2018-05-29 14:28
Here are 10 things that you can focus on to help your children to develop these kinds of relationships that will protect their health, brains and happiness…
The post Why friendship is… Read More
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Parents talking and sharing, ideas, news, stories, articles, anything else of interest.
2018-05-29 14:22
With the start of the school year in full swing, many parents take on the role of "homework monitor". If your child is someone who needs a nudge to focus or needs structure in understanding… Read More
2018-05-29 12:35
Sleep problems are one of the most common concerns facing parents of young children, and one of the most common behavioural conditions brought to the attention of paediatricians. This Winter… Read More
2018-05-24 18:12
Thank you Mr Netflix – you are a great friend. You have made it possible for each of us to be content watching something we like, you have cleared the anxiety of kids watching things t… Read More
2018-05-21 08:28
Birthday parties are meant to be fun right? Sure, but only you know the amount of planning that goes into creating the perfect day for your kiddo! We’ve taken the time with our friends… Read More
2018-05-16 14:26
Sleep problems are one of the most common concerns facing parents of young children, and one of the most common behavioural conditions brought to the attention of paediatricians. This Winter… Read More
2018-05-12 10:53
By Mia Von Scha, Transformational Coach, motivational speaker, children’s author, student to two Zen Masters (aka kids), avid cloud watcher and lover of life. There are many trend… Read More
2018-05-10 19:37
Kids of today are far more confident and challenging; they want to know everything and can prove your old wives tales wrong with a Google search. They’ll teach you how to use your new… Read More
2018-05-07 14:21
While common, conventional cleaners may be cheaper in the short term, most of them come with a long-term price tag, compromised health. “Industry standard” cleaners or “her… Read More
2018-04-26 12:23
Learning chess takes focus and concentration, knowledge, understanding, and lots of practice . This means that teaching chess takes all that – together with a great deal of patie… Read More
2018-04-25 13:30
There’s no escaping it… Kids and technology usage are a reality and the sooner parents realise this, the better. Instead of trying to keep your child in the dark ages (which see… Read More
2018-04-23 18:37
Find out about a unique hands-on play environment created especially for children with autism and their families in honour of World Autism Awareness Month Read More
2018-04-18 12:32
Sherlock Gnomes is an enjoyable family adventure, best suited to kids aged 6+. It has a couple of solid messages about teamwork, appreciating others, not taking the people you love for gran… Read More
2018-04-16 11:36
Whew! I’m glad that’s done. Just got to cross my fingers and wait now...
If you haven’t yet braced yourself for the online application..if you are dreading the same hair… Read More
2018-04-15 20:09
Sport extra murals are especially popular for the majority of kids. For years and years, kids have had the opportunity to engage in extra murals and now, the list of sport related extra-curr… Read More
2018-04-12 21:03
Many people mistakenly believe that they do not need to apply sunscreen in winter or on cloudy days. Did you know that the sun is closer to the earth during the winter months? Yes it is and… Read More
2018-04-05 19:04
Helmets on, harness secure, light meals ordered, and registration (on I-pads of course), brave faces, heart pulsating, we’re all set to go. Magalies Canopy Tours proved to be one of t… Read More
2018-04-05 18:47
When a child is in a time-out, I absolutely guarantee you that they are not thinking about the wrongness of their behavior, what they can do to make amends, or how they can improve in the fu… Read More
2018-03-23 15:29
From an imaginative set to expressive physical theatre; from catchy songs and dances to a nicely abbreviated plot, the musical 'Underneath a Magical Moon' is lovely for little kids, big kids… Read More
2018-03-19 18:16
A huge chunk of me is thrilled to bits with Fashionista® Barbies, and their diverse body shapes, skin tones, and hairstyles. A small chunk of me is irritated that it’s taken so lon… Read More
2018-03-19 08:49
Would you ever consider driving your kids around without buckling them up in a seat belt? How about riding their bikes without a helmet? No, you wouldn’t. Why then are we allowing o… Read More
2018-03-16 08:43
And so it has arrived… the year my son becomes a teenager. Looking back to the time he was born, I remember how so many parents were willing to give me all kinds of advice about havi… Read More
2018-03-08 08:55
The word discipline comes from the word disciple, which means to lead. Leading means being a good example of how things are done rather than telling people what to do. Leading does not invol… Read More
2018-03-01 08:12
Bulling isn’t an inevitable part of growing up. Research shows that whether your child is being bullied, being the bully, or watching their friend being bullied, they need help. It aff… Read More
2018-02-21 09:55
The idea that my baby was totally dependent on my body for those first nine very important months of his growth and development, was a major realisation for me. This little “peanut&rdq&hell…Read More
2018-02-18 08:02
Take a step back at the next party to just absorb all that is going on and then consider what really makes a party, a party. Is it the food, the company, the venue, the entertainment, the pa… Read More
2018-02-09 13:12
This movie is the most delightful animated fantasy thriller I’ve seen in a long while.
The movie begins with Tad Jones working on a construction site. He has a pile of books on Arch… Read More
2018-02-05 18:02
By Daneila Victor & Carey Haupt registered Dietitians that work as part of Family Kitchen. They love to help families to improve their nutrition & health with… Read More
2018-02-05 09:09
Summer days in South Africa are for being outdoors. Venues with play facilities for kids are great so that parents have a chance to relax and kids get some much needed vitamin D. Two Trees… Read More
2018-01-31 09:18
There are many children struggling in school who don't need to be placed in remedial classes. They need something special, but they’re not exactly special needs. They would thrive in a… Read More
2018-01-31 09:16
What's great about these muffins is that they're packed with the goodness of carrots, courgettes, nuts and even crushed pineapple. The cream cheese topping is hits the spot for anyone with… Read More
2018-01-26 09:02
Kids love the crunchiness of these chicken strips. They're also great as party food or after school lunches at home. Delicious anytime of day really Read More
2018-01-25 08:58
These chicken and avo wraps are packed with nutrition. They have protein which helps development and growth in kids as well as avocado, the good fats, fibre and vitamins that growing kids n… Read More
2018-01-25 08:58
These muffins are a firm favourite with my children. They're super easy to make and are quite filling too. Muffins are great as snacks in between meals or if you're pressed for time between… Read More
2018-01-25 08:57
Having a healthy lunch box for kids is essential in order to provide them with optimal nutrition which helps them through their busy day. Our yummy lunch box recipes are not only easy but he… Read More
2018-01-23 01:13
We all want to do the best for our kids. When it comes to their well being and development, this couldn’t be more true. So how do we as parents navigate the issue of extra murals? T… Read More
2018-01-22 13:21
It’s the start of the new school year and for many children it’s an exciting time. For some though the return to school may be riddled with anxiety and stress, possibly caused b… Read More
2018-01-21 16:00
I believe that children shouldn’t listen to anyone’s enthusiastic advocation for one activity or subject, but rather choose exactly what they themselves enjoy the most. One can o… Read More
2018-01-17 16:58
Mini Frittatas are wonderful little egg muffins, great for lunchboxes. You can get creative as they can be made with anything and everything. Here are 2 recipes you can choose fr… Read More
2018-01-16 05:44
These healthy wheat-free biscuits can be served with tea or as snacks. It is great for including in lunch boxes for kids as well as mom and dad! Read More
2018-01-13 09:02
By Margy Vally, owner of The Olive Branch Cookery School which offers a passionate environment in which to learn delicious recipes and culinary skills specifically designed for all ages. She… Read More
2018-01-13 05:22
Back to school is always a big transition, not only for children but also for parents. With a little planning, you can make going back to school simple and stress-free Read More
2018-01-08 05:40
When we hear that two students have committed suicide over their matric results we can’t help but put ourselves in the shoes of those parents... wondering how we can stop ourselves fro… Read More
2018-01-06 14:34
In my opinion, there’s too much hype around Matric results. Yes, they’re what get us into university, but after that they don’t really mean anything. We’ve forgotten… Read More
2018-01-04 13:35
It helps to remember that because children are still developing, they are more vulnerable to any big change (i.e. like starting ‘big’ school, moving homes, cities, the birth of a… Read More
2017-12-19 14:33
Aside from the stigma, loss of income, potential halting of a good career and overall impact on the economy at large, there are serious long term consequences to putting someone into the cri… Read More
2017-12-11 20:00
Yikes. Travelling over the festive season is NOT for the faint-hearted. Here are some tips for safe car travels, and for taking your littlies along without wanting to murder someone en route… Read More
2017-12-08 09:59
Not sure how to keep the kids entertained during the upcoming holidays well here’s a fun baking activity. In keeping with my Holiday club theme “Christmas”, how about makin… Read More
2017-12-01 10:02
The festive season is notorious for break-ins, hold-ups and all sorts of attempts at ruining a perfectly good end to the year. Here are a few tips to bear in mind before you hit the road&he&hell…Read More
2017-11-27 08:42
When children are given plenty of opportunities and encouragement to be generous, they naturally become more helpful and caring, developing loyalty and compassion for others. A good startin… Read More
2017-11-22 18:07
I’m traditionally not a fan of panto; ..So I wasn’t expecting much and I was pleasantly surprised. More importantly perhaps, my 6-year-old absolutely adored the first 90 minutes… Read More
2017-11-17 13:31
The main way that children learn consent is by getting to practice it themselves. They need opportunities to say “no” and also to have “no” said to them and to learn… Read More
2017-11-03 10:04
EQ 4 Exams mean managing anxiety levels, keeping a positive frame of mind and attitude, visualising the goal and remaining calm within mind and body through the exam process Read More
2017-11-03 09:49
No one wants to fail but the pressure may become too much for some kids. All I’m saying is that parents and teachers need to take it easy, calm down, have a cup of tea and let us do o… Read More
2017-10-30 14:29
I often say that spanking is lazy parenting, and the reason why I say this is often obscured in the barrage of ‘I was spanked and I’m fine’ or ‘The Bible tells me to… Read More
2017-10-27 08:12
Last week, Judge Keightley declared the defence of reasonable and moderate chastisement
unconstitutional. Any parent who hits a child can be charged with assault. The defence that
chastisi… Read More
2017-10-26 09:53
When we truly contemplate death, that the possibility exists that either we or our children may not make it through today, then it starts to change the kind of questions we ask in our parent… Read More
2017-10-24 18:20
Recently, as we drive to and from school everyday, news boards flash the word rape daily... rape in schools, rape in Hollywood, rape by caregivers, by family members and war criminals Read More
2017-10-24 10:21
Here is an easy recipe that you could make with your kids. It's perfect for school cake and candy sales, parties and pretty much any event Read More
2017-10-20 15:04
Children at a very young age have a huge amount of pressure to succeed. They also lead very busy lives with homework, extra murals, therapies, social engagements etc. When it comes to exam… Read More
2017-10-20 08:51
"They didn’t teach this in worm school", by Simone Lia, is a hilarious story about a very unlikely friendship Read More
2017-10-12 09:24
All children have a wealth of inner wisdom, creativity and problem-solving potential, if only we give them a chance to use them. Once you step back and allow more chances for independence, y… Read More
2017-10-09 19:17
Where babies sleep is a hot topic. Many modern day parents are set on their babies sleeping in their own beds and own rooms ASAP. Others, especially breastfeeding moms, would love to co-slee… Read More
2017-10-02 07:24
Instead of rushing out to spend money these holidays to keep your kids occupied, why not recycle material that is lying around and make an areoplane with ice cream sticks? Read More
2017-09-27 14:09
All kids love strawberries and now that the sun is coming out, making a lolly or icecream with this delicious fruit is a real winner. You can use any fruit for this recipe, my other favourit… Read More
2017-09-19 10:48
Every South African can relate to the aroma of braai. The hunger sensation that churns when you smell the boerewors fired up at the local Spar, or soccer tournament is proof enough of the gr… Read More
2017-09-13 21:45
Hard to figure a fun movie that isn’t very good. This movie isn’t very good. The plot has holes you can drive a planet through (should diving planets ever become a thing), and si… Read More
2017-09-13 20:37
Can you remember the excitement of your Matric Farewell!? 12 years leading up to that one special night. A night to remember! Read More
2017-09-07 08:23
Without intending it, there are many things that we do and say about ourselves that are influencing our kids. At the same time, there are many daily "building-up moments" which you can use… Read More
2017-08-31 10:36
By preparing our kids for life changing events, we are helping them to cope far better with the change, and teaching them that there are healthy ways to adjust to whatever life throws at the… Read More
2017-08-31 10:20
Our children will not succeed from extra lessons, or never falling over, or having us at their beck and call every minute. They will learn success by emulating us and seeing that we’ve… Read More
2017-08-31 10:01
The first thing parents usually consider when looking for a preschool for their precious little bundle is location and price. However, while cost and convenience are important, there are sev… Read More
2017-08-24 07:26
The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe is something special. Thanks to extraordinary set design by Sarah Roberts and masterful direction by Francois Theron, combined with powerful physical t… Read More
2017-08-20 20:50
Unlike other illnesses, there is no blood test, scan or gene that can reliably diagnose ADHD. There is a great deal of reliance on observations of teachers and parents who are required to fi… Read More
2017-08-20 19:50
This country already has a major problem with a lack of personal self-discipline and self-restraint. What is the message being sent here ? Read More
2017-08-20 17:40
Is it at all possible that a child is not ADHD but rather highly sensitive? What we as human beings take into our brain is usually regulated, could "ADHD" kids just lack this regulation? Read More
2017-08-15 20:05
Everything is difficult at first. In fact, everyone struggles to some degree with a new task. But with practice and a dedication to continue, everything gets easier. We were all born with t… Read More
2017-08-12 08:32
I don’t think there is a parent on the planet who wouldn’t cringe at the thought of their 12 year old having sex. And so when our education department proposes to hand out condom… Read More
2017-08-04 08:39
My biggest fear has always been failure and now, with very difficult tests, I have realised that failure is part of life. It's an intrinsic part of who we are and when we realise this, is wh… Read More
2017-07-28 07:52
Our question is this: is what we as parents find frustrating (e.g. tablets, smartphones etc.) not actually our teens gearing for the future? And that possibly our role as parents need to ch… Read More
2017-07-20 10:57
In my experience working with moms and families planning parties for their little ones, I believe it can be a rather stressful time and it really shouldn't be anything but joyous and fun Read More
2017-07-20 10:50
By Tiffany Markman, on behalf of Sing at my Party, which sends musical theatre singers – dressed as Disney characters, including the gorgeous Moana – to sing at Joburg… Read More
2017-07-16 13:45
So let’s make this Mandela Day the start of ongoing initiatives that are sustainable, that render good friendships between unlikely friends and that make a lasting difference – b… Read More
2017-07-16 09:16
We need some advocates, like Mandela, who will fight for the right of children to be seen as fully human and fully deserving of our respect, kindness and protection. We, the parents, are tho… Read More
2017-07-15 16:35
It's spring, the Smurfs’ favourite time of year, and 8 members of the tribe are preparing for the annual parade. But Gargamel comes up with a plan to trick Mother Nature into un-spring… Read More
2017-07-05 21:31
The Garden Route fires took everyone by surprise. Children often experience trauma differently, as they are more sensitive and less able to express their feelings and needs Read More
2017-07-04 11:28
Symptoms of a runny nose are often just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the homeopathic prescription, and there's no 'one size fits all' pill for dealing with it, says Dr Marilena De… Read More
2017-06-29 20:33
Reviewed by Joy Dembo, blessed to have a wonderful husband, a grown up son, a married daughter, a grandson who is the light of my life and 2 fur babies. Recruitment Resp… Read More
2017-06-28 12:16
Watch as the wealthy Mr Toad becomes obsessed with motor cars and addicted to reckless driving. His friends Rat, Mole and Badger intervene, with unhelpful sabotage by a nasty pack of ill-int… Read More
2017-06-28 12:15
Exploring paint and colour with your kids is a great sensory process and great fun for kids. We use different objects to make different patterns Read More
2017-06-28 05:20
Steaming is such a delicate way of cooking fish and the texture won't disappoint. Everyone in the family will feel special to get their own parcel to open. Any fish can be used and the herb… Read More
2017-06-26 10:07
When looking for an au pair agency, your most important concerns are probably the quality of the candidates, the costs, and the reliability of the agency. But what happens if things go wrong… Read More
2017-06-23 10:33
Not sure how to keep the kids entertained during the upcoming holidays well here’s a fun baking activity. In keeping with my Holiday club theme “The Circus is coming to town&rdqu&hell…Read More
2017-06-19 15:40
This is always a very difficult decision for a mom. You have been at home for thee months on maternity leave or maybe even longer and now its time to return to work. You are now tasked with… Read More
2017-06-12 13:34
When becoming a dad, life changes. Its that simple. Your life changes. We don’t have a choice in that. What we do have a choice in, is whether that change is going to be for the better… Read More
2017-06-09 09:14
It didn't take too long for my 5 (almost 6 year old) to rattle off a list of what her daddy means to her and voila, this blog was born Read More
2017-06-05 18:23
Have you heard of the Reggio Emilia approach to education? No? I hadn’t either until I was introduced to it by Small World Playgroup founder and director, Lindi Bell Read More
2017-06-05 14:41
Natural Dynamix is truly a progressive private school that practices conscious schooling. They practice what they believe – that all children are unique, learn in many different ways… Read More
2017-05-28 19:40
When kids can't find positive, useful ways to have their needs met or feelings expressed, they'll inevitably turn to more unhealthy ways Read More
2017-05-28 19:17
In the age of instant gratification, fast access to information is all too easy. We rely on technology to give us that information injection before we acknowledge our own insight Read More
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