bump, baby & tot in tow
how to help
Titanic: The Artefact Exhibition Take a journey back to April 1912 when the unsinkable ship embarked on its maiden voyage.
Making Mandela What influenced the rural boy to become the global legend?
Johnson’s Baby Sense parenting seminar Expert information for moms-to-be and new parents.
Bright Stars mentorship training workshop Find out how you can become a mentor and help vulnerable children.
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PHOTOGRAPHS: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM / Andrew Eccles / Mark Anderson
Festival Italiano Experience authentic Italian cuisine, Italian wines, children’s carnival rides and a music truck.
SPECIAL EVENTS 1 tuesday Giving for Good! The pledging of boxes for the Santa Shoebox Project is open. For more info: santashoebox.co.za
4 friday Casual Day Wear your Casual Day sticker to show your commitment to improving the world for people with disabilities. Stickers are available at Edgars, Jet, Boardmans, CNA, Red Square, JetMart, Legit, Absa, Game, Dion Wired and Shoprite Checkers stores nationwide. Cost: R10 per sticker. Contact: 011 609 7006 or casualday.co.za
5 sat
Momentum Cricket Sixes Invitational The tournament sees 12 cricket teams go head-to-head, each team including a couple of SA cricket legends. Lunchtime entertainment features a compilation performance of Gangs of Ballet, Prime Circle, Watershed, Jesse Clegg and Ard Matthews. Space is limited. Time: 8:30am. Venue: Wanderers Sports Club, Illovo. Cost: R25–R300. Book through Webtickets: 086 111 0005 or webtickets.co.za
York Ave, Ferndale. Cost: free. Contact: 072 561 3113 or linguamites.co.za Sasol Bird Fair For photography workshops, guided bird walks, interactive talks and activities for families. Also 6 September. Time: 8am–5pm. Venue: Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens, Roodepoort. Cost: adults R35, pensioners R25, scholars R12, children under 6 years old free. Contact: 083 636 1060 or events@ birdlife.org.za
6 sunday 5 September – Sasol Bird Fair
Pop Up Cinema Take along your blankets and pillows for an outdoor movie screening of Mrs Doubtfire. There are refreshments available from the vendors. Parental guidance is advised. Time: gates open 5:30pm, movie starts 7:30pm. Venue: Rietvlei Zoo Farm, 101 Swartkoppies Rd, Alberton. Cost: adults R65, children R45, children under 3 years old free. Contact: 082 579 0873, 083 299 3226 or popupcinema.co.za
5 saturday Artists under the Sun An open-air exhibition of fine art, sculpture and pottery. Children can meet at the yellow caravan to colour in a picture. Also 6 September. Time: 9am–4pm. Venue: Zoo Lake, cnr Jan Smuts Ave and Westwold Way, Saxonwold. Cost: free. Contact: 083 470 1998 or artistsunderthesun.co.za Edufun4kids Spring Day Carnival An annual spring carnival full of festivities, magic shows, face painters, photographers, photo booths, carnival rides, games and more. Time: 9am–3pm. Venue: 181 HoleIn-One Ave, Ruimsig. Cost: R20 per person. Contact: info@edufun4kids.co.za Face of the North Today offers balloon modellers, face painters and beading activities for children. On Sunday Johnny Apple, the winner of SA’s Got Talent, is entertaining and celebrity judges rate contestants. For 0–28 year olds. Also 6 September. Time: 10am–3pm. Venue: Northgate Shopping Centre, cnr Northumberland Rd and Olievenhout Ave, North Riding. Cost: spectators free, entries for 0–8 year olds R75, for 9–28 year olds R300. Contact: 072 626 4042 or events2@telkomsa.net LinguaMites open day Families interested in raising a multilingual child can find out more about this preschool’s unique model and services. For parents of 1–8 year olds. Time: 9am–11am. Venue: LinguaMites Multilingual Preschool, 333 magazine joburg
19 saturday
Cellar Rats Spring Wine Festival Taste some of South Africa’s best wines while your children enjoy the supervised entertainment. Time: 11am–3pm. Venue: The Old Mill, Magaliesburg. Cost: adults R115, at the gate R130, children 3–17 years old R10, designated drivers free. For more info: winefestival.co.za Disney Spring Spectacular The Lipizzaner stallions are dancing to music from Disney shows and children can meet Disney characters. Time: 10:30am. Venue: Lipizzaner Centre, 1 Dahlia Rd, Kyalami. Cost: R80. Book through computicket.com Festival Italiano Experience authentic Italian cuisine, Italian wines, children’s carnival rides and a music truck. Time: 9am–10pm. Venue: Italian Club Johannesburg, 7 Marais Rd, Bedfordview. Cost: adults R50, children under 12 years old R30. Tickets are available through webtickets.co.za
10 thursday Fundraising screening of Max Enjoy a preview screening of the movie. 10 September. Booking by 7 September essential. Time: 7:30pm for 7:45pm. Venue: Ster-Kinekor Cinema, Cresta Shopping Centre, Randburg. Cost: donations of canine-related products for RIGA Rescue. Contact: claudia@panorama.co.za
11 friday Bennies Bash Dance event with Mi Casa, Roger Goode and Euphonik. Enjoy the photo booth, Play Stations and a colour fest. Food stalls are available. Time: 5pm for 6pm. Venue: St Benedict’s School, Harcus Rd, Bedfordview. Cost: R100–R150, parking R20. Contact: 011 455 1906 or stbenedicts.co.za FNB Joburg Art Fair Ends 13 September. Time: 11am–8pm Friday, 10am–7pm Saturday, 10am–5pm Sunday. Venue: Sandton Convention Centre, 161 Maude St, Sandton. Cost: Friday R100, Saturday and Sunday R130, weekend pass R260. For more info: fnbjoburgartfair.co.za Red Bull X-Fighters World Tour A challenging freestyle motocross
competition. Also 12 September. Time: qualifying session 2pm Friday, main event 1:30pm Saturday. Venue: Government Ave, Pretoria. Cost: R200–R645. Book through computicket.com
12 saturday Clivia show Enjoy the colourful displays by the Joburg Clivia Club. Plants and seeds are on sale. Also 13 September. Time: 8am–5pm. Venue: Garden World, Beyers Naudé Dr, Muldersdrift. Cost: R15 per person. Contact: 082 650 1463 or gardenworld.co.za Clivia walk In the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens. Booking essential. Time: 9am. Venue: main entrance, Poortview, Roodepoort. Cost: Botanical Society members free, non-members R60 each. Contact: botsoc@sisulugarden.co.za
14 monday Cleanup and Recycle Week All South Africans are reminded about the importance of looking after the environment and taking responsibility for cleaning up and recycling. Ends 19 September. For more info on cleanup initiatives, drop-off sites, and hints and tips on how to recycle: cleanup-sa.co.za
15 tuesday Meet Chris Riddell and get your book signed Time: 4:30pm for 5pm. Venue: Exclusive Books, Melrose Arch, shop HL19, Melrose Boulevard, Birnam. Cost: free. Contact: childrensbooks@ panmacmillan.co.za
18 friday High School Options Exhibition Local independent and state high schools are exhibiting in the centre. Also chat to the representatives. Ends 20 September. Time: during the mall’s operating times. Venue: Cradlestone Mall, cnr Hendrik Potgieter Dr and Furrow Rd, Muldersdrift, Krugersdorp. Cost: free. Contact: 061 296 4141 or thelearningpoint.co.za
26 sat
Bat talk By the Bat Interest Group. Time: 5pm for 5:30pm. Venue: Old Elephant House at the Joburg Zoo, Jan Smuts Ave, Parkview. Cost: adults R80, children under 12 years old R45. Contact: 079 175 1758 or kate@iws-sa.co.za Believe Choc Cow MTB Race Ride the 1km, 5km, 25km or 55km route. Proceeds go to Choc, Childhood Cancer Foundation. Time: registration 6:30am, race 8am. Venue: Northern Farm, R114 to Diepsloot, Nietgedacht. Cost: R20–R200. Contact: 073 879 2151 or believeproject.co.za Poplar Academy sports open day Enjoy sports activities, meet the learners and teachers and find out what makes this school different. Food and drinks are on sale. Time: 10am–2pm. Venue: Poplar Academy, 39 Whisken Ave, Crowthorne, Midrand. Cost: free. Contact: 082 655 0723 or info@poplaracademy.co.za St Andrew’s School for Girls Spring Expo Shop for treats and bargains in the lush gardens. Time: 9am–4pm. Venue: St Andrew’s Ave, Senderwood, Bedfordview. Cost: adults R20, children under 18 years old free. Contact: 011 453 9408 or standrews.co.za The Sunflower Fund Shebeen Rugby Support the Bokke’s first official match in the 2015 Rugby World Cup shebeen-style and support The Sunflower Fund while you do it. There will be a fun quiz, live auction and stand-up comedy by Jason Goliath. Time: 2pm. Venue: Hilton Sandton, 138 Rivonia Rd, Sandton. Cost: adults R500, children R250. Contact: 011 781 4200 or takalani@sunflowerfund.org.za
20 sunday Centrum Kids Like2Bike fun cycling series Event number five in the series is a 2km, 5km or 12km cycle as well as a duathlon option of a 2km run and 12km cycle or 1km run and 5km cycle. For 2–14 year olds. Time: 8am. Venue: The Big Red Barn, cnr Nelson Rd and Glen Rd, Sunlawns, Olifantsfontein. Cost: online preentry R120, on the day R130. Contact: 083 326 6721 or like2bike.co.za BMW International Polo Series Pack a picnic and watch South Africa take on New Zealand. Time: gates open 10am, main match 2:30pm. Venue: Waterfall Polo Estate, cnr Maxwell Dr and R55, Midrand. Cost: from R120 per person, children under 12 years old free. Contact: 031 303 3903 or bridget@sapolo.co.za The Color Run A 5km, un-timed race in which participants are sprayed with colourful powder at each kilometre
National Cupcake Day Each year cupcake angels across South Africa raise funds and awareness about childhood cancer. You can support the cause by making a donation in exchange for a cupcake, holding a party of hope at your school or office, or by volunteering your time. 26 September. Time: 8am–8pm. Venue: selected malls nationwide. Cost: R10 donation. For more info: cupcakesofhope.org
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calendar marker. Time: 9am–2pm. Venue: Roosevelt High School, Thomas Bowler St, Randburg. Cost: R245, children under 10 years old free. For more info: thecolorrun.co.za
24 thursday Sacred Heart Music Festival Take a picnic hamper and celebrate Heritage Day with a musical celebration featuring iconic South African musicians such as Sipho Hotstix Mabuse, Judith Sephuma, Simphiwe Dana, Paul Hanmer and the Sacred Heart College Choir. Time: 11am–10pm. Venue: Sacred Heart College, 15 Eckstein St, Observatory. Cost: R50–R250. Contact: 011 081 2200 or sacredheartfestival.co.za Taste of Joburg Twelve of Joburg’s finest restaurants showcase the best in local cuisine. In addition, there will be a wide range of boutique exhibitors, artisan products, premium drink brands and award-winning wineries that will provide a bounty of the country’s finest food and drink. Ends 27 September. Time: 1pm–5pm Thursday, 6:30pm–10:30pm Friday, 1pm–5pm and 6:30pm–10:30pm Saturday and 12pm–5pm Sunday. Venue: Montecasino, cnr Witkoppen Rd and William Nicol Dr, Fourways. Cost: online R80, at the door R100, children under 12 years old free. For more info: tasteofjoburg.com
children under 4 years old free. For more info: titanicexpo.co.za
classes, talks and workshops Ceramic painting and mosaic fun Paint or mosaic to your heart’s content. There is a wide range of ceramics on offer including fairies, dragons, ornaments, plates and mugs. Booking essential. Children 6 years and under need to be accompanied by an adult. Time: 9:30am–4pm Monday– Friday, and 9:30am–2pm Saturday. Venue: Pottery Junxion, 5 Glendower Place, 99 Linksfield Rd, Dowerglen, Edenvale. Cost: R20 per person per hour, excluding material. Contact: 011 453 2721 or potteryjunxion.co.za Creative morning at Seedpod Studio Children tackle a creative art project and moms are welcome to join. Booking essential. 1 September: tbc, 4 September: mosaic. Time: 9am–12pm. Venue: Seedpod Studio, Broadacres Lifestyle Centre, cnr Cedar Rd and Valley Rd, Broadacres. Cost: R230 per day. Contact: 011 465 0375, info@seedpodstudio.co.za or seedpodstudio.com
27 sunday Collectors’ Toy Fair A variety of collectible toys on display and for sale, including model trains, Meccano, comic books, miniatures, Star Wars, scalextric and more. You can take your old toys for valuation or to sell. Time: 9am–1pm. Venue: Blairgowrie Recreation Centre, Park Lane, Blairgowrie. Cost: R10, children under 12 years old free. Contact: 011 787 2696, 072 229 7977 or don@ravenscroft.co.za
FUN FOR CHILDREN art, culture and science A Space for Landscape – The work of JH Pierneef Jacob Hendrik Pierneef’s abstract and geometric style has been described as modernist yet masterfully emotional and idealistic. 8 July–12 September. Time: 8am–4:30pm Monday–Friday, 9am–1pm Saturday. Venue: Standard Bank Gallery, cnr Simmonds St and Frederick St, Joburg. Cost: free entry. Contact: 011 631 4467 or standardbankarts.co.za Beadwork, Art and the Body: Dilo Tše Dintši/Abundance An exhibition of beadwork that forms part of South African art history, such as Ndebele linaga (capes) and irari (beaded blankets) that date back as far as the mid-20th Century. 29 July– 11 October. Time: 10am–4pm Wednesday– Sunday. Venue: Wits Art Museum, University Corner, cnr Bertha (extension of Jan Smuts Avenue) and Jorissen St, Braamfontein. Cost: free. Contact: 011 717 1365 Titanic: The Artefact Exhibition Take a journey back to April 1912 when the unsinkable ship embarked on its maiden voyage. 18 September–8 November. Time: 9am–7pm. Venue: The Zone at Rosebank, 177 Oxford Rd, Rosebank. Cost: R85–R320,
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September 2015
11 August–7 September and 23 September– 9 October – Expressions Centre Holiday Camp
Junior Absolute Beginners cooking course Beginners who don’t know a spoon from a spatula are taught the fundamentals of cooking and simple and delicious recipes. Bookings essential. For 12–17 year olds. 21 September–1 October. Time: 9am–12pm. Venue: Good Food Studio, 1st floor Pick n Pay on Nicol, cnr William Nicol Dr and Republic Rd, Hurlingham. Cost: R2 200, includes all the ingredients as well as a recipe folder and notes. Contact: 011 998 3310 or goodfoodstudio@pnp.co.za Krafty Kidz third term Art and crafts classes designed to introduce children to a variety of hobbies and various art mediums in an age-appropriate manner. For 1–9 year olds. Third term starts 7 September– 4 December. Time: 9am and 11am Monday– Friday and 2:30pm Monday–Thursday. Venue: 380 Emerald Estate, Greenstone Dr, Greenstone Hill Ext 7. Cost: R240 per month. Contact: 083 301 9825 or kraftykidz.co.za Violin Lessons with David Tombak For children from 5 years old and private classes for parents and children to learn together. Date and times vary. Venue: Parktown. Cost: varies. Contact: 011 482 8765 or 082 556 4260
finding nature and outdoor play Shepherd’s Fold Stables horse course An interesting and educational course on
Bounce Fit High intensity, low-impact cardio workouts for 13 years and older. Time: 8am–9am Monday– Thursday. Venue: Bounce, Waterfall Lifestyle Centre, cnr Woodmead and Maxwell Dr, Jukskei Ext 50, Midrand. Cost: R120 per session. Contact: 011 517 2500 or bounceinc.co.za
looking after horses. Take lunch. Booking essential. For 8–15 year olds. 20 September. Time: 8am–2pm. Venue: Shepherd’s Fold Stables, 55 Sunset Dr, Elandsdrift, Lanseria. Cost: R300, includes a snack and juice. Contact: 084 220 2657 or Facebook: Shepherds Fold Stables
holiday programmes Expressions Centre holiday camp A fun-filled holiday programme for children 5 years and older. Younger children are welcome if they are accustomed to attending a full school day and structured activities. Booking essential. 11 August– 7 September and 23 September–9 October. Time: 8am–4:30pm. Venue: Expressions Centre, Norfolk Rd, Carlswald, Midrand. Cost: R260 per child. Contact: 082 402 8169 or expressionsinfocus.co.za Fastrack Camps A fun, energetic day camp for 5–8 year olds, keeping the focus on fun while exploring the worlds of an astronaut, a palaeontologist or an international traveller. Booking essential. 10 August–7 September. Time: 7:15am–1pm Monday–Friday, aftercare until 5:30pm. Venue: Fastrackids, 98 4th St, Parkmore, Sandton. Cost: from R650 per week. Contact: 0861 FASTRACK (32787225) or fastrackids.com/sandton Fun-a-Galore holiday programme Cooking and baking fun for 6–12 year olds. Booking essential. 1 and 2 September. Time: 9am–4:30pm, or half-day 9am–1pm or 1pm–4:30pm. Venue: Miele Gallery, Peter Place, Bryanston. Cost: half-day R275, full day R375. Contact: 082 468 7720 or fun-a-galore.co.za Holidays at Bounce Spend the holidays in a spring-loaded, urban playground where hard surfaces have been replaced with circus-grade sponge, giant air bags and 100 interconnected trampolines. Booking essential. For 6–18 year olds. 7 August–4 September. Time: 9am–9pm Monday– Thursday, 9am–10pm Friday, 8am–10pm Saturday, 8am–8pm Sunday. Venue: Bounce, Waterfall Lifestyle Centre, cnr Woodmead Dr and Maxwell Dr, Jukskei Ext 50, Midrand. Cost: from R140 per session. Contact: 011 517 2500 or book online at bounceinc.co.za Olive Branch Cookery School holiday programme Children take part in baking and mini master chef classes. For 5–16 year olds. 6 August–7 September. Time: 10am–1pm and 2pm–5pm. Venue: Olive Branch Cookery School, in the Rustic Timbers Centre, 42 Witkoppen Rd, cnr Kingfisher Dr, Fourways. Cost: R280. Contact: 082 854 7388 or olivebranchcooking.co.za
as well as food stalls and a tea garden. Con Amore caters to learners with severe intellectual disabilities and teaches them to be an asset to society through skills training programmes. 24–30 September. Time: 9am–7pm every day, except on Sunday when it closes at 4pm. Venue: Con Amore School, Sable St, Esterpark, Kempton Park. Cost: R10 entrance fee. Contact: 082 453 7933 or 083 417 5000 Field and Study Market A new food and craft market set in a beautiful park with lots of entertainment and space for children. 26 September. Time: 9am–2pm. Venue: Field and Study Park, Louise Ave, Parkmore, Sandton. Cost: free entry. Contact: 072 778 8044 or fieldandstudymarket@gmail.com Johannesburg Banting Market @ ICJ Shop for delicious goodies at this alfresco market and try the Banting pizza, breakfasts and salads. 26 September. Time: 9am–1pm. Venue: Italian Club Johannesburg, 7 Marais Rd, Bedfordview. Cost: free. Contact: 011 453 0587 or visit Facebook: Johannesburg Banting Market at ICJ Market at Chefs on Main A monthly pop-up market with a wide selection of craft and food stalls. Children can enjoy playing a game of volleyball and soccer and bounce to their hearts’ content on the jumping castles. 27 September. Time: 11am–4pm. Venue: Chefs on Main, 146 Kyalami Main Rd (R55), Kyalami. Cost: free entry. Contact: 011 466 2635 Riversands Farmstyle Market An organic market with an assortment of stalls, food vendors and live music. Children can create stone carvings, wood threading, sand art, mosaics and ceramic painting, or head over to Tree Top Adventures to zipline through the forest. Time: 9am–2pm every Sunday. Venue: Riversands Farm, Rose Rd, Kyalami. Cost: free entry. Contact: 082 927 9675, 082 448 5535 or riversandsfarm.co.za
on stage and screen Alvin Ailey, American Dance Theater One of the world’s most popular dance companies. No children under 3 years old. 3–13 September. Time: 8pm Wednesday– Saturday, 2pm Saturday, 1:30pm and 6:30pm Sunday. Venue: Teatro at Montecasino, cnr William Nicol Dr and
markets Con Amore Market A fundraising market with plenty of stalls to browse through
16 or 17 September – Sensory play for Preschoolers
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Montecasino Boulevard, Fourways. Cost: R100–R590. Book through Computicket: 0861 915 8000 or computicket.com A year with Frog and Toad A delightful family musical with an upbeat storyline filled with music, dancing and friendship through the four seasons. 25 August–11 October. Time: varies. Venue: National Children’s Theatre, 3 Junction Ave, Parktown. Cost: chairs R110, cushions R90. Contact: 011 484 1584 or nationalchildrenstheatre.org.za Don Quixote Love conquers all in a cascade of classical ballet featuring celebrated showpieces, including the famous Don Quixote Pas de Deux. 28 August– 13 September. Time: varies. Venue: Joburg Theatre, 163 Civic Boulevard, Braamfontein. Cost: R100–R200. Book through the Joburg Theatre: 0861 670 670 or joburgtheatre.com
family marketplace
sport and physical activities Celtic dance classes Dates and times vary. Venue: The Duncan Studio of Celtic Dance, 111 Komari Ave, Paulshof ext 10, Sandton. Cost: varies. Contact: 082 903 9785 or irishdancing.co.za ITA tennis clinic For 3–16 year olds. 31 August–4 September. Time: 8:30am–1pm. Venue: Craighall Park Tennis Club, St Alban’s Rd, Craighall. Cost: R300–R990 for five days. Contact: 083 443 3391 or thetenniscoach.co.za Like2Bike Fundamentals MTB skills course For 4–12 year olds. 19 September. Time: 8am–10am. Venue: Northern Farm MTB Park, off the R114 towards Diepsloot. Cost: R250, only pre-entries allowed. Contact: 083 326 6721 or like2bike.co.za Meditation for tweens and kiddies For 3–13 year olds. 6 September. Time: 9–13 year olds 9am–10am, 3–8 year olds 10:30am–11:30am. Venue: Vajrapani Kadampa Buddhist Centre, The Colony Shopping Centre, 345 Jan Smuts Ave, Craighall. Cost: R20 per child. Contact: 011 447 2746 or meditation.org.za Rock n Roller RollEgoli is an all-weather roller skating rink that is suitable for roller skates and roller blades. Time: 8am–7pm Monday–Thursday, 8am–11pm Friday and Saturday, 9am–5pm Sunday. Venue: RollEgoli, 296 Main Rd, Bryanston. Cost: R60 per person, skate hire R25 (they only accept cards; take socks). Contact: 083 232 9861 or Facebook: Rollegoli Spring Connection mother and child yoga workshop 5 and 19 September: yoga class, 5 September: comprehensive yoga workshop (parents). For 3–12 year olds. Time: yoga class 9am–10am, yoga workshop 9am–2pm. Venue: Good Vibrations Studio, cnr Homestead Rd and 11th Ave, Rivonia. Cost: yoga class R160 per parent and child group, workshop R750 per parent. Contact: info@yoga4kids.co.za
only for parents classes, talks and workshops Annual teachers’ conference for nursery school and foundation phase Booking essential. 19 September. Time: 9:45am–4pm. Venue: Edenvale Community Centre, cnr Van Riebeeck Ave and 2nd magazine joburg
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calendar St, Edenvale. Cost: R650, includes lunch and tea/coffee. Contact: 011 453 6799, 083 731 0897 or pat.simpson123@hotmail.com Basic bread workshop Booking essential. Time: 10am–2:30pm. Venue: Casalinga, next to Leafy Greens Cafe, Muldersdrift. Cost: R690 per person. Contact: course@ oldtraditions.co.za Brain Boosters parent club Maximise your time with your child at every stage of their development. Booking essential. For parents of children from birth–6 years. 19 September. Time: 10am–11:30am. Venue: 333 York Ave, Ferndale. Cost: R300 per month. Contact: 072 561 3113 or brainboosters.co.za Courses with Domestic Bliss 10 September: childcare, 19 September: first aid and CPR, 23 September: elementary cooking. Time: 8:30am–2pm. Venue: Domestic Bliss, 235 Jan Smuts Ave, Parktown North. Cost: childcare R2 200 (five weekly sessions), first aid and CPR R1 500 (two weekly sessions), elementary cooking R2 400 (five weekly sessions). Contact: 011 447 5517, 083 525 4992 or domesticbliss.co.za Dealing with divorce A workshop to equip yourself and your child to deal with divorce. Booking essential. 16 September. Time: 9am–11am. Venue: PsychMatters Family Centre, 9 Park St, Bedfordview. Cost: R450. Contact: 011 450 3576 or psychmatters.co.za Organic vegetable gardening A beginner’s course. Booking essential. 6
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and 20 September. Time: 11am–4:30pm. Venue: Inner City Farm, Sandown. Cost: R580, includes tea/coffee and lunch. Contact: 082 365 0050 or soughtafterseedlings.co.za Sensory play for preschoolers A teacher training workshop covering ways to prepare young children for optimal learning through sensory play. Booking essential. 16 or 17 September. Time: 1pm–4:30pm. Venue: 16 September: tbc, 17 September: Maranatha Christian School, cnr Veld St and Dann Rd, Glen Marais, Kempton Park. Cost: R565 per person. Contact: support@ sensoryintelligence.co.za or sensoryiq.co.za Zulu nanny training Sessions designed to teach caregivers how to teach your child Zulu. For childminders of 0–5 year olds. 17 September. Time: 2pm–4pm. Venue: LinguaMites Multilingual Education, 333 York Ave, Ferndale. Cost: R375 per month. Contact: 072 561 3113 or linguamites.co.za
on stage and screen Are you kidding me? John Vlismas, Mark Banks, Mpho “Popps” Modikoane, Ndumiso Lindi, Daniel “Deep Fried Man” Friedman and Tumi Morake come together for a comedy fundraiser in aid of Joburg Child Welfare. No under 18s. 23 September. Time: 7pm. Venue: Barnyard Theatre, Rivonia Crossing 2, cnr Witkoppen and Rivonia Rd, Sunninghill. Cost: R140 per person. Contact: 011 298 8567 or jhbchildwelfare.org.za
Duo Mozartiano in Concert A violin recital performed by Daniel Auner and Barbara Galante from Austria. 4 September. Time: 1pm–1:45pm. Venue: Auto and General Theatre on the Square, Nelson Mandela Square, cnr Sandton Dr and Rivonia Rd, Sandton. Cost: R40 per person at the door. Contact: 011 883 8606 or theatreonthesquare.co.za Epstein: The Man Who Made The Beatles This play is a window into the private world of the manager of The Beatles. 12 August– 27 September. Time: 8:15pm Wednesday– Saturday, 5:15pm Saturday, 3:15pm Sunday. Venue: Pieter Toerien’s Studio
Brian McKnight live in concert 19 September. Time: 7pm. Venue: Carnival City Festival Lawns, cnr Century and Elsburg Rd, Brakpan. Cost: from R495. Book through computicket.com
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Theatre, Montecasino, cnr William Nicol Dr and Witkoppen Rd, Fourways. Cost: R130– R165. Book through computicket.com Forever Young A musical journey through the 60s and 70s. 6 September. Time: 3pm. Venue: Moth Hall Theatre, cnr 2nd Ave and 16th St, Parkhurst. Cost: R180. Contact: 011 872 0967 or outofthebox.org.za From the Footlights Jonathan Roxmouth performs a variety of hits from Broadway and the West End. 18–20 September. Time: 8pm Friday and Saturday, 2pm Sunday. Venue: Teatro at Montecasino, Fourways. Cost: R150–R300. Book through computicket.com Making Mandela An imaginative journey through the childhood of Nelson Mandela. 15 September–3 October. Time: 8:15pm. Venue: Auto and General Theatre on the Square, Nelson Mandela Square, cnr Sandton Dr and Rivonia Rd, Sandton. Cost: R140, pensioners and students R100. Book through strictlytickets.com Standard Bank Joy of Jazz 24–26 September. Time: 7pm. Venue: Sandton Convention Centre, 161 Maude St, Sandton. Cost: R500–R750. For more info: joyofjazz.co.za
out and about Health, Wellness and Beauty Fair 13 September. Time: 9am–5pm. Venue: Rustika Guest Lodge, 42 Witkoppen Rd, Fourways. Cost: R20 per person. Contact: 082 653 5128 or sheilagh@chantillynetworking.co.za
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Winestyle Winter Winedown Taste some of the best wines with the winemakers themselves. 4 and 5 September. Time: 5:30pm–10pm Friday, 12pm–7pm Saturday. Venue: 3 Desmond St, Kramerville. Cost: R150 per person, includes a glass. Book through Webtickets: 086 111 0005 or webtickets.co.za
up to 12 months old. Experts include Sr Ann Richardson, Tina Otte, Lizanne du Plessis, Kate Bailey and Dr Welma Lubbe. 5 September. Time: 8:30am–5pm. Venue: The Protea Balalaika Hotel, 20 Maude St, Sandown. Cost: R240 per seminar. Contact: 086 101 8885, monean@soulsisters.co.za or babysense.com
support groups
playtime and story time
Dyspraxia South Africa support group Contact: info@dyspraxiasouthafrica.co.za or dyspraxiasouthafrica.co.za
Young Yogis toddler play yoga Fun, educational and mindful classes for 2–5 year olds. Booking essential. Time: 2:30pm–3:30pm every Tuesday. Venue: The Bub Hub and Company, shop GC 15 Broadacres Lifestyle Centre, Broadacres. Cost: R380 per month. Contact: info@ thebubhub.co.za or thebubhub.co.za
bump, baby & Tot in tow
classes, talks and workshops Active mommies Exercise classes for pregnant and new moms of all fitness levels and you can take your baby. Booking essential. For babies from 6 weeks–3 years. Time: 9am Monday and Thursday, 2:30pm Tuesday. Venues: The Bub Hub, Broadacres Shopping Centre, and Lonehill Park, Calderwood Dr, Lonehill. Cost: R100 per class, R350 per month. Contact: 082 462 7519 or activemommies.co.za BabyGym with Tamsyn Learn to stimulate your baby’s senses. Starts 12 September. Time: 10am every Saturday for five weeks. Venue: Friendsan Health and Fitness Centre, 88 Main Rd, Bluehills, Midrand. Cost: R790. Contact: 083 525 7558 or tamsyn.dejager@babygym.co.za
Active mommies
Baby Reflex Workshops Moms are taught simple and easy to use reflexology techniques. Starts 2, 3 and 4 September. For moms with babies from 4–7 months. Time: 11am. Venue: Friday: The Bub Hub, Broadacres, Wednesday: Simply Expecting, Illovo, Thursday: Oageng Baby Link, Linksfield. Cost: R690 for four weeks. Contact: 082 491 2014, bohomamas@ gmail.com or bohemianmamas.co.za Fitmommy Exercises for all moms and moms-to-be. Time: 8:30am–9:15am, 9:30am–10:15am and 3pm–3:45pm Monday and Wednesday, 8:30am–9:15am, 9:30am–10:15am and 2pm–2:45pm Friday. Venue: Norscot Manor, Fourways. Cost: from R860. Contact: 082 895 2513 or fitmommy.co.za Johnson’s Baby Sense parenting seminar The seminar is designed to convey concise and expert information to moms-to-be and new parents with babies
support groups Postnatal depression support Preregistration required. Time: 10am–11:30am every Tuesday. Venue: The Fourways Marriage and Family Therapy Centre, 37 Penguin Dr, Fourways. Cost: R100 per week, includes tea and coffee. Contact: 072 690 3836, kirsten@ kirstenmiller.net or kirstenmiller.net
how to help Bright Stars mentorship programme training workshop This provides mentorship training and information to help vulnerable children. For adults. 19 September. Time: 9am–4pm. Venue: Holy Rosary School, 113 Horwood St, Edenvale. Cost: free, lunch is on sale. Contact: 083 332 4181, infogauteng@peaceagency.org. za or brightstarsmentors.org.za Choc Masquerade Ball In support of children on cancer treatment. Enjoy a delicious meal, live entertainment and a raffle. 4 September. Time: 7pm. Venue: The Wanderers Club, 21 North St, Illovo. Cost: R750 per person. Contact: 011 486 1212 or sophie.ndhlovu@choc.org.za Teddy Bear Clinic Fundraiser for ladies All proceeds go towards The Teddy Bear Clinic, a non-profit organisation that looks after abused children. 12 September. Time: 9:30am. Venue: Kloofzicht Lodge, 374 Kromdraai Rd, Muldersdrift. Cost: R300. Contact: 082 411 4956, leroux. cobus@gmail.com or ttbc.org.za
don’t miss out! For a free listing, email your event to joburg@childmag.co.za or fax it to 011 234 4971. Information must be received by 3 September for the October issue, and must include all relevant details. No guarantee can be given that it will be published. To post an event online, visit childmag.co.za
Little Eden
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it’s party time For more help planning your child’s party visit
childmag.co.za/ resources/birthday-parties
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time to disconnect When her daughter berated her for being glued to her phone, ANÉL LEWIS realised that her attachment to gadgets was becoming a problem.
Erin, Anél and Conor
t
hese days, children can swipe through apps before they can finger paint, so it was startling to hear my daughter say, “I don’t want to see that phone on again. Put it down now.” I sheepishly clicked off my phone and put it next to me on the couch. It was probably
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the fourth time in two hours that Erin had admonished me about my cellphone use. I was ashamed, and concerned. Did I really spend so much time looking down at my phone that my four-year-old daughter had to urge me to switch it off so that I could devote some of my attention to her?
The short answer was yes. But how many of us can sit through back-to-back episodes of Dora the Explorer without quickly checking what’s happening on Facebook? And while I love watching Conor play with his trains, there are only so many times I can shout “All aboard” as the coaches whizz by. I send the odd tweet while watching the children in the bath, and there have been a few hastily typed emails while I’ve been making their supper. But I don’t think I quite realised the impact these sneaky dalliances with technology and social media was having on my children, until Erin started to take me to task about it. It’s made me think about how she must feel having to look at the back of my cellphone while we are doing things together. It also made me feel guilty about limiting their use of gadgets when I clearly have an unhealthy attachment to mine. So, my husband and I decided to impose a technology embargo on the house for two days. “But Mom,” wailed Conor, as I packed the iPad away. Erin was initially also a bit put out. While she is quick to berate me for my techno habit, she won’t say no to a few sessions of her games. Craig and I stuck to our guns, resolute that the weekend would be about face time and real communication. We rode bikes in
the forest, did puzzles and painted. Conor treated us to several renditions of “Money in the door”, which we eventually worked out to be “See Saw, Marjorie Daw”, and they entertained us with an impromptu rock concert. The two days flew past, and I didn’t feel any poorer for not knowing who had posted a selfie from their park run or who had checked in at Foursquare. When I did eventually sneak a peek at my phone while Erin was getting ready for bed, the screen lit up like a Jukebox with all the missed notifications. But I had missed nothing. In fact, we had all gained something valuable by tuning into each other for a change. Of course, I wanted to quickly post something about our hiatus from technology on Facebook – just for posterity. But my efforts were thwarted when I was caught red-handed by Erin in mid-tap. “Mom, I thought we agreed no cellphones. I don’t want to see that thing again.” She was right, Facebook could wait. Anél Lewis has switched off all cellphone notifications so that she can resist the temptation to update her status during family time. She has, however, resorted to checking social media late at night, when the flickering light from her screen won’t wake the children.
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PHOTOGRAPH: Susie Leblond Photography
finishing touch